Many of the world's most prominent soccer players take center stage during the FIFA World Cup. The tournament also presents an opportunity for the sport's up-and-coming players to have breakout performances while billions of spectators watch around the globe.
Since 2006, the World Cup's best player aged 21 or under has been presented the FIFA Young Player Award. Eligible players must be 21 years old or younger at the start of the calendar year of the tournament.
Previous winners of the award include a then-19-year-old Kylian Mbappé, who scored four goals for eventual champion France during the 2018 World Cup and became the first teenager to score in a World Cup final since Pelé in 1958.
The 2026 edition of the World Cup will be played from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico. This year's tournament will feature 48 teams, an expansion from the previous 32-team format.
Here is a list of the players who have won the FIFA Young Player Award at the FIFA World Cup:
2022: Enzo Fernández (Argentina)
21 years old
One goal in seven appearances (563 minutes)
Helped Argentina win the tournament
2018: Kylian Mbappé (France)
19 years old
Four goals in seven appearances (534 minutes)
Helped France win the tournament
2014: Paul Pogba (France)
21 years old
One goal and one assist in five appearances (354 minutes)
Helped France reach the quarterfinals
2010: Thomas Müller (Germany)
20 years old
Five goals and three assists in six appearances (473 minutes)
Helped Germany finish third
2006: Lukas Podolski (Germany)
21 years old
Three goals in seven appearances (636 minutes)
Helped Germany finish third
Check out the ESPN FIFA World Cup hub page for the latest news, scores, stats, schedule, standings and more.
