The FIFA World Cup is a major event where football players from all around the world can display their skills and make an impression on future generations.
The likes of Pele and Lionel Messi stand out among the elite few who attained success early since most young players either falter under pressure or devote years to training fields before making their imprint on the world stage.
Not fazed by the spotlight, some of them became the youngest players to ever score in a World Cup and went on to carve out impressive careers.
Pele, Brazil – 17 Years and 239 Days
Pele holds the record for the youngest player to score a goal in the history of the men’s FIFA World Cup. When the Brazilian striker scored his first World Cup goal in the quarterfinal encounter against Wales at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, he was 17 years and 239 days old.
Pele’s volley in Brazil’s 1-0 win over Wales set the stage for his record-setting performance against France in the semi-finals when Brazil won 5-2.
Pele also set a record for the youngest player to appear in and score in a World Cup final when he scored twice in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over host nation Sweden. Pele is the youngest football player to ever score in a FIFA World Cup, at the age of 17.
When Brazil’s national teams won the World Cup in 1962 and 1970, Pele was a key member of both championship squads. He is considered to be a legend of the game.
