- Football has become so professionalized nowadays. And that’s why kids are turning pro at a younger age.
- A good number of teams participating in this World Cup, such as England, Spain and Costa Rica, have offered opportunities to young players.
- The youngest player in this FIFA World Cup tournament is Youssoufa Moukoko, who turned 18 on November 20.
The youngest players in this World Cup tournament will be using the stage to showcase their talent to the whole world.
Football has become so professionalized nowadays. And that’s why kids are turning pro at a younger age.
A good number of teams participating in this World Cup have offered opportunities to young players. Spain’s midfield is comprised of teenagers Gavi and Pedri, who are 18 and 19, respectively.
England and Germany also have youngsters who will be among the players to watch during this campaign.
This article will discuss the top five youngest players in this World Cup.
1. Youssoufa Moukoko – 18 years
Youssoufa Moukoko is the youngest player in this FIFA World Cup tournament. The German international turned 18 on November 20.
Youssoufa Moukoko. Photo/ Goal.com.
He made his World Cup debut on Wednesday, coming on in the 90th minute to replace Serge Gnabry as his side lost 2-1 to Japan.
Moukoko is widely regarded as one of the biggest talents in world football right now. The teenager has been so crucial for Borussia Dortmund this season.
With the absence of Timo Werner in Germany’s squad, Youssoufa Moukoko is likely to get more playing time. Due to his goalscoring ability, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he scores his first World Cup goal in the coming days.
2. Jewison Bennette – 18 Years
Jewison Francisco Bennette Villegas was born on June 15, 2004. The Costa Rican plays as a left winger for Sunderland.
The talented youngster played a significant role in helping Costa Rica clinch 19 points out of a possible 21 during their World Cup qualifiers.
Bennette made his debut in the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday evening as his side suffered a 7-0 humiliation to Spain. He played 60 minutes of the match before being replaced by Bryan Ruiz.
3. Bilal El Khannous – 18 Years
Bilal El Khannous, one of the youngest players in this World Cup, remained an unused substitute during Morocco’s 0-0 draw with Croatia.
The 18-year-old has impressed with KRC Genk in Belgium this season, and that’s why he made it to Morocco’s 26-man squad for the World Cup.
El Khannous, who plays as an attacking midfielder, was born in Belgium and represented the nation at the under-15 and under-16 levels.
He had the option to represent Belgium but chose to represent Morocco.
4. Garang Kuol – 18 Years
Garang Kuol plays as a forward for Central Coast Mariners and the Australian national team. He is expected to join Newcastle United in the January transfer window.
Born on September 15, 2004, Garang is one of the youngest players in this World Cup tournament.
The talented attacker made his World Cup debut on Tuesday night as Australia suffered a 4-1 loss to defending champions France. He came on as a substitute in the 72nd minute of the match.
Garang was born in Egypt to South Sudanese parents. His family had fled South Sudan and stayed in Egypt for one year before eventually moving to Australia as refugees.
5. Gavi – 18 Years
Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, popularly known as Gavi, was born on August 5, 2004. The 18-year-old plays as a central midfielder for La Liga club FC Barcelona and the Spain national team.
Gavi is one of the youngest players in this World Cup tournament. The central midfielder played all ninety minutes as Spain thrashed Costa Rica 7-0 in their World Cup opening match.
He scored Spain’s fifth goal during the massive win at Al Thumama Stadium.
Gavi scores against Costa Rica. Photo/ Barca Blaugranes.
Gavi has already proven to be one of the biggest talents in world football right now. He has been compared to FC Barcelona legends Xavi Hernandez and Iniesta due to his dribbling, intelligence, first touch, change of pace, close control and vision.
Gavi won the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy this year and will be looking forward to impressing in Qatar so as collect more accolades.
The youngster was one of the players who helped Spain finish as runner-up in the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League.
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