AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025

First held in 1959, the 2027 showpiece will mark the competition’s 43rd edition with China PR, the sole bidders, set to provide the backdrop for Asia’s top 16 sides for a second consecutive occasion following the success of the 2025 iteration, which was held in Shenzhen from February 12 to March 1 this year.

As many as 93 goals were scored in just 31 matches as Asia’s next generation of talent delivered a tournament to remember.

Following the final in Shenzhen, the-AFC.com picks 10 of the best strikes from across the competition. Check out the goals and don’t forget to vote for your favourite at the foot of the article!

By visiting the-AFC.com or the AFC Live App, participants can select their favourite player who lit up the tournament from each of the four positions – goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward – between March 3 and 10.

One lucky participant, whose selections closely align with the most popular player choices from all users across all positions, will be declared the winner after the conclusion of the competition.

Australia defeated Saudi Arabia to lift the trophy at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium to cap a memorable tournament for the Young Socceroos.

As Asia's rising stars look to utilise the experience gained to further progress their careers, the-AFC.com presents some interesting facts and figures from the memorable tournament.

With the final ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, goalkeeper Steven Hall was the star after saving Bassam Hazazi’s spot-kick as Australia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-4 on penalties.

Louis Agosti gave the Young Socceroos the lead in the 25th minute with Saudi Arabia equalising through Talal Haji just before half-time.

With the match ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, Australia held their nerve in the shootout with keeper Steven Hall stepping up to save Bassam Hazazi’s spot-kick to claim their first ever title.

Talal Haji cancelled out Louis Agosti’s early opener for Australia but it was not to be for Saudi Arabia as they fell 5-4 in the penalty shootout, which meant having to continue their wait for a fourth title.

Badolato was instrumental throughout the campaign, which saw Australia lifting the title for the first time after defeating Saudi Arabia 5-4 in the final on penalties, following a 1-1 score after extra time on Saturday.

The forward edged out Korea Republic’s Kim Tae-won, who was also on four goals, by virtue of having played less minutes. Australian duo Luka Jovanovic and Musa Toure, and Islamic Republic of Iran’s Esmaeil Gholizadeh followed with three goals each.

Although Saudi Arabia had to settle for the runners-up spot after falling to Australia in the final on Saturday, Yousef proved his pedigree with three clean sheets as he featured in all six matches.

With the final ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, goalkeeper Hall saved Bassam Hazazi’s spot-kick as Australia won their first title.

It was heartbreak for Saudi Arabia, who were seeking to emerge champions for a fourth time.