A dynamic young midfielder helped Morocco make World Cup history by reaching the semi-finals. Croatia were collected at the back by the masked 20-year-old on their run to the last four.
A young Argentinian could get his hands on the trophy after Sunday’s final against France. The stock of an English teenager continued to soar. And a Dutchman and a Portuguese man, both in their early twenties, hit different highs.
BBC Sport assesses six players who have impressed with their performances in Qatar…
Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)
Winger Cody Gakpo became the first Netherlands player to score in his first three World Cup appearances.
At 6ft 4in and athletically built, the 23-year-old has scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in 24 games for PSV Eindhoven this season, and he has impressed those around him on the international stage.
“Cody has what it takes to be a star,” said Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal, who resigned after his World Cup quarter-final elimination to Argentina.
Oranje skipper Virgil van Dijk said Gakpo – who has been linked with a move to Manchester United – can “go to the moon and back”, and his asking price is likely to have skyrocketed.
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez had not started a game since Argentina before the World Cup, but he was an outstanding player for a team led in the final by the magician Lionel Messi.
The 21-year-old scored a delightful curling goal in the second group game victory over Mexico, a crucial encounter after being knocked out by Saudi Arabia in the opener.
In the semi-final win over Croatia, no player made more tackles (four) than Fernandez, while his 62 assists were Argentina’s joint record alongside Messi.
Signed by Portuguese club Benfica for an initial fee of £8.6million six months ago, Fernandez has a Announced £103m release clause and Liverpool have been linked with a move.
Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco)
“My God, where is this guy from? I was pleasantly surprised by their number eight. I can’t remember his name, I’m sorry…”
Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi was a relative unknown before the tournament. The Spanish coach certainly didn’t know who he was, but he won’t forget his name anytime soon.
The 22-year-old was a vital cog in the African side’s historic run to the semi-finals, helping knock out Luis Enrique’s Spain in the round of 16 – a result that prompted the manager’s departure – with a round and energetic all-game.
He covered 14.7km against the 2010 champions, more than any other player, while no team-mate completed more dribbles (three) or won more duels (seven) in the quarter-final victory against Portugal.
Ounahi plays for French top-flight Angers but move to big time could be on the cards with the La Liga giants Barcelona are reportedly considering a move in January.
A mention should be given to midfield partner Sofyan Amrabat, who has also been very impressive – and Fiorentina may well be looking for offers for the 26-year-old next month.
Josko Gvardiol (Croatia)
The man in the mask.
Gvardiol broke his nose while playing for club RB Leipzig ahead of the World Cup and entered the pitch looking like Batman.
The 20-year-old’s superhero performances at the heart of the Croatian defense helped them qualify for the semi-finals, where they were beaten by Argentina.
Gvardiol is an aggressive and quick centre-back, while being stylish on the ball with a precise passing game, prompting BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Pat Nevin to describe him as a ‘Rolls-Royce of a defender’ .
Former England striker Alan Shearer added: “He’s been huge in most games, he’s had to do a lot of defense and work because of the way Croatia to play.
“He got up, he was brave with the ball and strong in the tackle.” The great Messi, however, upset him in the 3-0 semi-final loss to Argentina.
However, the European giants are running in circles, with Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Bayern Munich all reportedly tempted to make a £70million move.
Jude Bellingham (England)
“I think he will be the best midfielder in the world.” It was England teammate Phil Foden’s assessment of Jude Bellingham during the World Cup.
You can forget, but Bellingham is – incredibly – still only 19, but the teenage sensation has an old head on young shoulders.
You only have to see the maturity he showed to crush Harry Kane after his missed penalty against France, consoling the skipper by putting an arm around him. Will he take the Three Lions armband in the future?
By scoring in the first 6-2 win over Iran, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder became England’s second-youngest World Cup goalscorer, after Michael Owen in 1998.
But his star performance came in the round of 16 victory over Senegal, a virtuoso display in which he became the first teenager to attend a World Cup knockout game since at least 1966.
England’s run ended in the next round, but Bellingham’s performance sparked reported interest from European champions Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Goncalo Ramos (Portugal)
What a way to advertise yourself on the world stage.
Goncalo Ramos had the unenviable task of entering the Portugal starting line-up in place of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was dropped to the bench for their last-16 game against Switzerland.
But the 21-year-old has produced spectacular performances, netting a hat-trick and an assist in his first World Cup starts – and already has more knockout goals than the former Manchester United striker.
Ramos became the first player for his country to score a hat-trick in a World Cup knockout game since the great Eusebio in 1966 – and now the youngster must chase the Portuguese legend’s record 473 goals at Benfica .
