The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious football tournament in the world, where players of all ages showcase their skills. Throughout history, a special group of young talents has made a lasting impression by becoming some of the youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history. These players managed to score crucial goals at a very early age, setting records and inspiring generations. Here, we explore the top 10 youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history, starting from the 10th youngest and moving to the very youngest.
10. Martin Hoffmann – 19 years and 88 days
Martin Hoffmann earned his place among the youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history when he scored for East Germany at just 19 years and 88 days old during the 1974 tournament. His goal is a fine example of how young players can leave their mark on the world’s biggest stage. Hoffmann’s early success in the World Cup underlines the importance of youth talent in international football.
| Player | Age | World Cup Year | Country |
| Martin Hoffmann | 19 years, 88 days | 1974 | East Germany |
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9. Divock Origi – 19 years and 65 days
Belgium’s Divock Origi showed immense potential by becoming one of the youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history. At 19 years and 65 days old during the 2014 World Cup, Origi’s goal illustrated how young talent can impact high-pressure matches. His name is now remembered alongside other young stars who scored early in their World Cup careers, proving age is just a number.
| Player | Age | World Cup Year | Country |
| Divock Origi | 19 years, 65 days | 2014 | Belgium |
8. Julian Green – 19 years and 25 days
Julian Green became one of the youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history when he scored for the United States at only 19 years and 25 days old during the 2014 tournament. His goal highlighted the rising talents in American soccer and showed how the sport is growing worldwide. Green’s achievement reflects the trend of younger players making a significant impact on the global stage early in their careers.
| Player | Age | World Cup Year | Country |
| Julian Green | 19 years, 25 days | 2014 | USA |
7. Lionel Messi – 18 years and 357 days
Before turning 19, Lionel Messi made history as one of the youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history by scoring his first World Cup goal at 18 years and 357 days in 2006. This goal was not only a personal milestone but also the beginning of a legendary international career. Messi’s early success underlines how youth talent can translate into long-term dominance on football’s biggest stage.
| Player | Age | World Cup Year | Country |
| Lionel Messi | 18 years, 357 days | 2006 | Argentina |
6. Dmitri Sychev – 18 years and 231 days
At just 18 years and 231 days, Dmitri Sychev became one of the youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history by scoring for Russia in the 2002 World Cup. His early goal reflected not only his individual talent but also how youth players are increasingly trusted in major tournaments. Sychev’s name is among those young stars whose early goals made headlines worldwide.
| Player | Age | World Cup Year | Country |
| Dmitri Sychev | 18 years, 231 days | 2002 | Russia |
5. Nicolae Kovacs – 18 years and 197 day
Nicolae Kovacs is remembered as one of the youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history after scoring for Romania at 18 years and 197 days in 1934. His goal is a reminder of how young talent has always been part of World Cup history, even in its early days. Kovacs’s contribution demonstrates that youth players have been influential throughout football’s evolution.
| Player | Age | World Cup Year | Country |
| Nicolae Kovacs | 18 years, 197 days | 1934 | Romania |
4. Michael Owen – 18 years and 190 days
England’s Michael Owen joined the list of youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history when he scored his first World Cup goal at just 18 years and 190 days in 1998. Owen’s goal introduced him as a star to watch, and it set the tone for an outstanding career. His early impact proved how youthful energy combined with skill can change the dynamics of World Cup matches.
| Player | Age | World Cup Year | Country |
| Michael Owen | 18 years, 190 days | 1998 | England |
3. Gavi – 18 years and 110 days
In the 2022 World Cup, Spain’s Gavi became one of the youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history by scoring at only 18 years and 110 days old. His goal represented Spain’s faith in youth development and was a sign of the exciting talent emerging from the country. Gavi’s achievement shows the continuous influx of young players rising to World Cup challenges.
| Player | Age | World Cup Year | Country |
| Gavi | 18 years, 110 days | 2022 | Spain |
2. Manuel Rosas – 18 years and 93 days
Manuel Rosas is one of the earliest names among the youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history. Scoring at 18 years and 93 days during the first-ever World Cup in 1930, Rosas set a precedent for young players to follow. His goal was a milestone that helped establish the importance of youthful talent in international football from the very beginning.
| Player | Age | World Cup Year | Country |
| Manuel Rosas | 18 years, 93 days | 1930 | Mexico |
1. Pele – 17 years and 239 days
Pele remains the youngest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. He scored his first World Cup goal at an astonishing 17 years and 239 days during the 1958 tournament. Pele’s record stands unmatched, inspiring countless young players globally. As the top name among the youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup, his early impact on football history cannot be overstated.
| Player | Age | World Cup Year | Country |
| Pele | 17 years, 239 days | 1958 | 1958 |
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