Last update March 24, 2024 by colgadosporelfutbol
At the World Cup in Germany held in the year 2006, the FIFA incorporated the award to Best young player (less than 21 years) of the championship. In this article we will review the youngest footballers who stood out in each World Cup.
SKIN (BRAZIL) - SWEDEN 1958
The Brazilian debuted in his first World Cup with 17 years and it was already a fundamental piece. Brazil was proclaimed champion and Pelé scored 4 goals, some of them very important. Definitely, the best young player of that edition.
FLORIAN ALBERT (HUNGARY) – CHILE 1962
At a time when Hungary had a large selection, although not as powerful as the one that reached the end of 1954, highlighted a young man of 20 year-old Florian Albert. The footballer was one of the One Club Man because he developed his entire career at Ferencvaros.
FRANZ BECKENBAUER (GERMANY) – ENGLAND 1966
A true legend of football in general and of German in particular. Kaiser had a most successful career. His first appearance in a World Cup was in 1966 without having fulfilled the 21 years. His duel with Bobby Charlton in the final he went down in football history.
Teofilo Cubillas (PERU) - MEXICO 1970
Undoubtedly, the best Peruvian soccer player of all time. Teofilo Cubillas it became known internationally at the World Cup in Mexico in 1970 with only 20 year old. He was able to score a total of 5 goals (1 a Bulgaria, 2 Morocco, 1 to Germany and 1 to Brazil).
WLADISLAW ZMUDA (POLAND) - GERMANY 1974
At a time when Poland had a very powerful team, Wladislaw Zmuda He was the best young player of the World Cup held in Germany in 1974. The central, their 20 years, it was key for his team to finish in third place that championship.
ANTONIO CABRINI (ITALY) – ARGENTINA 1978
Another young soccer player who stood out in a World Cup with hardly 20 years. The Italian left back went to Argentina 1978 without having made debut with the absolute selection, but nevertheless, soon it was done with the ownership. Later, would be champion in Spain ’82.
MANUEL AMORÓS (FRANCE) – SPAIN 1982
The best young player in the World Cup in Spain was, without a doubt, Manuel Amorós. The French debuted with his team with 20 years that same year (1982). He played all the matches of that tournament in which France was eliminated in the semifinals.
ENZO SCIFO (BELGIUM) - MEXICO 1986
The Belgian team was one of the great surprises of the World Cup in Mexico 1986. The Red Devils they reached the semifinals where they were eliminated against Maradona's Argentina. A young man of 20 year-old Enzo Scifo that he would become one of the best Belgian footballers in history.
ROBERT PROSINECKI (YUGOSLAVIA) – ITALIA 1990
In the years 80 Y 90, Yugoslavia was a factory of talent. Above all stressed Robert Prosinecki, leader of the Red Star who was proclaimed champion of Europe in 1991. At the World Cup in Italy 1990, in which the Yugoslavs eliminated Spain and reached the quarterfinals, he was the best young player.
MARC OVERMARS (HOLLAND) - USA 1994
The United States World Cup played in 1994 featured big stars. The dutch team, who saw the faces with Brazil in the quarterfinals, he had some of the best young players of the moment. One of them, Marc Overmars, exploded as far left. At that time I had not yet met the 21 years.
MICHAEL OWEN (ENGLAND) – FRANCE 1998
Little discussion regarding the best young player in the World Cup in France 1998. English Michael Owen, of 18 years, scored two goals for his team, one of them, surely, the best of the tournament. From that moment on, his career only grew..
LANDON DONOVAN (UNITED STATES) – KOREA AND JAPAN 2002
Landon Donovan he was one of the most talented players in American history. In a country where soccer was never the king, this skilled midfielder became a benchmark for his team. His debut in a World Cup occurred in Korea and Japan, with only 20 years, and was the highlight of his team.
LUKAS PODOLSKI (GERMANY) - GERMANY 2006
The idyll of Lukas Podolski with the goal it started very soon. Although he could choose to play for the Polish team, the striker opted for Germany as one of the all-time leading scorers. His first World Cup was 2006, with 21 years, and he was named the best young player thanks, partly, to his three goals in seven games played. Before, in 2004, had already been to the Euro Cup.
THOMAS MULLER (GERMANY) – SOUTH AFRICA 2010
Another German who sneaks onto the list. Thomas Muller specialized in scoring goals in World Cup finals. In the of 2010, striker scored 5 goals and dealt 3 assists which helped him win the Golden Boot with 20 years.
JAMES RODRIGUEZ (COLOMBIA) - BRAZIL 2014
The paper of James Rodriguez at the World Cup in Brazil 2014 it was brilliant. I note 6 goals, what helped him win the Golden Boot, and took Colombia to the quarterfinals, the best participation in its history.
KYLIAN MBAPPÉ (FRANCE) – RUSSIA 2018
French deserves a special mention Kylian Mbappé. The striker was one of the best players on his team in Russia 2018 where France won the second World Cup in its history. With 19 years was able to score 4 goals, deservingly achieving the award for the best young player in the tournament.
