Think of Pele as a 17-year-old, scoring a stunning hat-trick against France in the 1958 semifinals, or against Sweden in the final, when the magician with the ball at his feet provided the most exquisite finish ever seen in a World Cup final.
Michael Owen’s finest hour as a footballer came at the 1998 World Cup against Argentina in the pre-quarterfinals. Who can forget the 18-year-old’s solo run and finish that made him the most exciting English footballer? Then there’s Kylian Mbappe, who grabbed attention with a mesmerising show in Russia four years ago, six months shy of age 20, as France put it across Croatia to triumph in style.
Qatar 2022 will be no different, thoughthis time, given the exposure on television and social media, the world would have known what to expect from a clutch of talented youngsters eager to set the tournament on fire.
So, where do we start? Perhaps Brazil, winners of the World Cup for a record five times and among the favourites going into this edition. Their attacking options are exciting, particularly with the rise of youngsters like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Antony, all at hand to lend the experienced Neymar a helping hand.
Defending champions France have a team packed with talent. The experienced Mbappe will lead the attack with Antoine Griezmann for support, but it is the presence of young gems like Aurelien Tchouameni, William Saliba and Eduardo Camavinga who provide them with something special.
In Spain, the emergence of Barcelona starlets Pedri and Gavi has instilled fresh belief that a new generation can challenge again for the biggest sporting prize.
At 22, Alphonso Davies is Canada’s leading man, while neighbours United States are taking the second youngest squad with an average age of 25 years. Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson, Josh Sargent and Tim Weah are all part of their golden generation, trying to make a mark after missing out on Russia 2018. England manager Gareth Southgate has put his faith in young midfielder Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka, all of whom can propel last edition’s semifinalists and runners-up at last year’s European Championship to the top.
This World Cup will be no different from previous editions when youngsters have grabbed the limelight. Just who rises to the top remains to be seen.
KEEP AN EYE ON:
VINICIUS JUNIOR
Age: 22 | Club: Real Madrid Country: Brazil
Brazil has always had some great attacking talent and coach Tite now has a luxury problem with an array of talent. Neymar automatically selects himself and he would be supported by Vinicius Junior, who has grown in stature since winning the Champions League with Real Madrid. He has been in fine form too, with 10 goals and five assists, this season.
RODRYGO
Age: 21 | Club: Real Madrid Country: Brazil
With such a line-up of attacking talent, Rodrygo may not find a regular starting spot with this Brazilian team, but he could emerge as the trump card, whenever coach Tite decides to use him. A rare talent whose intelligence places him a step ahead of the rest on the field.
PEDRI
Age: 19 | Club: Barcelona Country: Spain
He is just 19 years old, yet the Barcelona midfielder is counted among the star players in this Spain team. Having won the best young player award at Euro 2020, Pedri will be keen to grab the biggest prize of them all.
GAVI
Age: 18 | Club: Barcelona Country: Spain
He’s officially the Golden Boy. Barcelona’s 18-year-old star is enjoying a fine run with club and country. It will be exciting to follow the progress of the youngest player to debut for Spain, score, and be part of a World Cup squad.
PHIL FODEN
Age: 22 | Club: Manchester City Country: England
Phil Foden has won the under-17 WorldCup in 2017, scored twice in the final and won the Golden Ball. Now it’s time for the Manchester City wizard to deliver at the greatest show on earth. Pep Guardiola’s favourite is no stranger to the World Cup, having been part of the England squad in 2018.
JAMAL MUSIALA
Age: 19 | Club: Bayern Munich Country: Germany
The teenager made two appearances as a substitute for Germany at Euro 2020, but given his terrific form this season, Jamal Musiala is expected to play a more significant role in Qatar.
AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI
Age: 22 | Club: Real Madrid Country: France
Real Madrid’s summer signing has proved to be a steal. Given the absence of injured stars like Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kante, Aurelien Tchouameni will have a significant important role to play for France, probably slotting comfortably alongside his Real Madrid teammate Eduardo Camavinga.
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