Scoring in a FIFA World Cup is one of the most special moments in any footballer's career. However, some players managed to achieve that milestone while still teenagers, leaving an unforgettable mark on the history of the tournament.

Throughout the different editions of the World Cup, only a handful of players have scored their first World Cup goal before turning 20. Among them are legends such as Pelé, established stars like Lionel Messi, and young talents who are still writing their stories, such as Lamine Yamal.

Pelé Still Holds the All-Time Record

The top spot still belongs to Brazilian legend Pelé, who scored his first World Cup goal at just 17 years and 239 days old during the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden.

That performance marked the beginning of a legendary career. The Brazilian star not only became the youngest goalscorer in World Cup history but also went on to lift the trophy and establish himself as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.

Mexico and Spain on the Podium

Second place belongs to Mexico's Manuel Rosas, who scored at 18 years and 93 days old, a record that has stood since the early years of the FIFA World Cup.

Close behind is Spain's Gavi, who scored during Qatar 2022 at 18 years and 110 days old, becoming one of the youngest goalscorers of the modern era and one of Spanish football's brightest prospects.

Mbaye Makes History at the 2026 World Cup

The Senegalese forward has already left his mark on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Even before the group stage has concluded, Iliman Mbaye scored his first World Cup goal at 18 years and 143 days old.

His goal propelled him directly into fourth place on the all-time list, surpassing several iconic names and confirming the rise of a generation expected to play a leading role in the years ahead.

Messi, Yamal and Other Stars on the List

The ranking also includes players who later became global stars. Michael Owen scored his first World Cup goal for England at 18 years and 190 days old, while Romania's Nicolae Kovács achieved the feat at 18 years and 197 days old.

Further down the list are Russia's Dmitri Sychev (18 years and 231 days), Spain's Lamine Yamal (18 years and 343 days), and Argentina's Lionel Messi (18 years and 357 days), who began his remarkable World Cup journey in the process.

Rounding out the top 10 is United States forward Julian Green, who scored at 19 years and 25 days old.

Ranking of the Youngest Players to Score Their First World Cup Goal

A Record That Has Stood the Test of Time

Despite the constant emergence of young talents in international football, Pelé's record has remained untouched since 1958. More than six decades later, no player has managed to score their first World Cup goal at a younger age.

With increasingly younger players making an impact at the highest level, the Brazilian's mark remains one of the most difficult records to break in FIFA World Cup history.