Youth League 2025-2026: These 5 African-origin wonderkids who stole the show

Real Madrid clinched the 2025-2026 edition of the UEFA Youth League on Monday, triumphing in the final against Club Brugge (1-1, then 4-2 on penalties).

The Merengues secured their second Youth Champions League title, following their 2020 victory over Benfica with a scoreline of 3-2.

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This new edition was marked by the rise of several African-origin gems. Let's take a closer look at five players who lit up the tournament.

Jamal Iddrissou (Inter Milan)

The Ghanaian-origin striker netted six goals and provided a single assist in eight matches for Inter Milan.

Born in Italy to Ghanaian parents, the lanky forward has represented Italy’s youth teams but remains eligible to don the Black Stars jersey.

At 18 years old, Jamal Iddrissou featured in 34 matches across all competitions this season, tallying 12 goals and 2 assists.

Adam Ayari (Paris Saint-Germain)

The fleet-footed Paris Saint-Germain winger shone in this season’s Youth League, scoring five goals and delivering three assists in nine appearances.

Born in France to Tunisian parents, the former Stade Vernolitain player has represented France at youth level but is still eligible to wear the Eagles of Carthage shirt.

This season, he has played in 31 matches, racking up 18 goals and 10 assists.

Tyreik Sammy (Shelbourne FC)

The Nigerian-origin striker featured in four Youth League matches for Irish side Shelbourne FC, notching five goals and one assist.

Born in Dublin to Nigerian parents, he is eligible to represent both countries on the international stage.

The 19-year-old played 18 matches this season, finishing with eight goals and just one assist.

Pierre Mounguengue (Paris Saint-Germain)

The Paris Saint-Germain striker of Congolese descent has been one of the standout attractions of the 2025-2026 Youth League.

With five goals and six assists in nine matches, he ranks as the competition’s third most prolific player.

This season, Pierre Mounguengue has found the net 19 times and provided 12 assists.

Abdellah Ouazane (Ajax Amsterdam)

The Moroccan prodigy dazzled with Ajax Amsterdam in European competition, scoring two goals and providing three assists in four matches.

Born in the Netherlands to Moroccan parents, he is eligible to represent both Oranje and the Atlas Lions, and was a key figure in Morocco’s U17 AFCON triumph.

Across 31 matches this season, he recorded six goals and nine assists.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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