Andre Ayew – Left Midfielder – Ghana 

He is only twenty-six years of age, but Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew has comported himself admirably as captain of Ghana, when Asamoah Gyan was not available. Ayew has led by example by finishing the tournament’s co-top scorer. He has also added a vocal dimension to leadership skills, at times bellowing at his younger brother – Jordan – for not joining the wall quick enough, or at others riling up the young Razak Brimah during the penalty shoot-outs. The Olympique de Marseille star was inconsolable after defeat in the final with tears pouring down his face. But his disappointment is indicative of his will to win, so there is no doubt he will have his day soon enough.