The exploits of Mali’s Under-17 football team at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia have earned them global accolades, and a couple of awards.
After finishing third at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023 – their best showing at this age level, two of Mali’s gifted youngsters have been rewarded for their dazzling display, with midfield dynamo Hamadou Makalou claiming the prestigious Silver Ball and captain Ibrahim Diarra winning the Silver Boot.
The young Mali team were rewarded for their dazzling exploits as playmaker Hamadou Makalou claimed the prestigious Silver Ball, while captain Ibrahim Diarra got the Silver Boot.
Makalou earned the Silver Ball as the tournament’s second-best performer thanks to his sensational display and skillful dribbles that propelled Mali to third place finish. The highlight was his sensational solo goal in the third-place 3-0 win over Argentina.
Similarly, his teammate, Diarra, won the Silver Boot as runner-up top scorer with an impressive five goals and four assists over seven matches.
German striker Paris Brunner had an outstanding tournament and was duly recognised with adidas Golden Ball, while Argentina’s Agustin Ruberto won adidas Golden Boot.
Germany won the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time following a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout win over France in Surakarta, Indonesia. The match had ended 2-2 after extra time.
The final was a replay of the European final six months earlier when Germany also beat France on penalties to be crowned European champions.
Full list of Indonesia 2023 award-winners:
adidas Golden Ball: Paris Brunner (GER)
adidas Silver Ball: Hamadou Makalou (MAL)
adidas Bronze Ball: Mathis Amougou (FRA)
adidas Golden Boot: Agustin Ruberto (ARG)
adidas Silver Boot: Ibrahim Diarra (MAL)
adidas Bronze Boot: Claudio Echeverri (ARG)
adidas Golden Glove: Paul Argney (FRA)
FIFA Fair Play Trophy: England
