Youngest and Oldest Players in World Cup History: Here's the List!

For football players, competing in the World Cup is a valuable experience. Some players compete in this prestigious world competition when they reach a mature age, while others are still very young.

According to Theanalyst.com, there is a list of the youngest and oldest World Cup players throughout history, from 1930 to 2022. So, who are they?

Youngest World Cup Players:

• Norman Whiteside (Northern Ireland)

Norman Whiteside is a former Manchester United player who was named the youngest footballer ever to play in the World Cup, in the 1982 edition held in Spain. This midfielder and striker from Northern Ireland played in the World Cup at the age of 17 years and 40 days.

Here is a list of the youngest World Cup players throughout history:

1. Norman Whiteside (Northern Ireland): 17 years 40 days


2. Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon): 17 years 98 days


3. Femi Opabunmi (Nigeria): 17 years 100 days


4. Salomon Olembé (Cameroon): 17 years 184 days


5. Pelé (Brazil): 17 years 234 days

Oldest World Cup Players:

• Essam El-Hadary (Egypt)

Essam El-Hadary is a former Egyptian national team goalkeeper who was named the oldest footballer during the World Cup. He earned this title at the 2018 World Cup in Russia at the age of 45 years and 161 days.

Here is a list of the oldest World Cup players throughout history:

1. Essam El-Hadary (Egypt): 45 years 161 days


2. Faryd Mondragón (Colombia): 43 years 3 days


3. Roger Milla (Cameroon): 42 years 39 days


4. Pat Jennings (Northern Ireland): 41 years


5. Peter Shilton (England): 40 years 292 days