MANY schoolchildren dream of representing their country at the World Cup, but for a few talented teenagers, that dream became a reality.
Whilst this will be the last World Cup for many players, perhaps including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, it will be the first for many others.
Those youngsters who will be called up have the chance to shine on the biggest stage of all.
Looking back into the World Cup archives, there are a few names on this list you might recognise.
Who are the youngest players ion World Cup history?
Norman Whiteside takes top spot on the list, playing in the 1982 World Cup for Northern Ireland at the tender age of 17 years and 40 days.
Whiteside went on to break even more records, becoming Manchester United’s youngest ever goalscorer and drawing comparisons with George Best.
A familiar face is in at number two. Ex-Barcelona and Chelsea star Samuel Eto’o played for Cameroon in the 1988 World Cup at the age of 17 years and 98 days.
The striker went on to become the country’s all-time leading goalscorer.
The most prolific player of all time Pele takes up the fifth spot. The 17-year-old made history by lifting the World Cup trophy and finishing as the tournament’s second top goalscorer.
Here are the top 5 in full:
- Norman Whiteside (17 years, 40 days) – Northern Ireland
- Samuel Eto’o (17 years, 98 days) – Cameroon
- Femi Opabunmi (17 years, 100 days) – Nigeria
- Salomon Olembe (17 years, 184 days) – Cameroon
- Pele (17 years, 234 days) – Brazil
