All of the Young Player Award Winners in World Cup History

Cameron Kelly Updated: Jun 03 2026 20:24

The spotlight isn't only on the game's biggest stars, but also on the next generation ready to break through on soccer's biggest stage.

The Young Player Award World Cup winner goes to the best-performing player in the tournament who is 21 years old or younger.

With the 2026 World Cup quickly approaching, anticipating is building around who is going to be the breakthrough player.

Here are all the winners of the Young Player Award.

Enzo Fernandez (2022)

During the 2022 World Cup, Enzo Fernandez was 21 years old starting the tournament on the sidelines. However, his breakthrough came during the 87th minute of the group stage game scoring against Mexico.

Fernandez ended up starting in five out of his seven appearances for Argentina, playing for a total of 563 minutes. Argentina defeated France to win the 2022 World Cup.

Kylian Mbappe (2018)

Kylian Mbappe is widely known as one of the best soccer players in the world. In the 2018 World Cup, he scored four goals in seven appearances.

Mbappe played a critical role in France's success, ultimately helping them win the tournament. He became the first teenager (19) to score in a World Cup Final since Pele in 1958.

Paul Pogba (2014)

Paul Pogba had a breakthrough international tournament at the 2014 World Cup, at age 21. In five appearances, Pogba scored one goal and had an assist for France.

He scored a vital goal in the 79th minute against Nigeria to break a scoreless tie against Nigeria, sending France to the quarterfinals.

Thomas Muller (2010)

Thomas Muller was called up to Germany's national team in 2010. At just 20 years old, he scored five goals and had three assists during the World Cup.

Muller also won the Golden Boot award as the tournament's top scorer in 2010. It was a historic breakthrough for Thomas Mullers in his Germany debut.

Lukas Podolski (2006)

Lukas Podolski was the first ever Young Player Award winner. At 21 years old, he scored three goals in seven appearances for Germany. In Germany's match against Sweden in the Round of 16, Podolski scored both goals to secure the 2-0 win.

Podolski was a dominant striker, renowned for his explosive pace and powerful left foot. He played a critical role in the 2014 World Cup helping Germany win the tournament.