World Cup Best Young Player Winners List & Award History

The FIFA Young Player Award, formerly the Best Young Player Award, at the World Cup goes to the player deemed to be the best at the tournament who is, at most, 21-years-old and William Hill News look back at previous winners.

The World Cup Best Young Player award winners list includes legends like Pelé, Marc Overmars, and Thomas Müller.

This prestigious accolade shines a spotlight on the emerging talents who light up the biggest stage in football, often hinting at the future stars of the sport. It’s a celebration of youthful brilliance and fearless performances that capture the imagination of fans worldwide.

FIFA Young Player Award Explained

The FIFA Young Player Award is presented to the standout player in the FIFA World Cup who is 21-years-old or younger at the time of the tournament.

Initially, from 1958 to 2002, the award was retrospectively chosen by a FIFA-organised internet survey, with the FIFA Technical Study Group also contributing to the selection for the official award from 2006 onwards.

The official award was formally introduced at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, initially known as the Best Young Player Award, before being rebranded as the FIFA Young Player Award. Notable winners include Pelé, who won the inaugural unofficial award in 1958, and more recently, Kylian Mbappé and Enzo Fernández.

FIFA Young Player Award Winners List

Since its inception, both unofficially and officially, the World Cup Best Young Player award has been bestowed upon a remarkable array of footballing prodigies. These players not only showcased immense talent but also made significant impacts on their respective tournaments.

Here’s a look at the Best Young Player winners through the years.

Pelé (1958)

At just 17-years-old, Pelé burst onto the scene at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, scoring six goals and leading Brazil to their first World Cup title.

His incredible performances, including a hat-trick in the semi-final and two goals in the final, cemented his legendary status early. Pelé would only continue to ascend and still ranks among the World Cup all time top scorers.

Flórián Albert (1962)

The Hungarian centre-forward, aged 20, was a key figure for his national team at the 1962 World Cup in Chile. Despite Hungary’s quarter-final exit, Albert’s skill and goal-scoring prowess earned him recognition as the tournament’s best young player.

Franz Beckenbauer (1966)

Franz Beckenbauer, then a 20-year-old sweeper, impressed greatly at the 1966 World Cup in England. He helped West Germany reach the final, showcasing his exceptional talent and leadership qualities that would define his illustrious career.

Teófilo Cubillas (1970)

The Peruvian attacking midfielder, aged 21, was a revelation at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Cubillas scored five goals, helping Peru reach the quarter-finals with his dynamic play and impressive finishing.

Władysław Żmuda (1974)

Poland’s 20-year-old centre-back Władysław Żmuda was a defensive rock at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany. His solid performances were instrumental in Poland securing a third-place finish in the tournament.

Antonio Cabrini (1978)

Italy’s 20-year-old left-back Antonio Cabrini demonstrated immense potential at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. His energetic runs and defensive contributions were a highlight for the Italian side.

Manuel Amoros (1982)

Manuel Amoros, a 21-year-old right-back for France, showcased his defensive solidity and attacking flair at the 1982 World Cup in Spain. He was a crucial part of the French team that reached the semi-finals.

Enzo Scifo (1986)

Belgium’s attacking midfielder Enzo Scifo, aged 20, was a creative force at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. His vision and technical ability helped Belgium reach the semi-finals, marking him as a player to watch.

Robert Prosinečki (1990)

Robert Prosinečki, a 21-year-old central midfielder for Yugoslavia, displayed his exceptional passing range and dribbling skills at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. He played a vital role in his team’s journey to the quarter-finals.

Marc Overmars (1994)

Netherlands’ 20-year-old left winger Marc Overmars captivated audiences at the 1994 World Cup in the United States with his blistering pace and direct attacking play. He was a constant threat for the Dutch side.

Michael Owen (1998)

At just 18, England’s Michael Owen made a sensational impact at the 1998 World Cup in France. His memorable goal against Argentina showcased his explosive speed and clinical finishing, making him a global sensation. Now, Owen ranks among England’s top World Cup goalscorers.

Landon Donovan (2002)

Landon Donovan, a 20-year-old forward for the United States, was instrumental in his team’s surprising run to the quarter-finals at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. He scored two goals and provided an assist.

Lukas Podolski (2006)

Germany’s Lukas Podolski, aged 21, won the first official FIFA Young Player Award on home soil at the 2006 World Cup. The centre forward scored three goals in seven appearances, helping Germany secure a third-place finish.

Thomas Müller (2010)

Another German talent, Thomas Müller, claimed the FIFA Young Player Award at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa at 20 years old. The versatile attacker also won the Golden Boot with five goals and three assists, as Germany finished third.

Paul Pogba (2014)

France’s 21-year-old central midfielder Paul Pogba earned the FIFA Young Player Award at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He scored one goal and provided one assist in five appearances, helping France reach the quarter-finals.

Kylian Mbappé (2018)

Kylian Mbappé, a 19-year-old right-winger for France, delivered a phenomenal performance at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He scored four goals, including one in the final, as France lifted the trophy, becoming the first teenager since Pelé to score in a World Cup final.

Enzo Fernández (2022)

Argentina’s 21-year-old central midfielder Enzo Fernández was a breakout star at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He scored one goal and was a crucial component in Argentina’s triumphant campaign, helping them secure the World Cup title.

Who Will Win the 2026 World Cup Best Young Player Award?

The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to showcase a new generation of talent, and several stars are already being tipped as strong contenders for the World Cup Best Young Player award.

RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, a Côte d’Ivoire winger, has had a spectacular year in German football, contributing 21 goals and assists and winning the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award.

His explosive pace and goal-scoring ability make him a prime candidate for the award and a highlight of his nation’s World Cup team preview.

Croatian defender Luka Vušković, aged 19, has been a standout this season, earning the Rookie Player of the Month award four times during his loan spell with Hamburg. His defensive prowess, combined with six league goals, makes him a formidable presence.

Lastly, RB Leipzig’s Norwegian winger Antonio Nusa, 21, is a dangerous player in open space, terrorising defences with his acceleration and direct dribbling. With Erling Haaland drawing defensive attention, Nusa could thrive in the created space, building on his 22 senior caps and seven goals for Norway.

FIFA Young Player Award FAQs:

Who won the best young player award at the 2022 FIFA World Cup?

Enzo Fernández of Argentina won the FIFA Young Player Award at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The 21-year-old midfielder was a pivotal part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad, contributing one goal and showcasing impressive performances throughout the tournament.

Who is the youngest player to win the FIFA Young Player Award?

Pelé is the youngest player to win the FIFA Young Player Award, having received the unofficial accolade in 1958 at just 17 years old. His remarkable six goals and instrumental role in Brazil’s World Cup victory set a precedent for future young talents.

Who was the first recipient of the World Cup Best Young Player award?

The first recipient of the World Cup Best Young Player award was Pelé in 1958. Although it was a retrospective award decided by an online survey, his performances at the tournament were so impactful that he is widely recognised as the inaugural winner.

Has an English player ever won the World Cup Best Young Player award?

Yes, an English player has won the World Cup Best Young Player award. Michael Owen received the unofficial award in 1998, after his electrifying performances as an 18-year-old striker for England at the tournament in France.

Did Kylian Mbappé win the FIFA Young Player Award?

Yes, Kylian Mbappé won the FIFA Young Player Award at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. At 19-years-old, he scored four goals, including one in the final, playing a crucial role in France’s World Cup triumph.

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