In brief
Adolescence was a time of peak performance for some of the best football players in history.
Argentina is fortunate to have two of the most promising young players in history.
At the age of 17, Brazilian legend Pele won the first of his unprecedented three World Cup championships.
Some exceptionally talented adolescents have dazzled the football world with their performances over the years. It’s difficult enough to reach the pinnacle of the world’s most popular sport at your prime, but to become an elite athlete before turning 20 is a distinction that only the most gifted athletes have accomplished.
Because of the explosive start to their professions, several teens fall short of the high standards set. A once-bright light can be dimmed by injuries, bad choices, and the unpredictable nature of a body that hasn’t finished growing. Others are able to get better, becoming the greatest football players of their generation and sweeping the football world. Fans may be seeing some of the biggest talents of the future right now, given the performances of Arsenal’s young combination of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly and Barcelona’s wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
The prodigies who relished and persevered through both extremes are shown here. These gifted teenagers had a big impact on their side in addition to winning a ton of trophies in the early years of their careers.
Ranking Elements
Influence on the squad Honors received as a teenager
League Expectations, Difficulty, and the Top 15 Teens in Football History
Rank
The player
Groups
Looks
Objectives
Significant Trophies Acquired
1.
Pele
Santos, Cosmos of New York,
Brazil
858
786
27
2.
Mbappe Kylian
Monaco, PSG, Real Madrid, France
505
365
18
3.
Lionel Messi
Barcelona, PSG,
Argentina’s Inter Miami
1,096
858
44
4.
Maradona, Diego
Boca Juniors and Argentina Juniors
Barcelona, Sevilla, Napoli,
Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys
582
293
9.
5.
Ronaldo
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Cruzeiro,
AC Milan, Corinthians, PSV, and Inter Milan
Brazil
559
365
16
6.
Yamal Lamine
Spain’s Barcelona
119
26
3.
7.
Rooney, Wayne
Derby County, Manchester United, and Everton
England’s DC United
901
375
13.
8.
Greaves, Jimmy
West Ham, Tottenham, AC Milan, Chelsea,
England’s Chelmsford, Barnet
687
460
4.
9.
Michael Owen
England’s Manchester United, Stoke City, Real Madrid, Newcastle, and Liverpool
572
263
8.
10.
Edwards, Duncan
England’s Manchester United
177
21
2.
11.
Ronaldo Cristiano
Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr, Portugal, Manchester United, and Sporting CP
1,270
928
27
12.
Cruyff, Johan
Feyenoord, Barcelona, Ajax, and the Netherlands
612.
357
21
13.
Fabregas Cesc
Spain’s Como, Monaco, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Arsenal
518
81
9.
14.
Eusebio
Portugal, New Jersey Americans, Benfica, Boston Minutemen, Monterrey, Toronto Metros-Croatia, Beira-Mar, Las Vegas Quicksilvers, and Uniao de Tomar
436
424
16
15.
Kluivert, Patrick
Newcastle, Valencia, PSV, Lille, Netherlands, Milan, Barcelona, Ajax, and
343
149
5.
15Patrick Kluivert
Netherlands
Part of Ajax’s ‘Golden Generation’ that emerged in the early 1990s, Patrick Kluivert is regarded as one of the best Dutch attackers of all time. When the 18-year-old center-forward scored the game-winning goal in the 1995 Champions League final versus Milan, it was maybe the highlight of his career.
In fact, he scored over 20 goals in all competitions in back-to-back seasons during his first two seasons at Ajax, which was also his first season playing professional football. This was an amazing accomplishment for a young player. Kluivert was certainly an exceptionally talented and prolific adolescent, even though his career may not have lived up to the early indications of superstardom.
Statistics for Patrick Kluivert’s Career
Group
Newcastle, Valencia, PSV, Lille, Milan, Barcelona, and Ajax
Applications
343
Objectives
149
Honors
Eredivisie, La Liga, and the Champions League (x3)
14Eusebio
Portugal
Eusebio, who is unquestionably among the best strikers in football history, more than lived up to the extraordinary promise he displayed early in his career. While playing for Sporting CP’s feeder teams, he attracted the attention of scouts from all around the nation. Benfica, a Portuguese team, then signed him and saw him develop into one of Europe’s most lethal strikers.
Eusebio solidified his place in the hearts of the supporters after joining Benfica at the age of 18, leading the Eagles to a historic Champions League final victory over Real Madrid just two years into his career. He scored an incredible 29 goals in 31 games during his first full season with Benfica. He then improved even further in his second season, scoring 38 goals in 39 games.
The Career Statistics of Eusebio
Group
New Jersey Americans, Benfica, Boston Minutemen, Monterrey, Toronto Metros-Croatia, Beira-Mar, Las Vegas Quicksilvers, and Uniao de Tomar
Applications
436
Objectives
424
Honors
Portuguese Cup (x5), Liga Portugal (x11)
13Cesc Fabregas
Spain
When Arsenal played Rotherham in October 2003, Cesc Fabregas made his professional debut at the age of 16 years and 6 months. Within a few years of his career, he became the club captain, cementing his place in Gunners legend. Fabregas was the best in the business because of his ability to break through any defense and score a crucial goal. He even scored against Juventus during the north London team’s journey to the Champions League final.
The fact that any young Arsenal midfielder who makes an impression is still compared to Fabregas and his style of play says a lot. There is no doubt that the Spaniard fulfilled his potential after going on to win the World Cup and the European Championships, and he is also converting that into a modest management career with Como.
Career Statistics for Cesc Fabregas
Group
Monaco, Como, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Arsenal
Applications
518
Objectives
81
Honors
World Cup, Copa del Rey, Europa League, La Liga, Premier League, FA Cup (two), and European Championship
12Johan Cruyff
The Netherlands
One of the most significant individuals in the sport’s history is Johan Cruyff. His football philosophy revolutionized the game and left a lasting impact of managers, like Pep Guardiola, who cite him as a mentor. Cruyff lit up the pitch before making his way to the dugout. When the Dutchman made his debut in the Ajax first squad and established himself as a mainstay, he was only 17. He made his debut for the Netherlands, scoring in a Euro 1968 qualifying match against Hungary, a year after winning his first Eredivisie title at the age of 18.
During his remarkable career, he won three Ballon d’Or honors, demonstrating how good he was as a youth and how much his game improved. At the ripe age of 27, Cruyff lost 2-1 to West Germany, just missing winning the 1974 FIFA World Cup despite winning 21 trophies. The tournament’s player of the year award went to the Dutchman. His remarkable career began with his adolescent performances for Ajax, and he went on to become an important player and manager for Barcelona.
The Career Statistics of Johan Cruyff
Groups
Feyenoord, Barcelona, Ajax, and the Netherlands
Applications
612.
Objectives
357
Honors
Spanish Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Champions League (3), La Liga, Dutch Champion (9), and Dutch Cup (6)
11Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo’s longevity is arguably the most compelling argument for his status as the greatest player of all time. After turning 30, the compulsive worker scored more goals for his country than the legendary Pele accomplished in his whole career (77). Ronaldo was raw and erratic at times, but it doesn’t mean he wasn’t productive when he was younger.
When the Portuguese legend was eighteen, Sir Alex Ferguson pulled him from Sporting CP’s starting lineup and gave him the coveted number seven shirt that David Beckham had left behind for Manchester United. Ronaldo was initially hesitant to assume the responsibility, but he more than lived up to the digit’s legendary reputation, having a quietly successful rookie season in England that included his game-winning performance in a victorious FA Cup final.
Ferguson said that Ronaldo might be “better than anything in Europe” following the incredible performance at Wembley. How accurate he was.
Statistics for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Career
Groups
Al Nassr, Juventus, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Sporting CP
Applications
1,270
Objectives
928
Honors
Champions League (5), Club World Cup (4), Arab Club Champions Cup, UEFA European Championship, UEFA Nations League, FA Cup, Copa del Rey (2), Coppa Italia, League Cup (2), UEFA Super Cup (2), Premier League (3), La Liga (2), Serie A (2),
10Duncan Edwards
England
Duncan Edwards’ greatest misfortune is that he hardly had time to grow past his adolescence. The talismanic midfielder for Manchester United died in the 1958 Munich flight accident at the young age of 21. In his tragically brief life, the proud Dudley youngster accomplished a great deal.
When Edwards made his Manchester United debut at the age of 16, he was already 6’0 (183 cm) and weighed 12 and a half stone (79 kg), giving him titles such as “the Baby Giant” due to his fully grown adult size even as a teenager. Edwards, an 18-year-old England international, was known for both his tremendous strength and speed. Sir Stanley Matthews, the renowned winger, once exclaimed, “I can’t remember any other player that size who was quick like that.” “The spirit of British football” is how England manager Walter Winterbottom encapsulated the prodigy’s legendary position.
Career Statistics for Duncan Edwards
Group
United Manchester
Applications
177
Objectives
21
Honors
Division I (2)
9Michael Owen
England
It wasn’t until the middle of the 1999–2000 season that Michael Owen turned 20. The fast-paced Liverpool striker had already won Premier League Player of the Season, ended as England’s top scorer twice, and scored one of the most well-known goals in World Cup history at that point.
Owen, who would win the prestigious prize three years later, was voted fourth in the Ballon d’Or awards as a magnificent eighteen-year-old, but he surely reached his zenith in his teens. Owen continually pestered the opponent backlines, who had no means of stopping the baby-faced assassin, with a change of pace that gave defenders nightmares.
The Career Statistics of Michael Owen
Groups
England’s Manchester United, Newcastle, Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Stoke
Applications
572
Objectives
263
Honors
UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, League Cup, FA Cup, and Premier League
8Jimmy Greaves
England
Jimmy Greaves’ goal-scoring prowess may not receive the recognition it merits because of the Premier League’s creation. Greaves scored on his Chelsea debut at the age of 17, which was a fitting beginning to his illustrious career. The striker became the youngest player in history to record 100 league goals before turning 21.
At the age of 18, Greaves had already made a name for himself in the England team and was soon regarded as their lucky charm. With a record six hat-tricks for the Three Lions, his international career was as bit as remarkable as his play for his different clubs. However, Greaves’ reputation as the man who missed the 1966 World Cup final would soon lead to negative points.
After sustaining a serious leg wound in the World Cup final group match that required 14 stitches, Greaves was replaced by Geoff Hurst. Sir Alf Ramsey, the manager of England, refused to alter a winning squad. Since only the first 11 were eligible, Greaves notoriously missed out on a winners’ medal. When the remaining members of the squad and backroom personnel were finally acknowledged in 2009, that altered everything.
The Career Statistics of Jimmy Greaves
Groups
Tottenham, West Ham, Chelsea, AC Milan, Chelmsford, Barnet, England
Applications
687
Objectives
460
Honors
FA Cup (2), Serie A, and FIFA World Cup
7Wayne Rooney
England
Wayne Rooney made his debut with Everton at the age of sixteen, scoring a memorable goal against Arsenal in 2002. Everyone could see how confident and talented he was. At the age of 17, he was rewarded with a call-up to England in February 2003. When Rooney, at just eighteen, lit up Euro 2004, those who had not heard of him suddenly took note. His enthusiasm, self-assurance, and natural talent gave the country hope that England would win the competition. Before his participation in Euro 2004 was cut short due to a broken foot sustained during the quarterfinal match against Portugal, Rooney scored four goals. At the time, Sven-Goran Eriksson, the manager of England, asserted:
Since Pele in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, I can’t recall someone having such an influence on a competition.
Rooney would go on to become the all-time top scorer for Manchester United and England. Rooney had an outstanding career, winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League, despite his failures on the international scene. Many people frequently ponder what would have happened if Rooney had not been hurt during Euro 2004.
The Career Statistics of Wayne Rooney
Groups
England’s Everton, Manchester United, Derby County, and DC United
Applications
901
Objectives
375
Honors
FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Europa League, FA Cup, League Cup (4), Premier League (5), and Champions League
6Lamine Yamal
Spain
Lamine Yamal became a superstar before he was even seventeen. The highlight of a breakthrough season for the child still wearing braces was a spectacular goal for Spain versus France in the Euro 2024 semi-final. Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez compared a player who his international manager said was “touched by God’s magic wand” to Lionel Messi. Throughout the current 2024–2025 campaign, the gifted teenager has once again demonstrated his ability to beat the world.
It is not until the conclusion of the 2026–2027 season that Yamal turns 20. The incredibly talented winger will only be prevented from moving up the list by an unfortunate injury, which has hindered a number of Barcelona’s promising youth in recent years. You wouldn’t rule out him topping this ranking at some point, given his current pace after becoming the youngest player to score in the Round of 16, quarterfinal, and semifinal of a single Champions League campaign.
The Career Statistics of Lamine Yamal
Group
Barcelona
Applications
119
Objectives
26
Honors
La Liga, the European Championship, and the Copa del Rey
5Ronaldo
Brazil
Ronaldo was one of the most deadly shooters in international football until suffering a terrible knee injury that altered his style of play. Ronaldo was so highly regarded that, at the age of 17, he was sent to the 1994 World Cup with Brazil, even though he only played in 14 games during his Cruzeiro rookie season. The youthful player would soon establish himself on the national team, but he did not play for the world champions in the tournament. Before turning 20, Ronaldo had won the Dutch Cup with PSV and two trophies for Cruzeiro.
Ronaldo played for some of the biggest teams in football, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, and his inspirational efforts helped lead Brazil to the 2002 World Cup. Ronaldo is regarded by many as one of the greatest attackers of all time. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a former forward for Sweden, was quick to praise his own skills but acknowledged that Ronaldo was “the greatest.” “There was nobody like him.”
The Career Statistics of Ronaldo
Groups
Cruzeiro, AC Milan, Corinthians, Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSV, Inter Milan, and Brazil
Applications
559
Objectives
365
Honors
Copa America, FIFA World Cup, Confederations Cup, La Liga, UEFA Super Cup, Spanish Cup, Spanish Super Cup, Dutch Cup, Brazilian Cup, and UEFA Cup (2)
4Diego Maradona
Argentina
Diego Maradona remained mysterious. He was able to accomplish quite inconceivable feats with the ball. He gained notoriety for his skillful weaving runs and amazing ability to handle powerful challenges from defenders. Remarkably, at the age of 15, Maradona made his Aregntinos Juniors debut. He had already made a name for himself in the Argentina team a year later, and because of his extraordinary talent, it was controversial to leave him out of the 1978 World Cup squad at the age of 18.
Maradona helped Argentina win the World Cup in 1986 after winning the World Youth Championship as a teenager. His impact on football is indisputable, and he is rightfully considered to be among the greatest players to have ever played the game.
Statistics for Diego Maradona’s Career
Groups
Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, Boca Juniors, and Argentinos Juniors
Applications
582
Objectives
293
Honors
Serie A (2), Coppa Italia, SuperCoppa Italiana, La Liga, Spanish Cup, UEFA Cup, FIFA World Cup, and Argentine Primera Division
3Lionel Messi
Argentina
Not unexpectedly, Lionel Messi is on the list. He made his debut against Espanyol at the age of 16, and Barcelona had recognized his absurd skill from a very young age. Messi’s significance to the Barcelona team was undeniable, as he had already won two La Liga titles, the Champions League, and the U20 World Cup before turning 20. This was an incredible trophy haul for someone so young. Messi swiftly emerged as their star player and was attracting attention in the football community due to his extraordinary skill.
Throughout his remarkable career, Messi has won an astounding 44 titles for his various teams, and he is still looking to add more with Inter Miami. The Barcelona icon is regarded as the greatest player of his time and has earned a record eight Ballon d’Or honors.
The Career Statistics of Lionel Messi
Groups
Argentina, Barcelona, PSG, and Inter Miami
Applications
1,096
Objectives
858
Honors
La Liga (10), UEFA Super Cup (3), Spanish Cup (7), Spanish Super Cup (8), French Super Cup, French Champion (2), Olympic Gold Medal, FIFA World Cup, Copa America (2), Champions League (4), FIFA Club World Cup (3)
2Kylian Mbappe
France
Superlatives cannot adequately describe Kylian Mbappe’s extraordinary talent. When France won the World Cup in 2018, the striker became the first player to score in a final since the legendary Pele. Defenders soon found Mbappe’s terrifying speed and poise to be a nightmare. At the age of 17, the striker scored in Monaco’s Champions League debut against Manchester City.
Mbappe, who is only 25 years old, has already won 18 major trophies in his career, and more will undoubtedly follow while wearing the Real Madrid uniform. Surprisingly, despite his steady performances since making his debut, the striker has not yet won the Ballon d’Or. But it’s a matter of when rather than if.
Statistics for Kylian Mbappe’s Career
Groups
Real Madrid, Monaco, PSG, and France
Applications
505
Objectives
365
Honors
French Champions (7), French Cup (4), French League Cup (2), French Super Cup (3), FIFA World Cup, and Nations League
1Pele
Brazil
Pele made his Santos debut at the age of 15, and before turning 20, he won three Brazilian championships with the team. At the age of 17, he lifted the coveted trophy and became the youngest player to score in a World Cup final. Aside from Brazil, Pele was unknown before to the 1958 World Cup. He was regarded as a superstar at the tournament’s conclusion.
The striker was regarded as the best in the world during his career, winning 27 trophies. Three World Cups are among Pele’s remarkable trophy collection, setting a record for any player. There is no denying Pele’s exceptional talent, even though there are disagreements on how many goals he finished his career with. In an era of brutal tackles and terrible surfaces, this player’s grace was evident, and his style has impacted numerous football personalities.
The Career Statistics of Pele
Groups
Brazil’s Santos, New York Cosmos
Applications
858
Objectives
786
Honors
Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A (6), Copa Libertadores (2), Intercontinental Cup (2), Intercontinental Super Cup (2), Atlantic Conference, FIFA World Cup (3), Soccer Bowl, and Campeonato Paulista (10)
xz
