The Guardian has included six young players representing African football in its 2026 Next Generation selection, which features 60 of the most promising players in world football born in 2009.
The list also includes several players of African descent whose international futures remain undecided, potentially creating further opportunities for national teams across the continent.
Morocco’s Abdellah Ouazane is among the most prominent names. The 17-year-old Ajax Amsterdam midfielder is already an international with the Atlas Lions and has attracted attention for his technical ability and capacity to withstand pressure.
Cote d’Ivoire is represented by Hubert Yao Kouassi, the younger brother of former international Gervinho. The winger, who was developed at San Pedro FC, has drawn interest from Nordsjælland, the Danish club known for its work with young players. His pace and ability to take on defenders have helped raise his profile.
Senegal’s selection includes Cheikh Dieng, who captained the country’s Under-17 side at CAN 2025. Trained at the respected Diambars academy, the defender is reportedly being monitored by Anderlecht.
Ismael Kamissoko is another player to emerge from an African academy. The Mali midfielder has impressed for Etoiles du Mande, while his displays for the Mali Under-17 team are said to have attracted interest from Villarreal and Marseille.
Nigeria’s representative is goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt of Sporting Lagos, who has already received a call-up to the Super Eagles. Tunisia completes the six-player group with Slim Bouaskar, the reserve goalkeeper for Roma’s Under-20 side, following his performances for Tunisia’s youth teams.
International choices remain open
Several other players on the list have African heritage but currently represent European national teams.
Adil Hamdani, of Lyon, is a France Under-18 international with Algerian and Senegalese roots. Both federations are reportedly following his progress closely.
The same applies to Mezian Mesloub Soares of Lens, the son of former Algeria international Walid Mesloub. At only 16, he has already played above his age group for Portugal’s Under-21 side and is also attracting interest from Algeria and France.
The Guardian’s selection also features 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.
Bayern Munich’s Cassiano Kiala, a 17-year-old central defender of Angolan descent, is another player included among the African-linked prospects.
There is no guarantee that any of the dual nationals will eventually choose an African national team. As their potential becomes more established, European federations will naturally seek to retain them.
Recognition at this stage remains an indication of promise rather than a guarantee of future success. At 16 or 17, the players still have several stages of development ahead, and talent alone does not ensure a long career or a permanent place at the highest level.
For those developed in Africa, however, the international exposure provides encouragement. Their progress will depend on careful career decisions, appropriate support and an environment capable of helping them fulfil their potential.
