Young stars shine at World Cup alongside Messi and Ronaldo
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 10:33 AM
Last updated Jun 29, 2026
At the 2026 World Cup, emerging talents are making headlines alongside legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye, aged 18, became the fourth youngest goalscorer in World Cup history. Other notable young players include Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi, who recorded multiple impressive performances, and Switzerland's Johan Manzambi, who scored two goals as a substitute. The tournament features 85 players aged 21 or younger competing for their nations across the USA, Mexico, and Canada. As the group stage progresses, several players are gaining recognition as potential breakout stars.
- •Ibrahim Mbaye scores for Senegal at 18 years old.
- •Ayyoub Bouaddi shines with over 50 passes in multiple games.
- •Johan Manzambi scores twice as a substitute for Switzerland.
- •Lamine Yamal and Gilberto Mora also make significant impacts.
- •The tournament features 85 players under 21 years old.
- 10:33 AMYahoo Sports — Move over Messi and Ronaldo - the new generation shining at World Cup
- 10:33 AMBBC Sport — Move over Messi and Ronaldo - the new generation shining at World Cup
"BBC Sport looks at five young players who are making a big impression on the same World Cup stage as veterans Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
"BBC Sport looks at five young players who are making a big impression on the same World Cup stage as veterans Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 29, 2026, 10:33 AMMove over Messi and Ronaldo - the new generation shining at World Cup
BBC Sport looks at five young players who are making a big impression on the same World Cup stage as veterans Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
- BBC SportJun 29, 2026, 10:33 AMMove over Messi and Ronaldo - the new generation shining at World Cup
BBC Sport looks at five young players who are making a big impression on the same World Cup stage as veterans Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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