U-20 AFCON Legends: Ahmed Musa, five others who became global football icons

The CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations is far more than a youth tournament; it’s the continent’s most consistent launchpad to global football stardom.

Every edition offers a tantalising glimpse into Africa’s footballing future, unearthing gems whose journeys from dusty pitches to dazzling stadiums inspire the next generation.

As Egypt hosts the 2025 edition, fans, scouts, and dreamers alike know that what unfolds in this ongoing tournament could shape the next decade of world football.

The U-20 AFCON has become a proving ground where raw ambition meets elite potential. For many players, it’s the first stage where their names echo beyond national borders, where legends are born.

Here are six African icons who once lit up this very tournament before conquering the world stage. Their careers remind us why the U-20 AFCON is one of Africa’s greatest footballing legacies.

Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire) – The Midfield General

The 2003 U-20 AFCON was Yaya Touré’s breakout moment. His towering presence and tactical intelligence earned him the tournament’s Best Player award, and despite his side’s loss in a final the Egyptians won with a 94th-minute winner after extra time, it wasn’t long before European clubs took notice.

Touré’s rise took him from Beveren to Olympiacos, then to AS Monaco and eventually to Barcelona, where he was an integral part of the club’s 2009 treble-winning side. Later, at Manchester City, he redefined the modern midfield role and led the club to multiple Premier League titles, becoming an African football icon.

Before hanging his boots, Toure was voted as African Player of the Year on four consecutive occasions: 2011-2014.

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Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – The Egyptian King’s early roots

Before he ruled Anfield- Liverpool’s iconic stadium-, Mohamed Salah honed his craft on youth international stages, including the U-20 AFCON. As the Egyptians won bronze in the 2011 tournament, Salah’s early flashes of speed, control, and killer instinct were evident even then.

From Basel to Chelsea, then Roma, Salah’s ascent culminated at Liverpool, where he shattered records, won the UEFA Champions League, and delivered a long-awaited Premier League title in 2020. Five years later, he has added another EPL title to his medals’ shelf.

His journey from U-20 promise to global superstardom makes him one of the most inspiring stories in African football history.

Michael Essien (Ghana) – The midfield enforcer

At the 2001 U-20 AFCON in Ethiopia, Michael Essien made his mark with fearless performances and a tireless work ethic. His playing style- a blend of relentless energy and technical brilliance- caught global attention as Ghana finished second. Despite Essien’s heroics in midfield, Angola’s Loló brace in the final broke the hearts of Ghanaians.

Essien became a cornerstone of Chelsea’s midfield during their golden era under José Mourinho. Known for thunderous tackles and long-range strikes, he helped the Blues dominate English football and European successes.

Samuel Osei Kuffour (Ghana) – A rock in defence

Samuel Osei Kuffour used youth tournaments like the 1991 U-20 AFCON as a stepping stone to an exceptional club career. His physical dominance and leadership skills made him a standout, even at a young age.

Despite his one-goal contribution and several outstanding performances from central defence for the Black Satellites, they couldn’t get the better of Egypt who got the better of them in the Semi-finals, but they conquered Zambia in the 3rd place match which saw them win Bronze, and his rising profile bulge with a medal, not minding the colour.

At Bayern Munich, Kuffour won multiple Bundesliga titles and the 2001 UEFA Champions League, becoming one of the few African defenders to leave a lasting legacy in European football.

Seydou Keita (Mali) – The silent warrior

Seydou Keita first captured headlines during the 1999 U-20 AFCON in Nigeria, displaying technical finesse and tactical awareness beyond his years despite his side missing the knockout stages of the tournament, but defeated Guinea in the 5th place match.

His European journey took him through Lens, Sevilla, and finally to Barcelona, where he was part of one of football’s greatest dynasties under Pep Guardiola. At Barça, Keita won three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies and solidified his place among Africa’s most decorated players.

Ahmed Musa (Nigeria) – From U-20 wonder to National legend

Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most-capped player with 110 international appearances, made his mark at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia after shining in the U-20 AFCON where Nigeria won her 6th crown.

He scored three goals in five matches and was shortlisted by FIFA among the top 10 players for the Adidas Golden Ball, a nod to the tournament’s most outstanding player.

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Musa would go on to become the first Nigerian to score in two FIFA World Cups, captaining the Super Eagles in major tournaments and playing pivotal roles at clubs in Russia, England, and Saudi Arabia.

A legacy that lives on

These legends were once just teenagers chasing a dream at the U-20 AFCON. Their journeys from continental hopefuls to global champions underscore why this tournament remains one of the continent’s most vital football platforms.

As the lights shine on Egypt 2025, the paths carved before them will inspire a new crop of players. And for fans across Africa, it’s a reminder that the next Yaya Touré, Salah, or Musa may already be among the hopefuls competing, ready to follow in legendary footsteps.