30+ of the Best Youngsters in World Cup History
Gavi
Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, aka Gavi, scored 95 goals for Real Betis’ youth academy in two seasons, aged between nine and eleven! In 2015, Barcelona signed him as an 11-year-old. Fast forward seven years, and he scored in his first World Cup game as Spain smashed seven goals past Costa Rica at Qatar 2022.
In doing so, Gavi became Spain’s youngest-ever World Cup goalscorer at 18 years and 107 days. He’s also the third youngest ever, surpassed only by Pelé and Manuel Rosas.
Jude Bellingham
Jude joined Birmingham City as an under-8 and went on to become the youngest-ever player in their first team— aged 16 years, 38 days. Joining Borussia Dortmund for around $30 million, he became the most expensive 17-year-old ever. He made his England debut aged 17 years, 136 days.
Two years later, at Qatar 2022, the impressive 19-year-old midfield general scored England’s opener in a 6-2 victory over Iran. His deft glancing header made him the first player born after 2000 to score in the World Cup and the Three Lions’ second-youngest after Michael Owen.
Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons
Cody Gakpo has already scored in both of his opening games at the 2022 World Cup finals. The 23-year-old PSV Eindhoven academy graduate and winger scored a brave header against Senegal and a thunderbolt against Ecuador. But, Gakpo’s not the only young Dutchman to watch out for in Qatar.
Another is Gakpo’s 19-year-old teammate Xavi Simons. The former Barcelona and PSG midfielder scored eight goals and provided four assists for PSV going into the World Cup.
Bakayo Saka
Aged 19, England’s Bakayo Saka famously missed the decisive penalty in the Euro 2020 final against Italy. But, the wunderkind has overcome the cruel experience to become the beating heart of England’s right flank.
With two goals in his first-ever World Cup game, he already has twice as many WC goals as Wayne Rooney. Bakayo has also helped transform his club, Arsenal, from also-rans to table-toppers. He’s a strong contender to win 2022’s Golden Boot or FIFA’s Best Young Player.
Today, we dive into the best youngsters in World Cup History. We’ll begin by looking at a few wunderkinds who are already smashing records at Qatar’s 2022 World Cup and could become gods like Pelé, Maradona, Messi, and Ronaldo. Next, we’ll travel back through the annuls of time before ending with some teen heroes from the first World Cup in Uruguay.