Top Players at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2024
Colombia 2024 was something special. For 23 days across Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín, 24 nations competed in the most expanded edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in the tournament’s history. The football was fast, physical, and full of personality. More importantly, it introduced the world to a generation of young women who are already shaping the future of the game.
Some players lit up the tournament with goals. Others controlled matches with vision and creativity. A handful made saves that kept their teams alive. Together, they made Colombia 2024 one of the most memorable editions of this competition.
This guide covers the standout players — their stats, their awards, and why they caught the world’s attention.
⚡ Featured Snippet: Who Was the Best Player at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2024?
Choe Il-son of Korea DPR was the best player at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2024. The 17-year-old won both the adidas Golden Ball as the tournament’s outstanding player and the adidas Golden Boot as the top scorer, finishing with six goals — including the winning goal in the 1-0 final victory over Japan. Wikipedia
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2024 — Tournament Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Host Country | Colombia |
| Dates | 31 August – 22 September 2024 |
| Edition | 11th |
| Teams | 24 (expanded from 16 for the first time) |
| Total Matches | 52 |
| Goals Scored | 187 (average 3.6 per match) |
| Attendance | 375,841 |
| Champions | Korea DPR (3rd title) |
| Runners-up | Japan |
| Third Place | United States |
| Fourth Place | Netherlands |
| Venue (Final) | Estadio El Campín, Bogotá |
Korea DPR were the most offensively prolific team at Colombia 2024 with 25 goals — the highest total since the USA’s record of 26 in 2002. FIFA
The 2024 edition was the first to feature 24 teams, up from 16. That expansion brought more nations, more talent, and more exciting football than the tournament had ever seen. Spain entered as defending champions but were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Japan. In the final, Korea DPR defeated Japan 1-0 to claim their third title.
Top Players at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2024
Here is a clear summary of the tournament’s leading performers before we dive into each individual profile:
| Player | Country | Position | Goals | Key Award |
| Choe Il-son | Korea DPR | Forward | 6 | Golden Ball + Golden Boot |
| Manaka Matsukubo | Japan | Midfielder/Forward | 3 | Silver Ball |
| Ally Sentnor | USA | Midfielder | 2 | Bronze Ball |
| Vendito | Brazil | Forward | 5 | Silver Boot |
| Maya Hijikata | Japan | Forward | 5 | Bronze Boot |
| Femke Liefting | Netherlands | Goalkeeper | — | Golden Glove |
Choe Il-son — Golden Ball and Golden Boot Winner
Country: Korea DPR | Position: Forward | Age at tournament: 17 | Goals: 6 | Assists: 1
The Player Who Defined the Tournament
If Colombia 2024 belonged to any one player, it was Choe Il-son. At just 17 years old, she was Korea DPR’s most dangerous attacker — and one of the most impressive players at any FIFA youth tournament in recent memory.
With an individual tally of six goals — including the winning goal in the final against Japan — 17-year-old Choe Il-son was the outstanding performer at Colombia 2024, claiming both the adidas Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards.
Her Tournament Journey
Korea DPR won every single match they played. Choe Il-son contributed throughout, and her goals came at critical moments across the competition.
In the group stage, Korea DPR defeated Argentina 6-2, Costa Rica 9-0, and the Netherlands 2-0. Three more victories followed — 5-2 against Austria, 1-0 against Brazil, and 1-0 against the USA — before they defeated Japan 1-0 in the Bogotá showpiece.
The Final
Choe Il-son’s goal on the quarter-hour mark was the difference in Bogotá. She scored past Japan’s goalkeeper to give Korea DPR a lead they would never surrender. She was named Player of the Match in the final. FIFA
Why She Stood Out
Choe was not just a goalscorer. She was also a pressing machine — relentless in winning the ball back and dangerous every time she received it in attacking areas. According to FIFA’s Technical Study Group (TSG), Korea DPR’s coach Ri Song-ho’s team won all seven matches in regulation time.
Her combination of youth, goals, assists, and match-winning ability made her the undisputed player of the tournament.
Manaka Matsukubo — Silver Ball Winner
Country: Japan | Club (at time): North Carolina Courage (NWSL) | Goals at tournament: 3
Japan’s Creative Engine
Manaka Matsukubo was everywhere in Japan’s tournament. Whether it was creating chances, driving forward with the ball, or arriving in the box at exactly the right time, she was consistently Japan’s most influential attacking presence.
Matsukubo was seemingly in the middle of every Japan attack in the tournament, as she scored three goals in her nation’s campaign, including a pair of scores in the 2-0 semi-final triumph over the Netherlands to send Japan to a third successive final.
Her Tournament Contribution
Japan reached the final for the third consecutive edition of this tournament. They knocked out defending champions Spain in the quarter-finals — one of the biggest results of the competition. Matsukubo was central to that run.
Her semi-final performance against the Netherlands was arguably her best display of the tournament. Two goals to send Japan to the final showed the kind of big-game quality that earns individual awards.
Why She Stood Out
Matsukubo combined technical quality with consistent productivity. She was not a one-match wonder — she contributed across all stages. Her Silver Ball reflected a sustained tournament-level performance that very few players matched.
Ally Sentnor — Bronze Ball Winner
Country: USA | Club (at time): Utah Royals (NWSL) | Goals at tournament: 2
The Creative Heart of the USA
The United States finished third at Colombia 2024, defeating the Netherlands 2-1 in extra time in the third-place match. At the centre of their attacking play throughout the competition was Ally Sentnor.
The USA enjoyed a third-place finish in this World Cup, with Sentnor at the creative heart of every foray forward for the North Americans.
Her Tournament Contribution
Sentnor was not simply a goalscorer. She was the player who made the USA attack tick — pressing high, linking play in the final third, and creating chances for teammates as well as converting opportunities of her own.
In the semi-final against Korea DPR, USA captain Ally Sentnor forced a save from goalkeeper Chae Un Gyong — one of several moments where the USA threatened. Even in a match they lost, her contribution was clear.
Why She Stood Out
In a tournament dominated by Korea DPR’s brilliance, the USA — and Sentnor in particular — gave the eventual champions their most difficult game. Her versatility, leadership as captain, and consistent performances earned her the Bronze Ball.
Top Goal Scorers at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2024
Choe Il-son finished with six goals, followed by Vendito (Brazil) and Maya Hijikata (Japan), who both finished with five goals.
| Player | Country | Goals | Assists | Award |
| Choe Il-son | Korea DPR | 6 | 1 | Golden Boot |
| Vendito | Brazil | 5 | — | Silver Boot |
| Maya Hijikata | Japan | 5 | — | Bronze Boot |
| Naomi Eto | Japan | 4 | — | — |
| Annabelle Chukwu | Canada | 4 | 2 | — |
| Liana Joseph | France | 4 | 1 | — |
| Loreen Bender | Germany | 4 | 1 | — |
| Pietra Tordin | USA | 4 | 1 | — |
| Dona Scannapiéco | France | 4 | — | — |
| Manaka Matsukubo | Japan | 3 | — | Silver Ball |
| Ally Sentnor | USA | 2 | — | Bronze Ball |
Source: Official FIFA top scorers list, Colombia 2024. Assist data where officially published.
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2024 — Individual Awards
| Award | Player | Country |
| 🏆 adidas Golden Ball (Best Player) | Choe Il-son | Korea DPR |
| 🥈 adidas Silver Ball | Manaka Matsukubo | Japan |
| 🥉 adidas Bronze Ball | Ally Sentnor | USA |
| 👟 adidas Golden Boot (Top Scorer) | Choe Il-son (6 goals) | Korea DPR |
| 👟 adidas Silver Boot | Vendito (5 goals) | Brazil |
| 👟 adidas Bronze Boot | Maya Hijikata (5 goals) | Japan |
| 🧤 adidas Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper) | Femke Liefting | Netherlands |
| 🤝 FIFA Fair Play Trophy | — | Japan |
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament — Femke Liefting
Country: Netherlands | Award: adidas Golden Glove
Netherlands goalkeeper Femke Liefting pocketed the adidas Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
The Netherlands reached fourth place at Colombia 2024 — a remarkable run for a nation that not many had marked as a contender before the tournament began. Behind that achievement was Liefting’s consistent excellence in goal.
Throughout the competition, Liefting made saves that kept the Netherlands in matches they might otherwise have lost. She was commanding in the air, sharp off her line, and reliable in one-on-one situations.
The Golden Glove recognised what anyone who watched the Netherlands during the tournament already knew: Liefting was the best goalkeeper on the pitch when it mattered.
Note: Vendito’s Silver Boot was awarded over Maya Hijikata’s Bronze Boot despite both players scoring 5 goals. Both players had 5 goals and 1 assist, but Hijikata played more minutes — meaning Vendito scored at a better rate relative to time on the pitch.
Vendito — Silver Boot Winner
Country: Brazil | Club (at time): Ferroviária | Goals: 5
Brazil were eliminated in the quarter-finals — a disappointment for a footballing nation of their stature. But Vendito’s contribution in getting them that far deserves recognition.
Five goals in a tournament where Brazil only played up to the quarter-final stage is a genuinely impressive return. Vendito was Brazil’s focal point in attack and their most clinical finisher throughout the competition.
Her Silver Boot represented consistent productivity in fewer matches than many other leading scorers — the tiebreaker over Maya Hijikata coming down to goals per minute played.
Maya Hijikata — Bronze Boot Winner
Country: Japan | Club (at time): Cerezo Osaka Yanmar | Goals: 5
Maya Hijikata was a key part of Japan’s run to the final. While Matsukubo earned much of the recognition as Japan’s standout performer, Hijikata’s five goals across the tournament contributed significantly to Japan’s scoring output.
Both Hijikata and Vendito finished with 5 goals and 1 assist. Hijikata received the Bronze Boot over Vendito because she played more minutes. That statistic reflects how consistently she was used throughout Japan’s tournament run — her contribution was spread across more appearances.
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2024 — Player Statistics Summary
| Category | Detail |
| Top Scorer | Choe Il-son (Korea DPR) — 6 goals |
| Second-highest Scorers | Vendito (Brazil), Maya Hijikata (Japan) — 5 goals each |
| Best Player (Official) | Choe Il-son (Korea DPR) |
| Best Goalkeeper (Official) | Femke Liefting (Netherlands) |
| Total Goals in Tournament | 187 |
| Average Goals Per Match | 3.6 |
| Total Matches Played | 52 |
| Most Goals by a Team | Korea DPR — 25 goals in 7 matches |
| Fair Play Award | Japan |
Young Players to Watch After the 2024 Tournament
Note: This section is analysis based on tournament performance. Future career outcomes cannot be predicted with certainty.
Several players from Colombia 2024 are already attracting interest from senior clubs and national team coaches. Based purely on what they showed during the tournament, these are the names that stood out as having clear potential for the senior game:
Choe Il-son (Korea DPR) — At 17, she was arguably the most complete young striker at the tournament. If she continues developing at this rate, she will be a major presence in women’s football for years to come. The challenge for her will be access to competitive football against strong opposition at club level.
Manaka Matsukubo (Japan) — Already playing in the NWSL with North Carolina Courage at the time of the tournament, Matsukubo has the technical profile and competitive environment to continue growing. Japan’s women’s football structure is well-established and she will have every opportunity to improve.
Ally Sentnor (USA) — Sentnor was already part of the professional game with Utah Royals (NWSL). Her leadership as USA captain and her consistent creative output suggest she has the mentality as well as the technical ability to develop into a senior international player.
Femke Liefting (Netherlands) — The Netherlands produces excellent goalkeepers. Liefting’s Golden Glove performance at this level puts her firmly in the conversation for the senior Oranje squad in the future.
Maya Hijikata (Japan) — Five goals as part of Japan’s run to the final, with Cerezo Osaka Yanmar as her club base. The pathway from Japan’s domestic league to senior international football is well-trodden and she has already shown she can perform on the biggest stage.
What Made the 2024 Tournament Special for Young Players?
Colombia 2024 was the first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup to feature 24 teams instead of 16. That expansion changed everything.
More nations meant more players on the world stage. It meant a Canadian forward like Annabelle Chukwu (4 goals, 2 assists) could announce herself globally. It meant France could produce a Liana Joseph who scored 4 goals. It gave African football two representatives — Nigeria and Cameroon — a proper chance to compete at this level.
The tournament also produced remarkable crowd numbers. Total attendance reached 375,841 across 52 matches — an average of 7,228 per game. That is a significant audience for a youth women’s tournament, and it reflects how seriously Colombia and the wider football public took the event.
For the young players involved, performing in front of large crowds, in high-pressure knockout matches, against international opposition — that experience is irreplaceable. It accelerates development in a way that domestic football cannot fully replicate.
Colombia 2024 showed that the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is a genuine launchpad for careers. The players who shone there are now carrying the expectations of millions into senior football.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the best player at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2024?
Korea DPR’s Choe Il-son won the adidas Golden Ball as Colombia 2024’s outstanding player. She also won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer.
Who won the Golden Ball at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2024?
Choe Il-son of Korea DPR won the adidas Golden Ball at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, making her both the tournament’s best player and top scorer.
Who won the Golden Boot at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2024?
Choe Il-son was Korea DPR’s top scorer and the tournament’s adidas Golden Boot winner.
How many goals did Choe Il-son score?
Choe Il-son scored six goals at Colombia 2024, including the winning goal in the 1-0 final victory over Japan. She also added one assist.
Who won the Silver Ball?
Japan’s Manaka Matsukubo collected the adidas Silver Ball after a standout tournament that included three goals and a decisive brace in the semi-final against the Netherlands.
Who won the Bronze Ball?
Ally Sentnor of the USA won the adidas Bronze Ball at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, in recognition of her creative performances as the USA finished third.
Who was the best goalkeeper at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2024?
Netherlands goalkeeper Femke Liefting received the adidas Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
Which country won the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup?
Korea DPR won the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, defeating Japan 1-0 in the final. It was Korea DPR’s third title at this tournament.
Who were the top scorers behind Choe Il-son?
Vendito of Brazil and Maya Hijikata of Japan both scored five goals each — the second-highest total in the tournament. Vendito received the Silver Boot; Hijikata the Bronze Boot.
Was the 2024 tournament the last FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup?
Yes. Colombia 2024 was the most recent edition. The next FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is the 2026 edition, currently being held in Poland from September 5 to September 27, 2026.
Who did the USA beat in the third-place match?
The USA beat the Netherlands 2-1 in extra time to claim third place at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Which country received the FIFA Fair Play Award?
Japan received the FIFA Fair Play Trophy at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
Final Thoughts
Colombia 2024 delivered exactly what the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is designed to deliver — a global stage for the next generation of women’s football talent.
Korea DPR were outstanding from start to finish. Seven games. Seven wins. Twenty-five goals. And at the centre of everything was Choe Il-son — 17 years old, dangerous in every match, and the deserving winner of both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot.
Japan’s run to the final for the third successive edition showed the consistency of their development programme. Manaka Matsukubo’s Silver Ball and Maya Hijikata’s Bronze Boot told their own story about Japanese technical quality at youth level.
The USA, the Netherlands, and players like Ally Sentnor and Femke Liefting also showed why this tournament matters. Players who perform here don’t disappear — they carry what they learned into senior careers.
With the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup now underway in Poland, a new generation is ready to write its own story. But the players of Colombia 2024 set the bar high.
For more on the current tournament, explore
👉 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Teams, and 👉 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Live Stream.
All statistics and award information in this article are sourced from official FIFA records and verified through official FIFA communications. No statistics have been invented or estimated.
