Ismael Kamissoko: Mali’s teenage captain named among world’s top prospects

Ismael Kamissoko, captain of Mali’s Under-17 side, has been included in The Guardian’s list of the 60 best young footballers in the world.

The midfielder, who plays for the Etoiles du Mande academy, is set to feature at the next Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Qatar. He is also being closely monitored by Olympique de Marseille, Paris FC and Burnley, as well as Villarreal.

Kamissoko is part of the 2009 generation of African prospects already attracting international attention. His performances have established him as one of the most promising young players in African football.

The 2025 UFOA-A Under-17 tournament in Bamako brought him wider recognition. His displays during the competition highlighted his technical quality and attacking ability, while also reinforcing his importance to the Mali team.

Demba Mamadou Traore, the former coach of Mali’s Aiglonnets, has followed Kamissoko since the player was at minime level. Convinced by his ability and character, Traore appointed him captain of the Under-17 side.

Kamissoko has since emerged as a leader within the group and helped the Aiglonnets reach the Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations. His leadership has added another dimension to a player already valued for his contribution in possession and his ability to influence matches from box to box.

The midfielder recently won the Alliance des Etats du Sahel tournament with Mali, further strengthening his reputation ahead of the global competition.

The Under-17 World Cup will take place in Qatar from 19 November to 13 December 2026. Kamissoko is expected to be one of the Mali players attracting particular attention during the tournament.

He will be joined among the country’s emerging talents by Aboubacar Maiga, known as “Messi”, who is set to join Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Djigui Koita, Issiaka Kone, nicknamed “La Magie”, and Yaya Niang.

Kamissoko’s inclusion in The Guardian’s selection, combined with interest from clubs in France, England and Spain, underlines the growing profile of a player who has already taken on a leading role for Mali at Under-17 level.