Can U20: Cradle of future Kings of Africa

This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:

Hibapress-Rabat-Caf

For decades, the Totalnergies Canu20 CAF has revealed raw jewels that first capture the spotlights of the continent before setting up at the top of the football planet. Each edition is a springboard. A theater of ambitions where the cracks of tomorrow take the first milestones of their legend.

By welcoming the 2025 edition, Egypt perpetuates an inheritance. That of the past heroes whose exploits still resonate in the spirits of these young people who dream, ball at the foot, to imitate them. Because on these lawns, between promises and dazzling, the story of those who, tomorrow, will make the Champions League vibrate tomorrow, will claim the Ballon d’Or or will become the icons of an entire people.

The CAN U20 is also a gallery of extraordinary stories. Trajectories of footballers that have become immense, from dusty land to conquer Europe. At the crossroads of talent, character and a well -tied destiny, this tournament remains a laboratory of excellence, a champions incubator.

For the hundreds of players in the running and the millions of looks on them, these examples are much more than references: these are evidence. The proof that between a youth tournament and the biggest scenes in world football, there is only one step. A step that others have already taken.

Here are five names that shone at the Can U20 before conquering the world:

Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast)
He had everything. Class, power, vision. In 2003, Yaya Touré flew over the CAN U20 and left with the tournament best player trophy. Direction Europe: Beveren, Olympiacos, then Barcelona. In 2009, it was an essential cog in the historic hatch of Barça. Later in Manchester City, he redefined the contours of the modern environment. Boss.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Long before becoming the “King” of Liverpool, Mohamed Salah already showed the extent of his talent under the colors of young Pharaohs. Passed by Basel, Chelsea and Rome, he explodes in Anfield. Champions League, Premier League, Records of goals, individual distinctions … The Egyptian striker has become a living legend.

Michael Essien (Ghana)
In 2001, in Ethiopia, Michael Essien imposed his law on the CAN U20. Volunteer, tireless, impactful: his style without compromise seduced Chelsea. There he becomes one of the best defensive circles of the decade. Its farm strikes and its muscular duels make Europe tremble.

Samuel Osei Kuffour (Ghana)
Wall. Leader. Kuffour turns out to be very early during U20 tournaments. His defensive rigor and his steel mind open the doors of Bayern Munich, where he established himself as a legend of the club. He gleaned titles with shovel, including a Champions League. One of the greatest African defenders.

Seydou Keita (Mali)
It was in 1999, in Nigeria, that Seydou Keita began to make a name for herself. Intelligent, versatile and generous in the effort, he draws his journey to Barça. There, he became an essential man of the shadow in the Guardiola team, the most dominating of his time.