Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball After Leading Nigeria To World Cup Glory
USA's DiMaria Claims Golden Boot with Record 12 Goals as DPR Korea's Kim Takes Golden Glove
Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has been crowned the best player at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after receiving the adidas Golden Ball award following the Flamingos’ historic triumph in Morocco.
The forward was recognised for her outstanding performances, capped by the decisive goal in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Rabat.
Umejiaku scored four goals during the tournament, including the second-half winner that made Nigeria the first African nation to lift the U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.
Her award adds another milestone to Nigeria’s remarkable campaign, which ended with the Flamingos claiming their maiden world title.
United States forward Maddie DiMaria won the adidas Golden Boot despite her country’s quarter-final exit, finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer with a record 12 goals.
DiMaria produced two remarkable performances in the group stage, scoring six times against Samoa and four against Kenya, before adding one goal each against China PR and Spain.
DPR Korea goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong received the adidas Golden Glove after helping her country secure the bronze medal.
The individual honours capped a memorable tournament in Morocco, with Umejiaku’s recognition providing further recognition of Nigeria’s historic achievement.
