Candidates for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Young Player Award: Which Bundesliga star could win?
The Bundesliga is set to showcase a number of young talents during the FIFA World Cup in 2026, with players such as Yann Diomande and Ibrahim Maja candidates for the Best Young Player award.
Every FIFA World Cup produces new stars, and the Bundesliga is set to produce many stars again in 2026. From RB Leipzig's Yann Diomande to Leverkusen Bayer's Ibrahim Maja, there are a number of talents in Germany's top league who could be contenders for the prestigious Best Young Player award. The award, first given to Pelé in 1958, aims to recognize the best player under the age of 21 in a World Cup final. Here are some of the Bundesliga stars who are in the running to win it in North America.
Yan Diomande - Côte d'IvoireDiomande has had a fantastic first year in German football. After joining RB Leipzig from Spanish club Leganes last summer, he contributed 21 goals and won the Bundesliga's Rookie of the Season award. Along with Amad Diallo and Bazoumana Touré, he is a key member of an exciting attacking line as Côte d'Ivoire made it to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. The 2018 champions are hoping to start their campaign against France in the World Cup.
Ibrahim Maja - AlgeriaComing off the back of a strong debut season at Bayer Leverkusen, Maja is set to play a key role for Algeria at this summer's World Cup. It took time to break into the regular starting XI, but he started in 12 of the team's 17 games in the second half of the Bundesliga season, scoring three goals and four assists. Maja is one of four Bundesliga players in the Algeria squad, so this team will be worth watching for supporters.
Luka Vushkovic - CroatiaAt just 19 years of age, the Croatian has performed as one of the Bundesliga's outstanding defenders this season, capturing the rookie player of the month award four times. Along with impressive defensive statistics, he has also scored six goals, helping ease HSV's relegation concerns. Named in Croatia's squad for the World Cup, the Tottenham Hotspur loanee is certainly one to watch for the 2018 finalists.
Johan Manzambi - Switzerland
Freiburg's Mnzambi suffered defeat in the UEFA Europa League final against Aston Villa, but he has plenty in store for him in 2025/26. The 20-year-old has been in superb form at this summer's World Cup, contributing 10 goals in 27 Bundesliga games, as well as scoring a further six goals in Europe and the DFB Cup.Can Uzun - Türkiye
Eintracht Frankfurt's hugely talented midfielder has endured a somewhat mixed campaign. Amid a strong start and end to the Bundesliga season, Uzun's winter season was hampered by injuries. Nevertheless, he made a strong comeback in May, scoring goals against Hamburg and Borussia Dortmund, finishing the season with eight goals and four assists in 21 Bundesliga appearances. As one of Türkiye's leading attackers, Uzun has the opportunity to be recognized on the world stage.
Bazoumana Tour - Côte d'IvoireThe Tour of Hoffenheim has developed a reputation for fast racing and explosive transitions over the past 12 months. The 20-year-old's pace, unpredictability and penchant for crossing – evident by providing nine league assists in 2025/26 – make him a joy to watch. Touré's presence alongside Diomande means Côte d'Ivoire are backed by two of the German league's fastest young attackers at the tournament.
Antonio Nussa - Norway
Few young players in Europe are as dangerous in open space as Nusa. The winger from Leipzig has terrorized Bundesliga defenses this season, with his pace, direct dribbling and ability to destabilize play almost single-handedly. While Erling Haaland will remain the key defensive focus for Norway, Nussa may be the player who benefits the most from the space created around him. Additionally, Nussa has scored seven times in 22 senior caps for Norway at the age of 21.