CAN U20 2025: The best players from previous editions

Africa 25 April 2025 at 08:06

Lydiane N'Po

News Editor

Formerly known as the African Junior Nations Cup until 2015, the Africa U20 Cup of Nations has been a springboard for many young prodigies. A biennial competition organized by the CAF since 1979, it showcases African talents under 20, the continent's future stars. Since its inception, the tournament has unveiled talented scorers who have marked each edition with their exceptional performances. Some have become global stars, while others have dominated African football.

Since 2001, the Confederation of African Football has decided to highlight these talents who also excel in the tournament, beyond scoring achievements. This is not the Top Scorer award (also known as the Golden Boot), but the Best Player award.

The CAN U20 2025 kicks off this Sunday, April 27, in Egypt and will continue until May 18. Who will be crowned Best Player of this 24th edition of the competition? While we await the answer on May 18, discover the list of the best players from previous editions since 2001.

Rising stars turned legends

In 2003, Ivorian Yaya Touré was named the best player of the tournament, beginning a career that would see him shine at FC Barcelona and Manchester City. He joined the national team and won the CAN in 2015. Two years later, Nigerian John Obi Mikel received the same distinction in 2005, before joining Chelsea and winning the Champions League in 2012.

In 2007, Zambian Clifford Mulenga stood out for his technique and creativity, earning him the title of best player. Ghanaian Dominic Adiyiah, on the other hand, marked the 2009 edition with his offensive performances, attracting the attention of European clubs.

A talent nursery in constant evolution

Cameroonian Edgar Salli was awarded in 2011. Egyptian Saleh Gomaa, elected best player in 2013, quickly joined the senior national team, participating in the 2012 Olympics. At the CAN U20 2013, it was Ghanaian Yaw Yeboah who received the best player award. Zambian Patson Daka followed in 2017, before joining RB Salzburg and continuing his career in Europe. Senegalese Moussa Ndiaye shone in the 2019 edition and was awarded. Abdul Fatawu from Ghana succeeded him, winning the award in 2021. A year later, he signed with Sporting Club in Portugal and then Leicester City in 2023, where he became the EFL Championship champion for 2023/2024.

Lamine Camara, the revelation of 2023

During the 2023 edition of the CAN U20, Senegalese Lamine Camara was voted the best player of the tournament. A talented midfielder, he greatly contributed to Senegal's triumph, the current titleholders. Trained at Génération Foot, Lamine Camara joined FC Metz after the tournament. He excelled with the Garnets and caught the eye. During the summer transfer window of 2024, he signed with AS Monaco and participated in the 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League. He was nominated for the Marc-Vivien Foé Award in 2024 and 2025.

The Best Players of the CAN U20 (2001-2023)

CAN U20 2001: António Mendonça (Angola)
CAN U20 2003: Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast)
CAN U20 2005: John Obi Mikel (Nigeria)
CAN U20 2007: Clifford Mulenga (Zambia)
CAN U20 2009: Dominic Adiyiah (Ghana)
CAN U20 2011: Edgar Salli (Cameroon)
CAN U20 2013: Saleh Gomaa (Egypt)
CAN U20 2015: Yaw Yeboah (Ghana)
CAN U20 2017: Patson Daka (Zambia)
CAN U20 2019: Moussa Ndiaye (Senegal)
CAN U20 2021: Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Ghana)
CAN U20 2023: Lamine Camara (Mauritania)