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Youngest Players To Ever Play The Fifa World Cup
The FIFA World Cup is a stage where legends are born, and age is often just a number. Over the decades, several young talents have made their mark on this grandest of stages, showcasing their skills and earning a place in football history. Here’s a look at some of the youngest players to ever grace the FIFA World Cup.
1. Norman Whiteside - Northern Ireland (1982)
At just 17 years and 41 days old, Norman Whiteside became the youngest player to ever play in a World Cup when he debuted for Northern Ireland during the 1982 tournament in Spain. Whiteside's record still stands, and his precocious talent was evident as he helped his team reach the second group stage, a remarkable achievement for such a young player.
2. Samuel Eto'o - Cameroon (1998)
Samuel Eto'o, one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers, made his World Cup debut at the age of 17 years and 98 days during the 1998 World Cup in France. Eto'o would go on to have a glittering career, but it was in 1998 that the world first glimpsed his incredible talent on the international stage.
3. Pelé - Brazil (1958)
Pelé’s name is synonymous with World Cup greatness, and his journey began at just 17 years and 234 days old in 1958. During that tournament, Pelé not only became the youngest player to score a World Cup goal but also the youngest to net a hat-trick and win the final, where he scored twice against Sweden. His achievements in 1958 remain legendary.
4. Femi Opabunmi - Nigeria (2002)
Femi Opabunmi entered the World Cup at the age of 17 years and 100 days during the 2002 tournament in Korea and Japan. Although his international career was short-lived, Opabunmi’s appearance on the world stage at such a young age was a significant moment for Nigerian football.
5. Salomon Olembe - Cameroon (1998)
Another young star from Cameroon, Salomon Olembe, made his World Cup debut at 17 years and 184 days old in 1998. Olembe played a crucial role in his team, demonstrating that Cameroon was not just about one star, Eto'o, but had multiple young talents ready to take on the world.
6. Rigobert Song - Cameroon (1994)
Cameroon seems to have a history of young talents making their World Cup debut. Rigobert Song was only 17 years and 353 days old when he played in the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Song would later become one of Cameroon’s most iconic players, known for his leadership and defensive prowess.
7. Garang Kuol - Australia (2022)
Garang Kuol is one of the latest additions to this list, debuting in the 2022 World Cup at 18 years and 68 days. Representing Australia, Kuol is a rising star in international football, and his appearance in Qatar could be the start of a promising career on the global stage.
These players have not only set records due to their youth but also made significant contributions to their teams. Their early appearances at the World Cup are testaments to their exceptional talent and the bright futures that awaited many of them in the world of football. The World Cup remains the ultimate proving ground, and these young stars seized their moments to shine.
