One year ago, the 24th edition of the esteemed FIFA U-20 World Cup™ commenced in Chile, where teams from around the globe converged in South America with aspirations of historical achievement. Morocco emerged as a trailblazer by defeating Argentina in the final, thereby clinching their first World Cup title and becoming the first African nation to win the trophy since Ghana's triumph in 2009. In this article, we delve into the journeys of nine standout players from the tournament who have continued to shine since their remarkable performances in Chile.
Stars of the Tournament
Among the standout talents was Milton Delgado from Argentina, who was one of the few players to feature in every minute of the tournament. Despite his modest height of 1.67m, he showcased extraordinary skill and tenacity, contributing significantly to Argentina's impressive run. His commendable performances, including two assists in victories against Australia and Nigeria, earned him the adidas Bronze Ball. Since then, Delgado has ascended to a regular starting position at Boca Juniors, nearing 100 appearances at just 21 years of age, and recently scored his first goal for the club in a Copa Sudamericana match.
Another notable player, Zavier Gozo from the USA, made significant strides post-tournament. He showcased his talent by registering an assist in a dominating 10-1 victory over New Caledonia and later scoring against France. His impressive form for Real Salt Lake, where he started the first 16 matches of the MLS season and contributed to ten goals, attracted the attention of Crystal Palace, leading to his signing. Recently, Gozo also received his first senior team call-up from the national coach, Mauricio Pochettino.
Lucas Herrington from Australia experienced a meteoric rise after the tournament, helping his national team clinch the U-20 Asian Cup and earning recognition from senior team coach Tony Popovic, who included him in the World Cup squad. His strong performances caught the eye of Hull City, where he has been a regular since his transfer from Colorado Rapids. Herrington's adaptability and skill have made him a significant asset to his club, which currently sits in a commendable eighth place in the standings.
Moroccan star Othmane Maamma played a pivotal role in his team's success, contributing to key goals and assists throughout the tournament, including in the final against Argentina. His exceptional performance earned him the adidas Golden Ball. Maamma made his debut for Watford upon returning from the tournament and has since become a staple in the team, showcasing his talent on the senior national stage.
Gilberto Mora from Mexico was another player who made a significant impact. Before the tournament, he was already known as a rising star, but he reaffirmed his potential with a stellar performance in Chile, scoring three goals and providing two assists. His efforts did not go unnoticed, as he earned a call-up to represent Mexico in the FIFA World Cup 2026™, where he made history by becoming one of the youngest players to compete in the tournament.
Ukrainian forward Matviy Ponomarenko may not have been the focal point of the attack during the tournament, but he still made crucial contributions, including a decisive goal against Paraguay that allowed his team to advance. Ponomarenko has since continued his impressive form with Dynamo Kiev, where he scored nine goals in seven matches, earning him recognition on the international stage.
Mateo Silvetti, another Argentine talent, emerged as a key player during the tournament, often coming off the bench to make impactful contributions. Since returning home, he has been playing for Inter Miami, where he has already made a mark by scoring in crucial playoff matches, helping his team secure the MLS Cup.
Additionally, Moroccan forward Gessime Yassine left an indelible impression during the U-20 World Cup, contributing to his team's success with assists and goals. After his performances, he was signed by Strasbourg and has continued to impress at the club level with his scoring ability.
Finally, Yassir Zabiri emerged as a hero in the final match, scoring crucial goals and earning the adidas Silver Ball for his exceptional play throughout the tournament. His transition to professional football has seen him make a significant impact in Portugal before moving to Spain, where he has continued to find the back of the net consistently.
As reported by fifa.com.
