Guardian names six African talents among football’s Next Generation 2026

The Guardian has included six young African prospects in its Next Generation 2026 selection, which identifies 60 of the most promising players in world football born in 2009.

The annual list also features several players of African heritage whose international futures remain undecided, offering a wider indication of the talent emerging from the continent and its diaspora.

Morocco, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Mali and Tunisia are all represented in this year’s selection.

One of the most prominent names is Morocco midfielder Abdellah Ouazane. The 17-year-old, who plays for Ajax Amsterdam and has already represented the Atlas Lions, has impressed with his technical ability and his composure when facing pressure.

Cote d’Ivoire’s representative is Hubert Yao Kouassi, the younger brother of former international Gervinho. The winger came through at San Pedro FC and has attracted the attention of Danish club Nordsjælland, which is known for developing young players. His ability to take on defenders has been a key part of his appeal.

Senegal are represented by Cheikh Dieng, a defender and captain of the under-17 side at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He was developed by the respected Diambars academy and is reportedly being monitored by Anderlecht.

Mali’s Ismael Kamissoko is another player to emerge from an African academy. The midfielder has stood out for Etoiles du Mande, while his performances for Mali’s under-17 team are said to have drawn interest from Villarreal and Marseille.

Nigeria’s selection is goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, who plays for Sporting Lagos and has already been called up to the Super Eagles. Slim Bouaskar, a reserve goalkeeper for Roma’s under-20 side, completes the group after appearing for Tunisia’s youth teams.

International choices still open

Several other players in the Guardian’s selection have African roots but currently represent European nations.

Adil Hamdani, who plays for Lyon, is a France under-18 international with Algerian and Senegalese heritage. Both federations are reportedly following his progress closely.

Mezian Mesloub Soares, a Lens player and the son of former Algeria international Walid Mesloub, is in a similar position. Despite being only 16, he has already played above his age group for Portugal’s Under-21 side. He has also attracted interest from Algeria and France.

The list also includes Christ Batola of Troyes, a France youth international of Congolese descent, and Christian Imga of Athletic Bilbao, who has Cameroonian and Guinean origins and currently represents Spain.

Cassiano Kiala, a 17-year-old central defender at Bayern Munich, is another player of African heritage, with Angolan roots.

There is no guarantee that any of these dual-national players will eventually choose an African country. As their potential becomes clearer, European federations will naturally seek to retain them.

The recognition remains an early indication of promise rather than a guarantee of future success. At 16 or 17, the players still have several stages of development ahead of them, and talent alone does not ensure either a long career or a sustained place at the highest level.

For those developed on the continent, however, the international exposure is an encouraging development. Their progress will depend on careful career decisions, appropriate support and an environment capable of helping them develop.