Darvich, Berchimas & Co: Players that have stood out at the U17 World Cup

With the group stage of the U17 World Cup in Indonesia in the books, Transfermarkt has revisited the biggest talents active at the tournament. Who have been the standout player thus far? Find out below! Here are eight players that have impressed in Indonesia. 

Estevão – 16 – Brazil
You have to be a good player if you are compared to Messi. Dubbed Messinho, Estevão (Palmeiras) has a fantastic left foot and is dangerous in tight spaces. At the World Cup, he scored a wonderful goal from 26 yards out and produced three assists. Estevão is being consulted by former Barcelona scout Andre Cury, who previously paved the way for Ronaldinho and Neymar to the Catalans. 

Amara Diouf – 15 – Senegal
By scoring two goals in Senegal’s 2-1 win over Argentina, Diouf gave a hint of his sheer endless talent. The 15-year-old is a product of the same academy that also paved the way for a certain Sadio Mané: the Génération-Foot-Akademie. Diouf is considered a physically strong left-winger and is currently playing for Metz in France, where he wants to make his first steps in professional football. But whether he will stay there for long remains to be seen; after all, all the big clubs already have him on their radar. 

Noah Darvich – 17 –Germany
SC Freiburg received €2.5m when Darvich opted to leave the club and join Barcelona. At the Catalans, Darvich signed a contract until 2026 with an exit clause worth €1 billion. Contributing one goal and three assists, the playmaker has been a big reason for Germany’s three wins in the group stage. With Assane Ouédraogo out injured, Darvich might be the most exciting talent left at the tournament. 

Rento Takaoka – 16 – Japan
The center forward (Nissho Gakuen) has been impressive for Japan, scoring four goals in just three games. Takaoka has a strong finish, is technically gifted, and with his speed and work rate against the ball, has become a crucial part of his team. 

Hamdiou Makalou – 17  – Mali

The defensive midfielder from Guidars has made the most of the U17 World Cup. Excellent against Spain, he also scored in the 5-1 win over Canada. Makalou is a great passer and stood out with his presence in midfield. 

Nimfasha Berchimas – 15 – USA
The left-winger has scored three goals in three games and is the youngest player to represent the United States since Freddy Adu in 2003. The winger was promoted from Charlotte FC’s academy to the MLS Next Pro side ahead of the 2023 season and has already had a trial at Bayern Munich. Academy director Bryan Scales, who was with Berchimas at Bayern, said: “We had a very open and professional dialogue with FC Bayern in order to approve this training experience. My interaction with the FC Bayern staff throughout Nimfa’s visit was very good. They were very accommodating."

Daouda Diongue – 17 – Senegal
The youngster (AF Darou Salam) has been outstanding in Senegal’s midfield. According to Wyscout, Diongue has won 85,2% of his defensive duels more than any other player at the tournament. 

Eric da Silva Moreira – 17 – Germany
The right-winger is an emerging talent playing for St. Pauli in the U19 Bundesliga Nord/Nordost or the second team, which plays in the fourth division Regionalliga Nord. But at the World Cup, Da Silva Moreira has already scored two goals and has been a crucial part of Germany’s attacking play down the right flank.