10 Youngest Footballers in Men’s World Cup History

Explore the remarkable stories of the 10 youngest footballers in Men’s FIFA World Cup history. These talented players, some barely into their teens, took on the global stage, showcasing skill and confidence well beyond their years. From record-breaking debuts to memorable performances, these young athletes defied age barriers to represent their nations at the world’s biggest tournament. Discover who these football prodigies are, the impact they made during their World Cup appearances, and how their careers unfolded after their historic debuts. This list celebrates youthful talent and the exciting promise of the next generation in football.

Norman Whiteside, Northern Ireland – 17 years and 40 days

Norman Whiteside from Northern Ireland is the youngest footballer to play in a FIFA World Cup. He was just 17 years and 40 days old when he debuted against Yugoslavia in 1982.

Although he didn’t score in his first match, which ended in a 0-0 draw, Whiteside did become the youngest player to receive a yellow card at the World Cup. Unfortunately, injuries affected his career, and he played his last international match at 26. Whiteside played 38 games for Northern Ireland, scoring nine goals in total.

Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon – 17 years and 98 days

Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon’s all-time leading goal scorer, is the second youngest player to play in the men’s World Cup, making his debut at 17 years and 98 days old. He played his first match during Cameroon’s 3-0 loss to Italy in the group stage of the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.

Eto’o went on to represent Cameroon in four World Cups and scored 56 goals in 116 international matches. He retired from international football in 2014.

Femi Opabunmi, Nigeria – 17 years, 100 days

Femi Opabunmi was the second-highest goal-scorer in the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Championships, which led to him joining Nigeria’s senior national team the next year.

He made his World Cup debut against England in 2002 at the age of 17 years and 100 days. Sadly, Femi Opabunmi never played for Nigeria again. He retired four years later after glaucoma caused him to lose sight in his right eye.

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Salomon Olembe, Cameroon – 17 years, 184 days

Salomon Olembe from Cameroon is the fourth youngest player to compete in the FIFA World Cup. He made his debut in Cameroon’s opening match against Austria in the 1998 World Cup when he was 17 years and 184 days old. At that time, he was the youngest African player to play in the World Cup. However, his record didn’t last long because his teammate Samuel Eto’o debuted just a few days later in Cameroon’s last match against England in the same tournament.

Pele, Brazil – 17 years, 234 days

Unlike many other young footballers at the World Cup, Pelé scored a goal on his debut when he was just 17 years and 239 days old. This happened during the quarter-final match against Wales in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

Pelé also made history by scoring three goals in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over France in the semi-finals, making him the youngest player to get a hat-trick in a World Cup. In the final, he scored two goals in Brazil’s 5-2 win against Sweden, becoming the youngest player to play in and score in a World Cup final. He was also the youngest FIFA World Cup winner.

Pelé was part of the Brazilian teams that won the FIFA World Cups in 1962 and 1970. He retired in 1971 after scoring 77 goals in just 92 international matches.

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