The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ proved to be one for the history books thanks to the host of talented young players who shone out on the pitch. FIFA highlights 12 of those stars from this year’s edition of the tournament.
Rafael Quintas (Portugal)
The Portuguese maestro was at it again. Having already scooped the Player of the Tournament Award earlier this year as his side won their seventh UEFA U-17 EURO title, the defensive midfielder was instrumental as Bino’s team reigned supreme in Qatar. He was described as the “brains of the team” by team-mate Jose Neto, as he kept this impressive Portugal ticking over until the last.
Ze Lucas (Brazil)
While Brazil are usually known for their joga bonito brand of football, they managed a run to the semi-finals thanks to a well-balanced midfield which included Ze Lucas, whose experience playing in Brazil’s top league was indispensable for the Seleção. With maturity beyond his years and relentless determination, the Sport Recife midfielder helped Brazil remain undefeated until they were knocked out by eventual winners Portugal.
Jakub Pokorny (Austria)
The Austrian captain played a pivotal role in his team’s historic run to the final. A true leader on and off the pitch, Pokorny was a stalwart in the heart of a defence that conceded just two goals during the whole tournament, one of which was in their 1-0 loss to Portugal in the final.
Mateus Mide (Portugal)
Mateus Mide is the definition of a versatile number 10. In a formidable Portuguese side, he controlled the pace of the game and often provided the creative spark for his team-mates. Active across the entire frontline, he pulled the strings for the Seleção das Quinas on their way to a first-ever U-17 World Cup triumph, rounding off his masterpiece with four goals and two assists.
Samuele Inacio (Italy)
the Italian attacker got off to a blistering start in the competition with four goals and three Player of the Match awards during the group stage. Often deployed as an attacking midfielder or in support of the forwards, he stood out for his ability to play between the lines to spark the Azzurrini’s attacks, while also providing clinical finishing in front of goal.
Ismail El Aoud (Morocco)
The Atlas Lions’ tournament came to a heartbreaking end with a 2-1 loss to Brazil in the dying seconds of their quarter-final match, but their impressive run was largely down to the efforts of their talented winger. The Valencia player dazzled on the world stage, scoring twice in the record 16-0 victory over New Caledonia and repeated the feat in the 3-2 win over Mali in the Round of 16, while also converting his penalty against USA in the previous round.
Johannes Moser (Austria)
The forward had a sensational tournament in front of goal, marked by winning the adidas Golden Boot award with eight strikes, and the adidas Silver Ball. After netting twice in the groups, he scored in every knockout match en route to the final, including braces against England and Italy.
Anisio Cabral (Portugal)
Portugal’s sharpshooter led the adidas Golden Boot race for most of the way in Qatar, and while he was pipped at the end by Johannes Moser, he was still able to net the decisive goal in the decider and clinch the adidas Silver Boot with an impressive seven-goal showing.
James Bogere (Uganda)
In his country’s first-ever World Cup, Bogere put on a show for fans in Qatar. The centre-forward played a major part in the Cranes’ remarkable run, not least with the decisive goal in their 1-0 win over France. His work leading the line earned widespread praise, and his absence in the last-16 loss to Burkina Faso was clearly felt.
Mladen Mijajlovic (Switzerland)
Switzerland won the only U-17 World Cup they had ever appeared in back in 2009, and Mijajlovic demonstrated the kind of quality needed for the team to try and repeat that feat. Despite bowing out in the quarter-finals to Portugal, the midfielder was everywhere, breaking up play, launching attacks, and scoring three goals.
Issouf Dabo (Burkina Faso)
The Burkinabe have their defence to thank for their impressive run in this year’s competition, and Issouf Dabo was the pick of the bunch. The imposing centre-back was part of a defence which kept two clean sheets in six matches before being edged out by Italy in the quarter-finals. Commanding in the air and decisive inside his own box, he shone particularly brightly in the Round of 32 win over reigning champions Germany.
Furtado is the blueprint for the modern centre-back, initiating every phase of possession with composure and courage. A left-footer often entrusted with Portugal’s free-kicks, he played a key role in the four shutouts recorded in the champions’ final four matches. His outstanding performances earned him the adidas Bronze Ball.
