The FIFA World Cup is a stage where legends are made, and age is just a number. Whether you’re a fresh-faced teenager or a seasoned veteran, the tournament has seen players of all ages leave their mark. From the youngest prodigies to the oldest warriors, scoring a goal on football’s biggest stage is a dream come true. Let’s look at the oldest and youngest players who scored in the World Cup and the stories behind their incredible achievements.
The Youngest: Pelé, the Teenage Sensation
When it comes to young talent, no one shines brighter than Pelé. At just 17 years and 239 days old, the Brazilian wonderkid became the youngest player to score in a World Cup during the 1958 tournament in Sweden. And he didn’t just score once—he netted six goals, including a hat-trick in the semi-final and two in the final against Sweden.
Pelé’s rise to stardom was nothing short of magical. He was so young that his teammates reportedly treated him like a little brother, calming his nerves before matches by joking around with him. But once he stepped onto the pitch, he played with the confidence of a seasoned pro. His goal in the final, where he flicked the ball over a defender and volleyed it into the net, is still considered one of the greatest World Cup moments.
Pelé’s record has stood for over six decades, and it’s hard to imagine anyone breaking it anytime soon. After all, how many 17-year-olds can handle the pressure of a World Cup, let alone dominate it?
The Oldest: Roger Milla, the Ageless Wonder
On the other end of the spectrum is Roger Milla, the Cameroonian striker who became the oldest player to score in a World Cup at 42 years and 39 days old during the 1994 tournament in the United States. Milla’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and a little bit of flair.
Milla had already made a name for himself in the 1990 World Cup, where his four goals helped Cameroon become the first African team to reach the quarter-finals. But it was his celebration—dancing by the corner flag—that made him a global icon. Four years later, he returned to the World Cup as a substitute and scored against Russia, breaking the record for the oldest goal scorer.
What makes Milla’s achievement even more remarkable is that he was technically retired before the 1990 World Cup. Cameroon’s president personally asked him to come out of retirement, and the rest is history. Milla proved that age is just a number, and his infectious energy made him a fan favourite.
Could These Records Be Broken?
Pelé’s record as the youngest scorer has stood the test of time, and it’s hard to imagine a 16-year-old stepping onto the World Cup stage and scoring. The pressure, the physicality, and the sheer scale of the tournament make it a daunting challenge for even the most talented teenagers.
As for Milla’s record, it’s equally unlikely to be broken anytime soon. With modern football becoming faster and more demanding, it’s rare to see players competing at the highest level in their 40s. But if anyone can do it, it’s someone with Milla’s passion and love for the game.
The stories of Pelé and Roger Milla are a testament to the magic of the World Cup. They show that football is a game for all ages, where dreams can come true whether you’re a teenager or in your 40s. These records aren’t just numbers—they’re reminders of the joy, the drama, and the unforgettable moments that make the World Cup so special.
So, the next time you’re watching a World Cup match, keep an eye out for the young prodigies and the seasoned veterans. You never know—you might just witness history in the making.