Winning the FIFA World Cup is the ultimate dream in international football. Doing it before the age of 21 places a player in one of the sport’s most exclusive clubs. FIFA has highlighted 20 such footballers whose careers exploded onto the global stage while they were still teenagers or barely out of it.

At the top of the list is Brazil’s Pelé, who remains the youngest World Cup winner in history. The forward was just 17 years and 249 days old when he inspired Brazil to glory, announcing himself with a blend of audacity and brilliance that reshaped the sport.

Another Brazilian icon, Ronaldo, follows closely. He lifted the trophy at 17 years and 298 days, beginning a journey that would see him become one of the most feared strikers of his generation. Italy’s Giuseppe Bergomi, a full-back known for his composure and defensive intelligence, won the World Cup at 18 years and 174 days, anchoring a back line despite his youth.

The list underlines Brazil’s long tradition of trusting young talent. Coutinho, a forward, and Marco Antonio, a full-back, both became champions at 19, as did Mazzola and Edu, while Kaka joined the roll of honour at 20 years and 69 days as an attacking midfielder with rare elegance.

Spain’s new era is represented by Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, who both broke through as teenagers. Yamal, a winger, and Cubarsí, a centre-back, have already translated precocious club form into the highest international success, matching the early impact once associated almost exclusively with South American prodigies.

France’s Kylian Mbappé and Thierry Henry also feature prominently. Mbappé, a winger and forward, was 19 years and 207 days when he lit up the World Cup with his pace and finishing. Henry, who would go on to become France’s all-time leading scorer, was 20 years and 329 days when he first lifted the trophy. Fellow Frenchman David Trezeguet joined him on the list at 20 years and 270 days.

The roll call is completed by Uruguay’s Ruben Moran, Italy’s Felice Borel, Argentina goalkeeper Luis Islas, Germany’s Matthias Ginter and Julian Draxler, Brazil’s Clodoaldo, and West Germany’s Uli Biesinger, each proving that age is no barrier to football immortality.