Top five youngest players to play in a FIFA World Cup final ft. Kylian Mbappe
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Will the FIFA World Cup 2026 final force changes in the current list?
The FIFA World Cup has always been the biggest stage for players to display their footballing prowess and talent. Multiple players have become household names over time, courtesy of their performance in the global tournament. Meanwhile, a few have gone down the pecking order due to the unforgiving nature of the competition.
Longevity has always been a praiseworthy factor in every football player’s career; however, it is only considered if they start their career at an early stage. Can there be a better stage than the World Cup?
Thus, on that note, let’s take a look at the top five youngest players to play in a FIFA World Cup final.
| S.No. | Player Name | Age |
| 5 | Clodoaldo | 20 years, 268 days |
| 4 | Ruben Moran | 19 years, 344 days |
| 3 | Kylian Mbappe | 19 years, 207 days |
| 2 | Giuseppe Bergomi | 18 years, 174 days |
| 1 | Pele | 17 years, 249 days |
5. Clodoaldo: 20 years, 268 days
Clodoaldo played a crucial role in Brazil‘s lineup in the FIFA World Cup 1970. He made a total of six appearances in the tournament, where he also scored a goal. However, his biggest moment came in the summit clash, when he was a part of the Brazilian side that defeated Italy 4-1.
4. Ruben Moran: 19 years, 344 days
Just a couple of weeks before celebrating his 20th birthday, Ruben Moran got the opportunity to represent Uruguay in the final of the FIFA World Cup. In the deciding game of the World Cup 1950, Le Celeste defeated Brazil 2-1 to win their second title.
3. Kylian Mbappe: 19 years, 207 days
Kylian Mbappé was one of the best young players in the FIFA World Cup 2018. He also scored four goals in the tournament, including one in the final against Croatia. The Real Madrid forward was only 19 years and 207 days old when he played in the summit clash.
Courtesy of his hat-trick in the 2022 final, he is the player with the most goals in a FIFA World Cup final.
2. Giuseppe Bergomi: 18 years, 174 days
During the FIFA World Cup 1982 final between Italy and West Germany, Giuseppe Bergomi came on as a substitute at 18 years and 174 days old. He made three appearances in the campaign. He soon went on to become one of the best defenders in the Azzurri’s history.
1. Pele: 17 years, 249 days
Brazilian football icon Pelé is the youngest-ever player to feature in a FIFA World Cup final. His record is expected to remain intact for at least a few years. He played in the World Cup 1958 final against Sweden when he was only 17 years and 249 days old.
Pele is also the youngest player to score in a tournament final.
How many players younger than 20 have appeared in a FIFA World Cup final?
Four players – Ruben Moran, Kylian Mbappe, Giuseppe Bergomi and Pele.
What was Pele’s age in the FIFA World Cup 1958 final?
He was only 17 years and 249 days old.
How young was Kylian Mbappe in his first-ever FIFA World Cup final appearance?
He was only 19 years and 207 days old.
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