Santiago de Chile. – The U-20 World Cup has been, over the years, a launching pad for great figures of world football. From
Diego Armando Maradona in Japan 1979 to
Lionel Messi in Netherlands 2005, this youth tournament has served as a showcase for talents that would later make history in football.
You may be interested in Dominican Valerio-Bodon will play with Valencia Basket in the Super Cup
Maradona, with six goals and the champion title, was chosen as the best player of the tournament in his international debut, establishing himself as the great Argentinian promise. In Chile 1987, the Croatian Robert Prosinecki led the golden generation of Yugoslavia and took the award for best player, on the road to a stellar career with Red Star.
In Nigeria 1999, the Spaniard
Iker Casillas, who started as a substitute, became a hero in the quarterfinals by stopping decisive penalties, helping Spain to be crowned champion.
Lionel Messi’s turn came in 2005: with goals in all the knockout rounds and a brace in the final, the Rosario native was crowned top scorer and best player of the tournament, confirming the birth of a legend.
For his part, Ghanaian
André Ayew was key in Egypt 2009, when he led Ghana to the only Under-20 title won by an African team, establishing himself as the leader of a historic generation.
In this way, the U-20 World Cup continues to be a stage where young talents present their credentials to the world, before becoming absolute idols of this sport.
