The Brazilian legend remains the youngest player ever to win the World Cup at 17, while Spain's Lamine Yamal features among football's youngest champions following the 2026 tournament.

Brazilian football legend Pelé remains the youngest player ever to win the FIFA World Cup, having achieved the historic feat at just 17 years and 249 days during the 1958 tournament in Sweden.

Nearly seven decades after his remarkable achievement, Pelé continues to hold the record, having established himself as one of football's greatest talents while still in his teenage years.

The Brazilian forward played a crucial role in his country's successful campaign, scoring six goals, including two in the final, as Brazil defeated hosts Sweden 5-2 to secure their first-ever World Cup title.

According to a ranking published on Sunday, November 8, 2026, several legendary footballers feature among the 20 youngest players to have won the prestigious tournament, with Spain's Lamine Yamal representing the new generation of football stars.

Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazário occupies second position. He was 17 years and 298 days old when Brazil won the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Although he did not feature in any match during the competition, he was part of the victorious squad.

Italy's Giuseppe Bergomi ranks third after becoming a World Cup champion at 18 years and 174 days in 1982. Italy defeated West Germany 3-1 in the final to claim the trophy.

Brazil's Coutinho and Spain's Lamine Yamal share fourth position, having been listed at 19 years and six days.

Yamal's inclusion is particularly significant as the Barcelona winger continues to establish himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world football. His place on the list highlights the emergence of a new generation of players making their mark on the biggest stage.

Brazil's Marco Antonio occupies sixth position at 19 years and 135 days, while Spain's Pau Cubarsí follows in seventh place at 19 years and 178 days.

France captain Kylian Mbappé ranks eighth. He was 19 years and 207 days old when France defeated Croatia 4-2 in the 2018 World Cup final in Russia. Mbappé scored in the final, becoming one of the tournament's standout performers.

Brazilian Mazzola and Uruguay's Rubén Morán complete the top 10.

The ranking also features several other celebrated names, including Italy's Felice Borel, Brazilian playmaker Kaká, Germany's Matthias Ginter and Julian Draxler, as well as French forwards David Trezeguet and Thierry Henry.

Kaká was 20 years and 69 days old when Brazil won the 2002 World Cup jointly hosted by Japan and South Korea. Meanwhile, Trezeguet and Henry were members of France's victorious squad at the 1998 tournament.

Their achievements demonstrate how some of football's most memorable careers began with World Cup success at remarkably young ages.

Full List: 20 Youngest FIFA World Cup Winners

1. Pelé (Brazil) – 17 years, 249 days

2. Ronaldo (Brazil) – 17 years, 298 days

3. Giuseppe Bergomi (Italy) – 18 years, 174 days

4. Coutinho (Brazil) – 19 years, 6 days

5. Lamine Yamal (Spain) – 19 years, 6 days

6. Marco Antonio (Brazil) – 19 years, 135 days

7. Pau Cubarsí (Spain) – 19 years, 178 days

8. Kylian Mbappé (France) – 19 years, 207 days

9. Mazzola (Brazil) – 19 years, 309 days

10. Rubén Morán (Uruguay) – 19 years, 344 days

11. Felice Borel (Italy) – 20 years, 66 days

12. Kaká (Brazil) – 20 years, 69 days

13. Matthias Ginter (Germany) – 20 years, 175 days

14. Luis Islas (Argentina) – 20 years, 189 days

15. Clodoaldo (Brazil) – 20 years, 268 days

16. David Trezeguet (France) – 20 years, 270 days

17. Julian Draxler (Germany) – 20 years, 296 days

18. Edu (Brazil) – 20 years, 319 days

19. Thierry Henry (France) – 20 years, 329 days

20. Uli Biesinger (West Germany) – 20 years, 332 days

Despite the arrival of new generations of exceptional football talents, Pelé's record remains untouched.

From his unforgettable performance in Sweden in 1958 to the emergence of modern stars such as Yamal, the list illustrates that football's greatest achievement is not necessarily reserved for experienced players.

For Pelé, however, the distinction remains special: he is still the youngest player in history to lift the FIFA World Cup.

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