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The last 10 FIFA World Cup Young Player award winners
SEN • May 22nd, 2026 4:17 pm
The FIFA Young Player Award was first awarded in 1958.
Brazilian legend Pelé won the first Young Player Award when scoring six goals as a 17-year-old as his nation won the title in Sweden.
The likes of Franz Beckenbauer and Antonio Cabrini won in ensuing years.
We've taken a uick look at the last 10 winners of the award.
The last 10 Young Player award winners
1986 (Mexico) - Enzo Scifo (Belgium)
Scigo played every minute of the tournament for Belgium who finished fourth. Scored twice and was Belgium's playmaking maestro at the age of 20.
1990 (Italy) - Robert Prosinečki (Yugoslavia)
Prosinečki netted once and helped Yugoslavia reached the final eight at Italia '90.
1994 (USA) - Marc Overmars (Netherlands)
The Dutch prodigy starred in 1994, providing two assists and creating plenty of chances as a winger. Overmar helped Holland finish third in the tournament.
1998 (France) - Michael Owen (England)
Owen burst onto the World Cup scene at France '98 as an 18-year-old, scoring twice in five outings. England bowed out on penalties to Argentina in the Round of 16 but not for the efforts of Owen who scored in the first half.
2002 (South Korea/Japan) - Landon Donovan (USA)
Donovan netted twice and provided one assist in five appearances for the US in South Korea & Japan. He became the first and remains the only North American to win the award.
2006 (Germany) - Lukas Podolski (Germany)
Was 21 when he scored three goals in seven appearances as his nation finished third. Was an integral part of Germany's setup in their home World Cup.
2010 (South Africa) - Thomas Müller (Germany)
The Germans again finished third with 20-year-old Müller starring. He scored five goals and provided three assists on his way to claiming the Golden Boot as well as the Best Young Player award.
2014 (Brazil) - Paul Pogba (France)
At the age of 21, star midfielder Pogba performed with aplomb as France made it to the quarters. Netted one goal and provided one assist in five outings.
2018 (Russia) - Kylian Mbappé (France)
One of the best World Cup performances we have seen by a teenager. Mbappé scored four goals in seven appearances as a 19-year-old, including the fourth in France's 4-2 final triumph over Croatia.
2022 (Qatar) - Enzo Fernández (Argentina)
The midfielder, at the age of 21, was a key contributor for Argentina in Qatar as they won their third World Cup title. Scored one goal and pulled the strings in central midfield.
The FIFA World Cup 26™ in the USA, Mexico and Canada kicks off on Friday, June 12. You can hear EVERY GAME LIVE across the SEN network.
