Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup 2022™
Swiss teams won both the men’s and women’s tournaments at the traditional U-19 event in Zurich.
The Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup returned for its 82nd edition in Zurich following the COVID-19 pandemic, which had forced the tournament to be cancelled in both 2020 and 2021. The U-19 tournament was first held in 1939 and the likes of Pep Guardiola, David Beckham, Xherdan Shaqiri, Kaká and Seraina Piubel are among those who took part before going on to achieve worldwide fame.
“It’s a very important tournament for young players. It helps them grow and develop, and they come up against other very competitive teams from different countries.”
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The men’s and women’s competitions, featuring eight teams each, were both won by Swiss clubs on penalties. FC Basel 1893 emerged victorious in the men’s tournament, beating Germany’s 1. FSV Mainz 05 5-4 in the shoot-out after a goalless draw in the final. In the women’s event, Olympique Lyonnais led the final until the closing minutes when FC Zürich scored to clinch a 1-1 draw before going on to win 6-5 on penalties.
“It was an amazing experience to be able to play at this tournament. I’m so proud of our team – the fact that we were able to come out on top against international opponents is incredible.”
Awards
Leela Egli (FC Zurich)
Best women’s player
Féérine Belhadj (Olympique Lyonnais)
Best women’s goalkeeper
VfL Wolfsburg
Fair Play award women
Brajan Gruda (1. FSV Mainz 05)
Best men’s player
Tim Spycher (FC Basel)
Best men’s goalkeeper
SL Benfica
Fair Play award men