The precocity that prevails in football today has meant that great ‘cracks’ were absent from the tournament. However, the U20 World Cup remains the talent pool par excellence for fishing. For this reason, we have selected the 20 most outstanding talents during this 2025 edition that ended with Morocco being crowned for the first time in its history.
For FIFA, Othmane Maamma (Morocco) was the Golden Ball of the tournament ahead of his compatriot Yassir Zabiri and Milton Delgado (Argentina). The Golden Glove went to Santino Barbi (Argentina) and the Golden Boot went to Benjamin Cremaschi (United States), shared with Neiser Villarreal (Colombia) and Lucas Michal (France).
Morocco and Argentina took the spotlight. But players from Colombia, France, Spain. Mexico, Japan and the USA also shone brightly.
Pablo Garcia (Spain / Real Betis)
A ‘devil’ with the goal in mind. He started as a right winger, although he is left-footed. He returned to Spain with two goals and an assist.
Gilberto Mora (Mexico / Tijuana)
The third youngest player at the World Cup (16 years old) came from winning the Gold Cup and leaves with three goals and two assists. He sees football before the rest.
Benjamin Cremaschi (United States / Parma)
Golden Boot. He fell in the quarter-finals, but was involved in more goals than anyone else: he scored five and provided two assists. The former Inter Miami midfielder showed good touch, instinct and finishing ability.
Ouhmane Maamma (Watford / Morocco)
Golden Boy. He scored one goal and provided four assists. The right winger from Morocco is reminiscent of the first CR7: bicycle kick, back-heel assist… He is very powerful.
Yassir Zabiri (Famalicao / Morocco)
Silver Ball. A constant nuisance in the pressure and with his runs. Morocco’s No.9 scored five goals, two in the final, and created three others (own goal).
Milton Delgado (Boca Juniors / Argentina)
His Bronze Ball is a reward for his work. The Boca Juniors midfielder was Argentina’s mainstay. He never stopped recovering and always tried to play forward. He provided two assists.
Neiser Villarreal (Millonarios / Colombia)
‘Ney’, top scorer of the South American Championship, went from strength to strength. He scored two goals in the round of 16 and three against Spain in the quarter-finals. He missed the semi-finals due to suspension. Powerful in space.
Lucas Michal (Monaco / France)
Silver Ball thanks to his five goals in seven games. He guided a depleted France to the semi-finals. He showed speed and opportunism.
Jan Virgili (Mallorca / Spain)
His top speed wreaked havoc on the defences. The Spanish left winger did not tire of facing up. He scored one goal and provided an assist.
Gessime Yassine (Dunkirk / Morocco)
The most talented player from Morocco. He left two goals and three assists. Left-footed. He plays as a winger on both flanks and shines for his dribbling.
Dylan Gorosito (Boca Juniors / Argentina)
Argentina’s No.2 was a constant threat in attack. He scored a great goal against Italy and ‘gifted’ three goals to Sarco. Very sticky in defence.
Rodrigo Mendoza (Elche / Spain)
Spain’s ‘compass’ in midfield alongside Thiago Pitarch. He put the brakes on and gave meaning to the game. He provided a great assist against Ukraine.
Noham Kamara (PSG / France)
He has already made his debut with Luis Enrique. A central defender with good physique and, above all, a tremendous calmness on the ball. He plays a lot of passes.
Maher Carrizo (Velez / Argentina)
Playmaker. He led Argentina with three goals and one assist. He is compared to Julian Alvarez. He has dribbling, final pass and great skill.
Yanis Benchaouchi (Monaco / Morocco)
Barbi won the ‘Golden Glove’ in a World Cup in which the goalkeepers did not shine. Benchaouch missed the final through injury, but was very reliable and transmitted security. Very sober.
Niko Tsakiris (Earthquakes / United States)
One of the most brilliant strikes of the tournament. He brought it out against Italy in the last 16. Cremaschi’s great partner in the USA midfield.
Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica / Argentina)
He went from strength to strength. He started as a substitute and ended up being the ‘MVP’ in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. Right-footed, dribbler and with a terrible ‘reprise’.
Einar Fauskanger (Haugesung / Norway)
He was a wall in Norway’s goal at the age of 17. Three clean sheets and a penalty save against Paraguay to advance to the quarter-finals.
Jordan Barrera (Botafogo / Colombia)
Colombia’s great engine. She was injured against Spain – before she assisted – and it was noticeable in the semi-finals. She also provided an assist against Saudi Arabia.
Rio Ichihara (RB Omiya Ardija / Japan)
One of the surprises of the World Cup. Central defender. 1.87 meters. Plays in the Japanese Second Division. Scored two goals, from the penalty spot. Has a very precise long pass.
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