The FIFA World Cup often serves as a stage for football’s brightest young talents to announce themselves to the world. Among all the standout moments, few are as memorable as seeing a teenager score on football’s greatest stage. The following list celebrates the youngest goalscorers in World Cup finals history—from Pelé, the youngest ever, to Martin Hoffmann, rounding out the top ten. Each narrative highlights how these players made headlines by scoring at ages when most are still dreaming of breaking into senior squads. Now, let’s countdown from 10 to 1 the top ten youngest goalscorers in World Cup history.
10. Martin Hoffmann
– East Germany vs Chile (1974)
At 19 years and 88 days, Martin Hoffmann became one of the youngest goalscorers in World Cup history when he netted for East Germany against Chile in the 1974 tournament. Though not as widely celebrated as others on this list, Hoffmann’s goal showcased the confidence and composure of a teenager playing at the highest level. His strike came in a moment when East Germany was navigating group-stage intensity and Hoffmann’s youthful presence added fresh energy.
Despite East Germany not advancing far, Hoffmann’s goal remains a part of football trivia and history, reminding us that even less-heralded teams can produce standout young talent. His strike was a sign of potential, and marked the early promise of a player trusted to perform on the biggest stage. Hoffmann’s name lives on in World Cup record books as one of the youngest goalscorers, and his impact resonates with fans of East German football history even decades later.
9. Divock Origi
– Belgium vs Russia (2014)
Divock Origi etched his name as one of the youngest goalscorers at just 19 years and 65 days during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. His goal came in a group match against Russia, giving Belgium the lead in a tightly contested game. Origi’s strike showcased his potential as a forward with pace, timing, and cool finishing. Although Belgium did not win the match, Origi’s performance drew praise from fans and pundits alike.
This early World Cup moment helped catapult Origi’s reputation and increased anticipation for his club career at Liverpool. The goal cemented him as a player capable of appearing—and delivering—on global stages. As one of the youngest goalscorers in tournament history, his strike becomes part of footballing folklore and sets the tone for his reputation as a big-game player.
8. Julian Green
– USA vs Belgium (2014)
At 19 years and 25 days, Julian Green became the youngest U.S. player ever to score in a World Cup finals when he netted against Belgium in the Round of 16 in 2014. The goal came late in the match, reducing a one-goal deficit and giving USA hope of a comeback. Though the U.S. ultimately lost that game, Green’s strike electrified fans and showcased the potential of young American talent.
As one of the youngest goalscorers on the list, Green’s moment remains iconic for U.S. soccer supporters. His impact was immediate: thrust into a high-stakes setting and yet delivering under pressure. The goal encapsulated the excitement around America’s youth pipeline and added to Green’s early reputation as a clutch performer in key matches.
7. Lionel Messi
– Argentina vs Serbia (2006)
Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup goal at 18 years and 357 days during Argentina’s opening match against Serbia in 2006. His elegant finish capped a promising debut tournament, establishing him as one of football’s brightest young stars. Messi’s goal illustrated his instinctive positioning and calmness in front of goal—a preview of the greatness to come.
As one of the youngest goalscorers in World Cup history, Messi’s strike symbolized both personal achievement and Argentina’s long-held hope in him. Though Argentina was eliminated in the quarterfinals, Messi’s goal remains a defining early milestone in a career that would go on to shatter records and define an era.
Also Read: Top 10 Longest Goal Ever Scored in Football History
6. Dmitri Sychev
– Russia vs Belgium (2002)
At 18 years and 231 days, Dmitri Sychev scored against Belgium in the 2002 World Cup, announcing himself as one of the youngest goalscorers ever at the tournament. The goal came for Russia in a tightly contested group match and showcased his speed and directness. Sychev’s energetic performance earned attention around the tournament, marking him as a young talent to watch.
Although his career did not reach the same heights as others on this list, Sychev’s goal remains a highlight of early 2000s World Cup coverage. As one of the youngest goalscorers, his strike adds to a legacy of youthful impact on football’s most significant stage.
5. Nicolae Kovács
– Romania vs Peru (1930)
Nicolae Kovács scored for Romania against Peru in the inaugural World Cup in 1930 at 18 years and 197 days, making him one of the earliest youngest goalscorers in tournament history. His strike came during a 3-1 victory and was Romania’s first-ever World Cup goal. Impressively, that same match featured another teenage scorer, making it the only occasion two teenagers scored in the same World Cup game.
Kovács’s milestone is significant historically: his youth combined with early World Cup competition helped lay the foundation for Romania’s footballing identity. His goal still resonates in football history as part of the origins of the World Cup and the emergence of teenage talent.
4. Michael Owen
– England vs Romania (1998)
At 18 years and 190 days, Michael Owen became the youngest goalscorer for England at a World Cup when he scored against Romania in 1998. His volley from outside the box was one of the most memorable goals of the tournament and showcased his technical skill and bravery. Owen’s breakthrough moment made him a national star and eventually earned him the 2001 Ballon d’Or.
Owen followed that goal with a spectacular solo strike against Argentina in the Round of 16. Though England lost, his performance cemented him as a rising star. Owen’s youthful impact and his status among the youngest goalscorers remain part of England’s football lore.
3. Gavi
– Spain vs Costa Rica (2022)
At 18 years and 110 days, Gavi entered the record books as one of the youngest goalscorers in World Cup history during the 2022 Qatar tournament. His stunning volley against Costa Rica helped Spain to a commanding 7-0 win and also set records for possession and passing efficiency. Gavi became Spain’s youngest goalscorer in a World Cup, symbolizing the country’s new era.
His strike was technically excellent and emotionally charged—a teen proving he belongs at the top level. Gavi’s goal announced his arrival on the global stage and reinforced the depth of Spain’s talent pipeline.
2. Manuel Rosas
– Mexico vs Argentina (1930)
Mexican defender Manuel Rosas scored at just 18 years and 93 days, becoming the second-youngest World Cup goalscorer. His goal came from the first-ever penalty awarded in World Cup history and Mexico’s only penalty strike in a match against Argentina. He actually scored another the same game, but one was an own goal earlier in that same tournament at even younger age.
Rosas’s contribution is historically significant: both for his age and for marking two world-firsts—a penalty goal and an own goal. As one of the youngest goalscorers, his moment is memorable both for its novelty and the early evolution of World Cup football.
1. Pelé
– Brazil vs Wales (1958)
At 17 years and 239 days, Pelé holds the record as the youngest goalscorer in World Cup history. His goal against Wales in the quarter-final of the 1958 World Cup announced his legendary status. Pelé went on to score six goals in the tournament, including a hat-trick in the semi-final and a brace in the final, helping Brazil win their first title.
Pelé remains the only player to score in a World Cup before turning 18 and is still the youngest player to score a hat-trick and to appear in and score in a final. His goal epitomizes youthful brilliance and marks the start of a career that would define football history.
FAQs
Q1: Who is the youngest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history?
Pelé, at 17 years and 239 days, is the youngest goalscorer in World Cup history
Q2: Who are the next youngest goalscorers after Pelé?
Manuel Rosas (18y 93d), Gavi (18y 110d), Michael Owen (18y 190d), Nicolae Kovács, Dmitri Sychev, Lionel Messi, Julian Green, Divock Origi, and Martin Hoffmann
Q3: Which European player appears highest on the youngest goalscorer list?
Gavi is the third-youngest and the youngest European to score in a World Cup .
Q4: Has any player scored a hat-trick before turning 19?
Yes, Pelé scored a hat-trick in the 1958 semi-final at 17 years and 244 days old, making him the only player under 19 to do so .