Winning the FIFA World Cup remains the highest achievement in international football. While most players spend years chasing the trophy, a few reached the top of the game before turning 21.
FIFA has released a list of the 20 youngest players to win the tournament, with Brazilian icon Pelé still holding the record. He lifted the trophy in 1958 at just 17 years and 249 days old.
Brazil’s Ronaldo ranks second after winning the 1994 World Cup at 17 years and 298 days, while Italy’s Giuseppe Bergomi occupies third place.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Brazil’s Coutinho share fourth position after winning the tournament at 19 years and six days.
Here are the 20 youngest World Cup winners:
- Pelé | Brazil | Forward | 17 years, 249 days
- Ronaldo | Brazil | Forward | 17 years, 298 days
- Giuseppe Bergomi | Italy | Full-back | 18 years, 174 days
- Coutinho | Brazil | Forward | 19 years, 6 days
- Lamine Yamal | Spain | Winger | 19 years, 6 days
- Marco Antônio | Brazil | Full-back | 19 years, 135 days
- Pau Cubarsí | Spain | Centre-back | 19 years, 178 days
- Kylian Mbappé | France | Winger and forward | 19 years, 207 days
- Mazzola | Brazil | Forward | 19 years, 309 days
- Rubén Morán | Uruguay | Winger | 19 years, 344 days
- Felice Borel | Italy | Forward | 20 years, 66 days
- Kaká | Brazil | Attacking midfielder | 20 years, 69 days
- Matthias Ginter | Germany | Defender | 20 years, 175 days
- Luis Islas | Argentina | Goalkeeper | 20 years, 189 days
- Clodoaldo | Brazil | Midfielder | 20 years, 268 days
- David Trezeguet | France | Forward | 20 years, 270 days
- Julian Draxler | Germany | Midfielder | 20 years, 296 days
- Edu | Brazil | Winger | 20 years, 319 days
- Thierry Henry | France | Winger and forward | 20 years, 329 days
- Uli Biesinger | West Germany | Forward | 20 years, 332 days
Brazil dominates the list, reflecting the country’s long history of introducing young players on football’s biggest stage. Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí are the newest additions, strengthening their places among the youngest footballers to win the sport’s most prestigious trophy.
