Flamingos Star Umejiaku Shines Brightest as Golden Ball Hero at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026

Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has been crowned the outstanding player of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 after guiding the Flamingos to a historic first title.

The electric forward claimed the adidas Golden Ball following her decisive contributions throughout the tournament, including the winning goal in the 2-1 final victory over Japan on November 7 in Rabat.

Umejiaku’s fourth goal of the competition sealed Nigeria’s triumph and marked a landmark moment for African women’s football.

The Flamingos became the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the first African women’s side to claim a FIFA world title at any level.

Her consistent impact — goals, assists, and a penalty won in the knockout stages — made her the clear choice for the tournament’s top individual honour.

United States forward Maddie DiMaria took the adidas Golden Boot with a record-breaking 12 goals, despite the USA’s quarter-final exit.

She exploded for six against Samoa and four against Kenya, adding singles against China PR and Spain.

DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang collected both the adidas Silver Ball and Silver Boot, underlining her all-round excellence, while teammate Ri Ui-gyong earned the Bronze Boot.

Japan’s Fuki Ito received the adidas Bronze Ball after a strong campaign that included the consolation goal in the final.

DPR Korea goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong was awarded the Golden Glove for her outstanding performances that helped secure the bronze medal with a 6-0 win over Brazil. Japan also claimed the FIFA Fair Play Trophy.

Full list of 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup individual awards:

Golden Ball: Oluebube Umejiaku (Nigeria)

Silver Ball: Yu Jong-hyang (DPR Korea)

Bronze Ball: Fuki Ito (Japan)

Golden Boot: Maddie DiMaria (USA) – 12 goals

Silver Boot: Yu Jong-hyang (DPR Korea)

Bronze Boot: Ri Ui-gyong (DPR Korea)

Golden Glove: Kim Son-gyong (DPR Korea)

FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Japan

The awards ceremony capped a dramatic tournament in Morocco.

Nigeria recovered from an opening group-stage defeat to Poland, then reeled off six straight wins, including a landmark victory over defending champions DPR Korea.

Umejiaku’s influence was felt in nearly every match, culminating in Player of the Match honours in the final.

These individual award winners at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup highlight the rising global talent in women’s youth football.

Umejiaku’s Golden Ball success and DiMaria’s Golden Boot record will be remembered as defining moments of Morocco 2026, inspiring the next generation of players worldwide.