Winning the FIFA World Cup is the highest achievement in international football, yet only a select group of players have managed to lift the trophy before turning 21.
FIFA has released its list of the 20 youngest players to become world champions, featuring legendary names alongside some of football’s brightest modern stars.
Brazilian legend Pelé remains the youngest player ever to win the FIFA World Cup. He was just 17 years and 249 days old when he inspired Brazil to victory in the 1958 tournament, scoring twice in the final to announce himself to the world.
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Former Brazil striker Ronaldo Nazário ranks second after winning the World Cup with Brazil in 1994 at 17 years and 298 days, while Italy defender Giuseppe Bergomi sits third, having lifted the trophy in 1982 at 18 years and 174 days.
Brazil’s Coutinho and Spain winger Lamine Yamal share fourth place after both becoming world champions at 19 years and six days.
Brazil defender Marco Antonio occupies sixth place, followed by Spain centre-back Pau Cubarsí in seventh.
France forward Kylian Mbappé, who starred during France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, ranks eighth after winning the title at 19 years and 207 days.
Brazil’s Mazzola and Uruguay winger Rubén Morán complete the top 10.
The remaining names on FIFA’s ranking include Felice Borel, Kaká, Matthias Ginter, Luis Islas, Clodoaldo, David Trezeguet, Julian Draxler, Edu, Thierry Henry and Uli Biesinger.
Brazil has the highest number of players on the list, highlighting the country’s remarkable history of developing world-class young footballers capable of succeeding on the biggest stage.
FIFA’s 20 Youngest World Cup Winners
- Pelé (Brazil) – 17 years, 249 days
- Ronaldo (Brazil) – 17 years, 298 days
- Giuseppe Bergomi (Italy) – 18 years, 174 days
- Coutinho (Brazil) – 19 years, 6 days
- Lamine Yamal (Spain) – 19 years, 6 days
- Marco Antonio (Brazil) – 19 years, 135 days
- Pau Cubarsí (Spain) – 19 years, 178 days
- Kylian Mbappé (France) – 19 years, 207 days
- Mazzola (Brazil) – 19 years, 309 days
- Rubén Morán (Uruguay) – 19 years, 344 days
- Felice Borel (Italy) – 20 years, 66 days
- Kaká (Brazil) – 20 years, 69 days
- Matthias Ginter (Germany) – 20 years, 175 days
- Luis Islas (Argentina) – 20 years, 189 days
- Clodoaldo (Brazil) – 20 years, 268 days
- David Trezeguet (France) – 20 years, 270 days
- Julian Draxler (Germany) – 20 years, 296 days
- Edu (Brazil) – 20 years, 319 days
- Thierry Henry (France) – 20 years, 329 days
- Uli Biesinger (West Germany) – 20 years, 332 days
