AFC names 10 ‘Star of the Future’ nominees including two Shabab Al-Ahli youngsters
AFC names 10 nominees for the fan-voted ‘Star of the Future’ young player award for the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Elite, including two from Shabab Al-Ahli.
The Asian Football Confederation has released a 10-player shortlist for the fan-voted Young Player award, branded as the ‘Star of the Future’, for the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Elite. The list recognises emerging talents who made significant contributions in the competition, and includes two representatives from UAE side Shabab Al-Ahli. The announcement highlights a new generation of players whose performances have attracted continental attention and opened a public vote to determine the eventual winner.
AFC announces 10-player shortlist
The AFC confirmed the shortlist of ten nominees who impressed across the 2025–26 campaign, singling out players from clubs across Asia. The confederation noted that the chosen players stood out for consistency, decisive moments and potential to shape the future of Asian football. The fan-voted format gives supporters across the continent the opportunity to pick the winner, reflecting both on-field impact and public appeal.
The shortlisted players span several leagues and include names from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Australia, Qatar and Thailand. AFC officials emphasised that the selection process combined technical assessment with observed influence in key matches, particularly during the knockout phase of the tournament.
Shabab Al-Ahli’s duo highlighted
Shabab Al-Ahli saw two of their youngsters make the list: forward Mohammed Jumaa and goalkeeper Hamad Al-Maqbali. The AFC described Jumaa as the youngest nominee and praised his composure under pressure, while noting Al-Maqbali’s rise to become his club’s first-choice goalkeeper. The inclusion of both players underscores Shabab Al-Ahli’s investment in youth development and the contribution of academy graduates to the club’s continental push.
Mohammed Jumaa, 19, received particular notice after playing six matches and contributing directly to back-to-back decisive moments in the group and knockout stages. Hamad Al-Maqbali, despite his relative inexperience, kept multiple clean sheets across the campaign and was credited with providing defensive stability that helped propel the UAE club deep into the competition.
Individual contributions and match impact
The AFC’s summary of performances highlighted Jumaa’s immediate attacking influence and Al-Maqbali’s consistency between the posts. Jumaa scored against the defending champions Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia and later provided an assist in Shabab Al-Ahli’s Round of 16 victory over Tractor, according to the confederation’s review. Those contributions were cited as examples of a young player rising to the occasion in high-pressure fixtures.
Al-Maqbali’s record was also emphasised, with the goalkeeper recording four clean sheets in 11 appearances, a return the AFC linked to the team’s progression to the semi-final stage. Observers noted that such displays by a young goalkeeper are often pivotal in knockout formats, where a string of strong saves and composure can alter a tie’s outcome.
Other nominees and continental representation
The shortlist features a diverse group of emerging talents from across Asia and Australia. Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli contributed two nominees in Mohammed Abdulrahman and Saleh Abu Shammas, while Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim put forward Arif Aiman. Uzbekistan’s Nasaf nominated Sardorbek Behrumov, and Australia’s Melbourne City had Max Caputo and Marcus Yunus included on the list.
Qatar’s Al-Gharafa is represented by Ayoub Alawi, while Thailand’s Buriram United saw forward Suphanat Mueanta named among the contenders. AFC officials noted that the collective variety of styles and roles on the list — from forwards and creative midfielders to a young goalkeeper — reflects the breadth of young talent emerging in the region.
Fan voting and selection process
The AFC has opened the award to fan voting, allowing supporters to choose the winner from the ten nominees. The confederation has framed the process as a chance for fans to celebrate the next generation, and it has encouraged supporters to cast their votes through designated AFC channels. The eventual winner will be presented with the ‘Star of the Future’ accolade, recognising both individual excellence and public support across Asia.
While the AFC provided statistical highlights for several nominees, it also stressed that the voting outcome will combine on-field achievements with fan engagement. This approach typically rewards players who have not only performed well but also captured broad recognition through match-defining moments or a growing profile on social platforms and media.
Potential career implications for nominees
Being shortlisted for the AFC ‘Star of the Future’ can significantly raise a young player’s profile on the continent and beyond. Past recipients of similar awards have experienced increased interest from scouts, elevated national team consideration and improved commercial opportunities. For the nominees, high-profile recognition during a continental tournament often acts as a catalyst for club advancement or moves to stronger leagues.
Coaches and sporting directors frequently view such accolades as validation of a club’s development pathway, while players benefit from the credibility that comes with continental recognition. For clubs like Shabab Al-Ahli, producing multiple nominees signals the success of youth strategies and can boost recruitment and retention of promising talent.
The AFC’s announcement closes a chapter on the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Elite campaign for emerging players, while opening a public debate over who should be crowned the continent’s most promising young star. The fan vote now shifts the focus from selection committees to supporters across Asia, who will determine which of these ten youngsters carries the title of ‘Star of the Future’.