Top 10 youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup

Spain's Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest European player to win the FIFA World Cup, joining a select group of teenage stars who have claimed the prestigious title. The 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, saw Spain defeat Argentina in the final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. Yamal, who was 19 years and six days old at the time, celebrated his victory alongside his teammates, marking a new chapter in the annals of football history. The achievement of winning the World Cup at such a young age has been recorded throughout football’s storied past. Among the most notable names in this exclusive club is Pelé, who became the youngest player ever to lift the trophy at the age of 17 years and 249 days during the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. His iconic performance, including a brace in the final against Sweden, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. Ronaldo Nazário followed in Pelé’s footsteps, becoming the second youngest World Cup winner at 17 years and 298 days. He was part of Brazil’s triumphant 1994 squad in the United States, showcasing his extraordinary talent before reaching international stardom. Another standout name is Giuseppe Bergomi, who helped Italy secure their third World Cup title in 1982 at the age of 18 years and 174 days, emerging as a key defender for the Azzurri. In more recent times, Brazil’s Antônio Wilson Vieira Honório, better known as Coutinho, was part of the 1962 World Cup-winning team in Chile. Though he missed some games due to injury, he still earned a winners' medal at the age of 19 years and six days. Similarly, Marco Antonio, a legendary left-back for Brazil, contributed to the 1970 World Cup victory in Mexico at 19 years and 135 days, further expanding the list of young heroes in World Cup history. Spain’s Pau Cubarsí added another name to the list, winning the 2026 World Cup at exactly 19 years and 178 days. As a central defender for FC Barcelona, Cubarsí played a crucial role in Spain’s championship run, starting all eight matches and forming a formidable defensive partnership with Aymeric Laporte. His outstanding performances earned him the FIFA Young Player of the Tournament award. Kylian Mbappé, the French prodigy, also made history by winning the World Cup at 19 years and 207 days during the 2018 tournament in Russia. His electrifying displays on the pitch propelled France to glory, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s brightest talents. Meanwhile, Sandro Mazzola, known as José Altafini, was part of Brazil’s 1958 World Cup-winning squad at 19 years and 309 days, though his career was cut short by tragedy. Finally, Rubén Morán of Uruguay holds the distinction of being the first teenager to ever win the FIFA World Cup, achieving the feat at 19 years and 344 days during the 1950 tournament. Known for his brief yet impactful presence on the field, Morán played only 90 minutes in World Cup history, leaving behind a unique statistical record.