Lamine Yamal Reaches World Cup Final At 19. How Old Were Pelé, Maradona, Messi?

If Lamine Yamal wins the World Cup on Sunday, he legally wouldn't be allowed to partake in any celebratory champagne with Spain teammates.

At the age of 19, Yamal will be playing in a World Cup final after helping La Roja defeat France in Tuesday's semifinal. How does his age compare to previous legends who also played in the final? Let's take a look:

Pelé | Brazil

(Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Pelé was 17 years and 249 days when he helped Brazil win its first World Cup in 1958. Pelé had burst onto the international scene at the tournament in Sweden, scoring six goals in all – including in the final over co-hosts. Pelé remains the youngest goalscorer in a World Cup final. Of course, his status only grew as he led Brazil to titles in 1962 and 1970.

Diego Maradona | Argentina

(Photo by Archivo El Grafico/Getty Images)

Maradona was 25 years old when he and Argentina won the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. But he could have joined Pelé as another 17-year-old champion had he been selected to Argentina's squad in 1978. Despite already being a teen phenom, he was left of that squad by then-coach César Luis Menotti who felt the youngster wouldn't be able to handle the pressures of a home tournament. Good thing it worked out in the end.

Ronaldo | Brazil

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES – June 20: Ronaldo of Brazil on the side line before the FIFA World Cup Finals Group B match between Brazil and Russia at Stanford Stadium In Stanford on June 20, 1994 in California, United States. (Photo by Stewart Kendall/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Another Brazilian legend, another World Cup champion before the age of 18. Although Ronaldo didn't actually play at the 1994 World Cup, he was part of the squad that won it all at the Rose Bowl. At the age of 17 years and 298 days, Ronaldo was just two months older than when Pelé got his first in 1958. After losing the final in 1998 to hosts France, Ronaldo would win his second career title in 2002 by beating Germany.

Kylian Mbappé | France

(Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Mbappé burst onto the scene at the 2018 World Cup for France and instantly became a global phenom. At 19 years and 207 days old, he helped Les Bleus lift its second World Cup ever. He made history during that match against Croatia by scoring France's fourth goal, becoming only the second teenager in history to score in a World Cup final, joining Pelé's performance in 1958.

Lionel Messi | Argentina

(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

When compared to other players on this list, Messi was a late bloomer when it came to playing at the World Cup final. He was 27 years old when he and Argentina fell to Germany in the 2014 final in Brazil. Of course, Messi finally helped Argentina get over its World Cup drought by winning the 2022 title at age 35.

share
recommended

1. 
   

   How Do You Stop Lionel Messi? Switzerland Focused On Simply Containing Argentina’s GOAT

   

   Shohei Ohtani Out Of MLB All-Star Game, Will Also Miss Friday Night's Start

   

   Mikel Merino Rescues La Roja Again: 4 Takeaways From Spain's Win Over Belgium

2. 
   

   The Young Star vs. The Old Guard: What To Know For Spain vs. Belgium

   

   2026 World Cup Bracket: Spain First Team To Clinch Ticket To Final

   

   The Lore Of Lamine Yamal: From The Lionel Messi Baby Picture To The 2026 World Cup

3. 
   

   How to Watch the World Cup Today: Schedule, Times, TV, Streaming for Quarterfinal Two

   

   Could Lamine Yamal Be Benched For Spain vs. France World Cup Semifinal?

   

   The Summer Of Erling Haaland: Norway's Star Striker Enjoying All Of The USA World Cup

Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right

Item 1 of 3 Get more from the FIFA Men's World Cup Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic FIFA Men's World Cup Spain Lamine Yamal Lionel Messi
NEXT STORY

recommended

1. 
   

   How Do You Stop Lionel Messi? Switzerland Focused On Simply Containing Argentina’s GOAT

   

   Shohei Ohtani Out Of MLB All-Star Game, Will Also Miss Friday Night's Start

   

   Mikel Merino Rescues La Roja Again: 4 Takeaways From Spain's Win Over Belgium

2. 
   

   The Young Star vs. The Old Guard: What To Know For Spain vs. Belgium

   

   2026 World Cup Bracket: Spain First Team To Clinch Ticket To Final

   

   The Lore Of Lamine Yamal: From The Lionel Messi Baby Picture To The 2026 World Cup

3. 
   

   How to Watch the World Cup Today: Schedule, Times, TV, Streaming for Quarterfinal Two

   

   Could Lamine Yamal Be Benched For Spain vs. France World Cup Semifinal?

   

   The Summer Of Erling Haaland: Norway's Star Striker Enjoying All Of The USA World Cup

Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right

Item 1 of 3Original Article