Brazil legend Pelé continues to hold the record as the youngest scorer in World Cup history
New Delhi, June 22: Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal etched his name into FIFA World Cup history after scoring in La Roja’s emphatic 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, becoming one of the youngest players ever to find the net at the tournament.
Yamal opened the scoring in the 10th minute, helping Spain register their first victory of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beginning their campaign with a disappointing goalless draw against Cape Verde.
At 18 years and 343 days old, the Barcelona winger climbed to eighth place on the list of the youngest goalscorers in World Cup history.
In doing so, he overtook Argentina great Lionel Messi, who was 18 years and 357 days old when he scored his first World Cup goal against Serbia and Montenegro during the 2006 tournament in Germany. Brazil legend Pelé continues to hold the record as the youngest scorer in World Cup history. He was just 17 years and 239 days old when he scored against Wales during the 1958 World Cup, a tournament that ended with Brazil lifting the trophy.
Mexico’s Manuel Rosas occupies second place after scoring against Argentina at the inaugural World Cup in 1930 at the age of 18 years and 93 days, while former England striker Michael Owen is third, having scored against Romania at the 1998 World Cup when he was 18 years and 190 days old.
Yamal’s achievement is particularly remarkable given that he was racing against time to recover from a hamstring injury suffered while playing for Barcelona in April.
The youngster has quickly become a key figure in Spain’s World Cup campaign and will be expected to play a crucial role when La Roja face Uruguay in their final Group H match on Saturday.
With his latest milestone, Yamal has further strengthened his reputation as one of world football’s brightest young talents while helping Spain keep their hopes alive in the tournament. (Agencies)
