The FIFA World Cup is the biggest stage in football. Every player dreams of lifting the famous trophy at least once in their career. But only a few have done it at a very young age. Winning a World Cup as a teenager is rare. It requires talent, courage, and the trust of a coach on the grandest stage of all.
Over the years, some special players have made history by becoming world champions before turning 20. From Brazil’s teenage superstar Pele in 1958 to France’s Kylian Mbappe in 2018, these young stars proved age is just a number. Here is a look at the six youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.
Teen stars who became world champions before 20
At the top of the list is Pele. He remains the youngest World Cup winner in history.
Pele was just 17 years and 249 days old when Brazil defeated Sweden 5-2 in the 1958 final. He scored six goals in the tournament and even netted twice in the final. His performance in Sweden made him a global superstar overnight.
Second on the list is Ronaldo. He was 17 years and 298 days old when Brazil won the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Ronaldo did not play a single match in that tournament. However, he was part of the squad that beat Italy in the final after a penalty shootout.
Italy’s Giuseppe Bergomi is third. He was 18 years and 174 days old during Italy’s 1982 triumph in Spain. The young full-back made three appearances, including the final where Italy beat West Germany 3-1.
Fourth is Brazilian forward Coutinho. He was 19 years and 6 days old when Brazil lifted the trophy in 1962. Though he did not play in the final, he was part of the winning squad.
Next comes Marco Antonio, who was 19 years and 135 days old during Brazil’s famous 1970 victory in Mexico. He made two appearances in that tournament.
Finally, Kylian Mbappe became a world champion at 19 years and 207 days in 2018. He scored four goals in Russia, including one in the final as France defeated Croatia 4-2.
Brazil forward Mazzola and Uruguay winger Ruben Moran are also a part of this elite list. They won the FIFA World Cup at the ages of 19 years and 309 days and 19 years and 344 days, respectively. Mazzola was a part of the squad that won against Sweden in 1958 alongside Pele. While Moran was a part of the squad that won against Brazil in the decider in 1950.
These players showed that young age is not a barrier to greatness. Their early success remains an inspiration for several young footballers around the world.
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