Winning the FIFA World Cup is regarded as the highest achievement in international football, but only a handful of players have lifted the prestigious trophy before celebrating their 21st birthday.
FIFA, in a list published on its official website on Thursday, highlighted the 20 youngest players in history to win the World Cup, with Brazilian football icon Pelé remaining the youngest-ever champion.
Pelé won the 1958 FIFA World Cup at just 17 years and 249 days, a record that has stood for decades after his remarkable performances helped Brazil claim its first world title.
Former Brazil striker Ronaldo follows in second place, having won the World Cup at 17 years and 298 days, while Italian defender Giuseppe Bergomi ranks third after lifting the trophy at 18 years and 174 days.
Brazilian forward Coutinho and Spain winger Lamine Yamal share fourth place, both winning the tournament at 19 years and six days.
Also on the list are Brazil full-back Marco Antonio (19 years, 135 days), Spain defender Pau Cubarsí (19 years, 178 days), France forward Kylian Mbappé (19 years, 207 days), Brazil’s Mazzola (19 years, 309 days), and Uruguay winger Rubén Morán (19 years, 344 days).
The remaining players in FIFA’s top 20 include Italy’s Felice Borel, Brazil’s Kaká, Germany’s Matthias Ginter, Argentina goalkeeper Luis Islas, Brazil midfielder Clodoaldo, France striker David Trezeguet, Germany’s Julian Draxler, Brazil winger Edu, France legend Thierry Henry, and West Germany forward Uli Biesinger.
The ranking reflects the extraordinary impact these players made at a young age, with several going on to become some of the greatest footballers in the history of the game.
