Skip to content 
Scoring at the World Cup is an ambition of many football players, and scoring there while still young is an extraordinary achievement. In this regard, we examine some of the youngest goal scorers in FIFA World Cup history who have so much to be proud of. These early contributions define the early history of the tournament and have a lasting effect on its development.
Pelé – Brazil (1958)
The record for being the youngest scorer in a World Cup belongs to Pele: he was only 17 years and 239 days old when he scored his first goal in a World Cup match against Wales during Sweden’s world cup in 1958. Pelé scored his first world cup goal against Wales during the quarter final match, ultimately helping Brazil clinch their first ever world cup championship. From that moment, someone could tell it right away that Pelé was destined for greatness as this marked the start of a great career.
Manuel Rosas – Mexico (1930)
Manuel Rosas was just 18 years and 93 days old when he scored for Mexico in the 1930 World Cup held in Uruguay. Rosas’ goal came during group stages against Argentina thus becoming the then Youngest all-time Goal Scorer at FIFA World Cup Tournament ever recorded. Pelé broke that record after twenty eight years when he was playing for Brazil during Sweden’s 1958 tournament.
Michael Owen – England (1998)
Michael Owen made his breakthrough on the global stage at France 1998 FIFA World Cup staged when he was only eighteen years and one ninety days old, netting an unforgettable equalizer versus Romania during group stages game. His most famous moment came against Argentina at Round of Sixteen where Owen hit one of what could be termed beautiful solo goals remembered as one among greatest ones in history of world cups.
Dmitry Sychev – Russia (2002)
Dmitry Sychev became the youngest goal scorer of Russia at 18 years and 232 days old in Korea; Japan’s World Cup played in 2002. In a group stage match against Belgium, Sychev scored for his country. Despite Russia’s early elimination, Sychev’s performance demonstrated his potential and earned him recognition as a star for the future.
Lionel Messi – Argentina (2006)
During Germany’s world cup of 2006, Lionel Messi was one of the greatest footballers to ever live, scoring his maiden goal at a World Cup when he was just eighteen years three hundred fifty seven days old. The match took place during the group stages against Serbia and Montenegro where Messi scored one goal and provided an assist too. From this point started Messi’s brilliant career in the FIFA World Cup.
Julian Green – United States (2014)
When it comes to Julian Green, he had not even turned twenty by the time he netted for the US in Brazil during World Cup knockout stages on June 1st, 2014. Contrary to that, the United States team lost their game; nevertheless, Green became one bright spot with such goals which showed his talent as a young player.
Divock Origi – Belgium (2014)
Divock Origi scored for Belgium in the FIFA World Cup of 2014 having only nineteen years and sixty five days on his neck. Origi took this opportunity in group stages’ game against Russia making him the youngest Belgian player to score in FIFA world cup history while competing with other teammates who were more experienced than him at that tournament stage; their participation helped Belgium reach quarter finals being eliminated from there.
Romania – Nicolae Kovács (1930)
Nicolae Kovács was a 19-year old who scored for his country at the 1930 World Cup after being on international duty for 243 days. Kovács’s strike came in a group stage fixture against Peru. In Romania’s early days in the world cup, he made a big difference and to this day he still is among the youngest goal scorers ever.
Peru – Edison Flores (2018)
Edison Flores scored for Peru in the 2018 World Cup when he was just twenty years and ten days old in Russia. It happened as a result of a team game with Australia during the first round of matches. The performance at that tournament also was an indicator of his talents as well as importance to the national side.
France – Kylian Mbappé (2018)
Kylian Mbappe scored for France aged just nineteen years and one hundred eighty-three days during their game against Peru in Russia during the year 2018 World Cup finals.Mbappé eventually netted two more goals against Argentina.Because of his input towards helping France win the world cup,he won Best Young Player award.
These youngsters have put their names out there by performing on such platforms like FIFA World Cup hence showing what they can do at tender ages.Their number of goals directly shows how successful they were but is also still significant today.
Football lovers looking to immerse themselves further into this sport should try out Gold365 which offers an exhilarating platform.Whether you are interested in sports betting or want to keep up with regular matches and player stats,Gold365 has got all your needs covered with its comprehensive coverage and exciting opportunities for fans.
The legacy these young goal scorers leave behind will continue inspiring even as new talents come up and records are broken.Getting a Gold365 ID can be beneficial if you are keen on staying in the loop, as it enhances your experience by bringing you closer to the exciting world of football and its most promising stars.