The World Cup is the most prestigious tournament in football, always a place to witness outstanding young talents rise to shine. Throughout the history of the tournament, many young players have made their names in the golden pages of history with beautiful and impressive goals. But the question is: who are the youngest players in World Cup history? These young stars not only satisfy the global audience but also affirm their special abilities, especially when they can “solve” the most difficult thing – scoring a goal. Let’s find out with Bestsoccertips.com through the article below!
Top 8 youngest players in World Cup history
8. Julian Green (USA) – 2014
Julian Green etched his name in American soccer history when he became the youngest player to score for the U.S. national team at a World Cup. He accomplished this remarkable feat at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, in the round of 16 match between the U.S. and Belgium. Green’s goal came at the age of just 19 years and 25 days, demonstrating the immense potential and outstanding talent of a young player playing on the biggest stage on the planet.
The moment was made even more impressive when the goal was scored against Belgium, one of the top candidates for the tournament that year. Although the U.S. team had to stop after a 1-2 loss, Green’s performance brought pride and left a deep impression on fans. For Julian Green, this goal was not only a turning point in his career but also a testament to the fighting spirit of the US team against strong opponents on the international stage.
7. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 2006
Lionel Messi made a special mark at the 2006 World Cup when he became one of the youngest players to score in the history of the tournament. In the group stage match between Argentina and Serbia & Montenegro, Messi came off the bench and quickly made a difference. He scored the winning goal in a resounding 6-0 victory for Argentina, affirming his talent at his first World Cup. The goal came when Messi was only 18 years and 357 days old, a memorable milestone in his legendary career.
Messi’s moment of brilliance not only helped Argentina affirm its strength but also affirmed the appearance of a big star on the world football stage. With this goal, Messi showed his special ability right from the first days of playing at the World Cup. It was the beginning of his successful journey, not only with the Argentina team but also in his illustrious club career.
6. Dmitry Sychev (Russia) – 2002
Dmitry Sychev made his name in Russian football history when he became one of the youngest players to score at the World Cup. This achievement was achieved at the 2002 World Cup, held in Korea and Japan. In the match between Russia and Belgium in the group stage, Sychev scored a goal at the age of 18 years and 231 days, showing maturity beyond his age.
Although this goal could not help the Russian team qualify for the knockout round, it was still a memorable moment in Sychev’s career. Thanks to his speed and skillful playing style, he was once dubbed by fans as the “Russian Michael Owen.” This goal was not only Sychev’s personal mark but also a testament to the potential of young talents in the biggest football arena on the planet.
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5. Cafu (Brazil) – 1994
Cafu joined the Brazilian team for the 1994 World Cup in the United States, aged just 24. It was his first appearance in a World Cup, and Cafu’s presence helped Brazil win. He was an integral part of the team, contributing not only defensively but also offensively, which helped increase his value to the team.
In the final against Italy, Cafu played a key role, although he did not score, his stability and flexibility helped Brazil defend their goal and maintain an attacking style of play. This victory marked Brazil’s first World Cup win in 24 years, and Cafu continued to prove his worth by becoming captain in the following World Cups. Cafu’s career continued with the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, making him one of the greatest players in football history.
4. Michael Owen (England) – 1998
Michael Owen made history at the 1998 World Cup when he scored for England against Romania, becoming one of the youngest players to score in the tournament. At the time, Owen was only 18 years and 190 days old, continuing to affirm his special talent on the world’s biggest stage. His goal was a testament to the speed, technique, and agility of a promising young striker.
Before the World Cup, Owen made a strong impression when he became the youngest player to score for Liverpool and quickly attracted global attention. After the tournament, Owen continued to shine with brilliant form in the Premier League, where he won the “Golden Boot” award in 1999. The goal at the 1998 World Cup was not only a personal milestone for Owen but also marked the beginning of a successful and top-notch playing career.
3. Gavi (Spain) – 2022
Gavi made a special mark at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by becoming one of the youngest players to score in the history of the tournament. In the group stage match between Spain and Costa Rica on November 23, Gavi scored a beautiful volley, contributing significantly to the Spanish team’s devastating 7-0 victory. This achievement came when Gavi was only 18 years and 110 days old, affirming his outstanding talent in his first appearance on the biggest playground on the planet.
The goal at the World Cup is a testament to Gavi’s rapid maturity and impressive playing ability. Previously, he won the 2022 Golden Boy award, honoring the best U21 player in Europe. With a perfect start in Qatar, Gavi promises to be one of the important pillars of Spanish football in the future, continuing the successful tradition of the previous generations.
2. Roger Milla (Cameroon) – 1982
Roger Milla, one of the legends of African football, made his debut at the 1982 World Cup in Spain at the age of 17 years and 209 days, becoming Cameroon’s youngest player to play in a World Cup. Milla is not only the pride of Cameroonian football but also a symbol of African football. Although Cameroon did not advance beyond the group stage in this tournament, Milla showed his outstanding talent and left a deep impression on the fans. With his skillful dribbling and impressive scoring ability, Milla quickly became one of the most watched young players of the 1982 World Cup.
Although he could not help Cameroon go far in the 1982 World Cup, Milla continued his international career and made a strong impression in the following World Cups. In particular, in the 1990 World Cup, Milla became a star when he led Cameroon to the quarter-finals and scored important goals. Milla’s success was not only an inspiration for Cameroonian football but also promoted the development of African football on the international stage.
1. Pele (Brazil) – 1958
Pele, the “King of Football,” made a memorable feat at the 1958 World Cup when he scored the first goal of his World Cup career. In the match between Brazil and Wales, Pele scored at the age of 17 years and 239 days, becoming one of the youngest players to score in the history of the tournament. This goal not only opened Pele’s brilliant journey at the World Cup but also helped Brazil advance to the semi-finals, contributing significantly to the team’s overall victory.
The 1958 World Cup truly made Pele, a talented teenager who shook the football world. With his forward-thinking style of play and impressive goalscoring ability, Pele not only led Brazil to glory but also became a global icon of the game. At the time of his goal in this tournament, Pele was just 17 years and 239 days old, and it was the first step in an illustrious career as a legend.
Conclusion
From names like Pele, Gavi, to Michael Owen, the list of youngest players in World Cup history has proven that age is not the deciding factor in playing ability. These players not only left their mark in the hearts of fans but also created resounding successes for their teams. With talent, confidence and a desire to conquer, they opened a new chapter in football history, proving that young talents can change the game right on the biggest stage on the planet.
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