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FIFA World Cup Throwback: When Zinedine Zidane Reminded Us of His Genius Against Brazil in 2006

FIFA World Cup 2006, Brazil faced humiliation that day, humiliation is an understatement, as Zidane single handedly controlled the game.

Jul 9, 2022, 6:31 AM6 min read

FIFA World Cup Throwback: When  Zinedine Zidane Reminded Us of His Genius Against Brazil in 2006

The FIFA World Cup 2006 was special, If only they'd waited. In 2005, a film crew led by Philippe Parreno and Douglas Gordon decided to study Zinedine Zidane's every movement during a game. Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait was an ambitious project that trained 17 different cameras on the French superstar for Real Madrid's home fixture against Villarreal in the 2004/05 season.

FIFA World Cup: Match begins | Sportz Point.
Image- Getty Images

It was an interesting film, artistically impressive and as well-executed as it was ambitious. It was a good game of football, too, with Juan Román Riquelme scoring a first-half penalty for Villarreal, before Ronaldo – assisted by Zidane – and Míchel Salgado got the goals to make it a 2-1 Real Madrid victory. There were three red cards too, one of them for the film's French protagonist in the final minute. But if only they'd waited until 1 July 2006: the day "Zidane danced."

It was the quarter-final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup and France were to take on Brazil, the side Zidane had put to the sword eight years previously, in the final at the Stade de France. The winners of the past three World Cups were fighting each other for a semi-final berth and this time the location was Frankfurt. Those who were there that evening witnessed what was arguably the midfielder's greatest ever performance, in his antepenultimate match.

Having announced his plans to retire before the tournament, defeat would have made this Zidane's final appearance between the white lines. It was 'winner stays on' mode for him and, just as when he played by the same rules in the playgrounds of Marseille as a child, he was calm, he was mischievous and he was out to have fun.

Sportz Point.
Zidane against Brazil (Image- Getty Images)

Following a pre-match embrace and giggle with club teammate Ronaldo, the ball got rolling and Zidane, wearing appropriately golden boots, got going. "There was magic in the air that day," he later said in an interview with FIFA and it took him just 34 seconds to realise this, backheeling the ball through an infinitesimal gap between Zé Roberto and Kaká, before turning upfield and gliding through Brazilian tackles like Super Mario or Crash Bandicoot evading baddies.

This was a first-minute warning, but there was nothing the Seleção could do. They knew he was the danger man. They knew what was coming. They did not, though, know how to stop him.

READ MORE: https://sportzpoint.com/football/fifa-world-cup-2022-young-players-to-watch-out-for-in-qatar/

Zidane's touch that night was perfect, totally perfect. He did the simple things so coolly and confidently, lofting balls over onrushing opponents with the insouciance of someone tossing a scrunched-up ball of paper into a wastebasket, rather than the haste of a player aware that there's a World Cup semi-final on the line.

It was Nike advert-esque at times, with Zidane showcasing the kind of skills that most professionals can perform during an on-pitch presentation after a transfer, but that few are composed enough to risk and execute in the presence of 21 peers.

Brazil faced humiliation that day, humiliation is an understatement, as zidane single handedly controlled the game.

It was more than just aesthetically pleasing, though. There was a purpose to the pleasure. All of Zidane's movement, passing and dribbling was propelling France forward and was unlocking the Brazilian defence. The clearest example of this in the first half came in the 44th minute when he played a pass reminiscent of a rugby offload to Patrick Vieira, who would have reached the penalty area and got a shot off had he had a better first touch or not been felled by the desperate Juan.

Into the second-half, Zidane's recital did lead to a goal, the only one of the game. First, he dinked the ball over the head of his pre-match chuckle brother Ronaldo, before heading a pass into the path of Éric Abidal, whose advancement up the left flank won the Europeans a free-kick, from which Zidane would conjure up the match-winning assist.

Despite playing 54 international matches with Thierry Henry, the creator had never combined with the finisher for a goal, but that all changed in the 57th minute as the 34-year-old lofted the set-piece towards the back post from distance, one which the striker was able to turn past Dida. NFL quarterbacks wish they could throw as accurately as Zidane kicked that Teamgeist ball.

FIFA World Cup: Free kick | Sportz Point.
Zidane taking free kick (Image- Getty Images)

With the lead in their possession, France's objective for the final half-hour was to keep the ball away from the dangerous South American attackers. Get it to Zidane, they thought. He'll protect it. And he did. The midfield was Zidane's private property and he decided who could enter, as Les Bleus held on for the 1-0 win, after which the midfielder was the first Frenchman to depart. His work was done.

"This was probably his best performance of the past eight years," stated Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira during post-match media duties. He was right, it probably was. Zidane's excellent World Cup in Germany created a narrative that, minus the headbutt in Berlin, ensured he went out on something of a high, on the wave of a crescendo. But the truth was that his final couple of years at Real Madrid had been disappointing. It would be revisionism in the extreme to suggest otherwise.

"Watching Xavi is like watching the Matrix, while watching Zidane is like watching Pathé News," one Spanish journalist had said the previous season. The performances in the knockout rounds in Germany, therefore, came as something of a surprise. At that stage, there was an abnormal normality to it.

This was the story of a man upping his game for the big occasion, excited by the prospect of mesmerising the footballing world one last time, which he well and truly did that night in Frankfurt.

FIFA World Cup: Zidane action | Sportz Point.
Image- Images

His performance is one which will be replayed time and time again, dissected in footballing textbooks and revered in footballing scripture. If only Parreno and Gordon had been able to capture this performance with 17 Zidane-focussed cameras, it would also have immortalised in footballing film.

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Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time

El Clasico is considered as the greatest football rivalries, between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Here is the list of the top 10 greatest El Clasico matches ever played.

Apr 27, 2025, 6:55 AM5 min read

Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time | sportzpoint.com

El Clasico is one of football’s biggest rivalries, between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Over the years, they’ve played many exciting and emotional matches, full of great goals and big moments. With stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Roberto Carlos, these games are always packed with talent and drama.

10. Real Madrid 5-0 FC Barcelona, 1995

Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time | sportzpoint.com
Zamorano celebrating his goal in the 1995 El Clasico. Image | TheHardTackle

The Real Madrid vs. Barcelona match on January 7, 1995, at the Santiago Bernabeu was unforgettable. Zamorano netted a hat-trick, leading Real Madrid to a commanding 5-0 victory in this LaLiga clash. It was one of the most one-sided El Clasico matches ever, with the home team fully dominating Barcelona.

The match gave Real Madrid an edge in the title race for La Liga.

9. Real Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona, 2014

Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time | sportzpoint.com
Gareth Bale(right) celebrating his 85th minute winner against Barcelona in the 2014 El Clasico. Image | Sky Sports

The Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain, hosted the 2014 Copa Del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona on April 16. The match seemed headed for extra time, but a brilliant 85th-minute goal from Gareth Bale secured the victory for Real Madrid. It marked their 19th Copa del Rey title.

8. FC Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid, 2010

Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time | sportzpoint.com
Xavi Hernandez after scoring the first goal of the night in the 2010 El Clasico. Image | CNN

After dominating El Clasico the previous season, Barcelona, led by coach Pep Guardiola, continued their strong form in 2009-10. Real Madrid had spent big to rebuild their "Galactico Era," bringing in stars like Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Madrid’s firepower wasn’t enough. Barcelona crushed them 5-0 at the Camp Nou, with David Villa scoring twice. Messi didn’t score but played a big role in most of the goals.

Read Also: Barcelona vs Real Madrid trophy battle: Which club has won more trophies

7. FC Barcelona 3-3 Real Madrid, 2007

Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time | sportzpoint.com
Lionel Messi celebrating his hattrick in the 2007 El Clasico. Image | 90MIN

This LaLiga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid took place at Camp Nou on March 10, 2007, and ended in an exciting 3-3 draw. Both teams played their hearts out, making it one of the greatest El Clasico matches in recent years.

Messi scored a hat-trick, while Van Nistelrooy scored twice and Ramos added one for Madrid. A fierce, high-scoring clash that highlighted both teams' firepower.

6. Real Madrid 4-2 FC Barcelona, 2005

Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time | sportzpoint.com
Raul Gonzalez celebrating his goal in the 2005 El Clasico. Image | Squawka

The early 2000s saw Real Madrid stacked with stars like Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, and Ronaldo Nazario. Despite Barcelona boasting talents like Ronaldinho, Eto'o, and Xavi, Madrid outclassed them with a 4-2 win—Zidane and Ronaldo struck early, while Raul and Owen sealed it in the second half.

5. Real Madrid 3-1 FC Barcelona, 1960

Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time | sportzpoint.com
Alfredo Di Stefano trying to score a goal in the 1960 El Clasico. Image | Alamy

Real Madrid’s clash with Barcelona in the 1960 European Cup Semifinal is seen as a key moment in El Clasico history. Madrid won 3-1 and reached the final. Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas found the net for Real Madrid, sealing their victory in the semifinal against Barcelona.

The match showed the strong rivalry and attacking power of both teams. It's still remembered today as one of the greatest El Clasico matches and a major turning point in their history.

4. FC Barcelona 4-0 Real Madrid, 2015

Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time | sportzpoint.com
Luis Suarez(centre) celebrating his goal in the 2015 El Clasico. Image | FC Barcelona

During the peak of the MSN era at Barcelona, the team looked unstoppable in Spain. But for the first El Clasico of the season, Messi was out with an injury. Surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t make much impact, while Luis Suárez and Neymar stepped up. They led Barcelona to a dominant 4-0 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Read Also: Youngest goalscorers in El Clasico: Lamine Yamal breaks 77-year-old record to become the youngest ever

3. Real Madrid 4-2 FC Barcelona, 1988

With both teams playing attacking football and creating plenty of chances, this was the greatest El Clasico match of the 1980s. Butragueno gave Real Madrid the lead, but Gary Lineker put Barcelona ahead. Goals from Schuster and Michel made it 3-1 for Madrid. Julio Salinas gave Barca hope, but a late goal from Hugo Sanchez sealed the win for Real Madrid.

2. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2011

Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time | sportzpoint.com
Cesc Fabregas(left) celebrating his assist to Lionel Messi(right) in the 2011 El Clasico. Image | TheNewYorkTimes

One of the most intense and dramatic El Clasicos happened in 2011 during the Supercopa de Espana. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu, but the second leg had everything—goals, fouls, and lots of drama.

Iniesta put Barcelona ahead, Ronaldo equalised, and Messi sealed it with two goals, including a late 88th-minute winner. The match turned chaotic after a foul on Fabregas sparked a brawl, leading to four red cards and Mourinho infamously poking Vilanova in the eye.

1. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2017

Greatest El-Clasicos of all time - FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2017 | sportzpoiint.com

Debatably the greatest El Clasico match of the modern era, took place in the 2016-17 LaLiga season. Real Madrid was leading the league and hoping to extend their lead, while Barcelona needed a win to stay in the title race.

What made this match unforgettable happened in the final moments. The ball was passed to Messi just outside the Real Madrid penalty area. Instead of taking a wild shot, Messi calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner, securing a crucial victory for Barcelona at their biggest rivals' home.

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AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion

AFC president, Shaikh Salman, and Concacaf president, Victor Montagliani, have raised their voices against the proposal of expansion to a 64-team World Cup.

Apr 15, 2025, 11:11 AM5 min read

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com

The controversy over the potential increase in the 2030 FIFA World Cup roster to 64 teams has gained momentum, with key football officials coming out to oppose it. The Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have joined forces against this controversial suggestion.

Concacaf chief Victor Montagliani has joined the increasing call to oppose the plan to increase the World Cup teams to 64, claiming increasing the number of teams "would not be the right move".

AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa also warned against the expansion to 64 teams and the ‘chaos’ it could lead to, telling Agence France Press (AFP), “Personally, I don’t agree."

AFC and CONCACAF Presidents show concerns over expansion

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez. (Image Source | X)

In March's FIFA Council, Uruguayan football chief Ignacio Alonso proposed expansion of the 2030 World Cup. FIFA later announced that it would study the proposal.

Since then, Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez has been the frontrunning campaigner for an expansion to 64 teams. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been silent on the idea, but according to sources close to FIFA, he favours the plan and came up with it in the first place.

Conmebol have often been his path to market for alterations that he desires – the most stunning of these recently having been for a biennial World Cup cycle.

Last week, Dominguez supported a tournament extension from 48 teams to 64 teams in the 2030 World Cup as a once-off for the centenary celebrations for the global finals. Dominguez said:

We are convinced that the celebration of the centenary will be something unique, because it has only once been 100 years old. And for this reason, we are proposing, for one, to carry out this anniversary with 64 teams, across three simultaneous continents. So that all countries have the opportunity to live a world experience, and so that no one is left out of this party even if it is played everywhere, it is our party.

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
Victor Montagliani, Concacaf President. (Image Source | X)

With Victor Montagliani joining the mounting anti-64-team World Cup campaign, he is joined by fellow FIFA vice presidents Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa (AFC president) and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

Following Infantino, they are the next three strongest political officials in the world governing body. Montagliani told ESPN:

At Concacaf, we’ve shown that we are open to change by supporting the Women’s World Cup expansion and the continuous evolution of our Confederation’s men’s and women’s national team and club events,”

I don’t believe expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teams is the right move for the tournament itself and the broader football ecosystem, from national teams to club competitions, leagues, and players.

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
AFC president Sheikh Salman and FIFA president Gianni Infantino in 2022. (Image Source | X)

Yesterday, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa cautioned against expansion to 64 teams and the 'chaos' it might bring, telling Agence France-Presse: "Personally, I don't agree." He further stated:

If the question is open to amendment, then the door will not only be open to increasing the tournament to 64 teams,"

But somebody will come along and insist on increasing the amount to 132 teams. Where would we get to then? It would be chaos.

Even the president of UEFA, Aleksander Ceferin, who also serves as FIFA vice president, joined the chorus of criticism. He stated:

It is not a good idea for the World Cup itself, and it's not a good idea for our qualifiers as well," 

I don't know where it came from, but it's odd that we didn't know anything prior to this proposal at the FIFA Council."

Future World Cups and logistical issues

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
(Image Source | X)

Excitement is rising for the first-ever 48-team World Cup to be staged in 2026 by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This event is a huge rise from the traditional 32-team setup, and any further expansion to 64 would double matches to a mind-boggling 128. Contrary to this, the forthcoming 2026 event will host 104 matches to be staged in 16 host cities.

Read Also | FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

The logistical issues for the 2030 World Cup are already significant, with its games spread across three continents. Its initial host nations are Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, but Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina will be hosting the milestone opening games, marking a century since the tournament's first edition was held in Uruguay.

FIFA has yet to comment publicly on the feasibility of this proposal, although they did confirm their duty to consider it.

Read Also | FIFA dismisses Morocco's claims about Western Sahara in the 2030 FIFA World Cup bid assessment report

The proposal is expected to be a subject of debate at FIFA's upcoming 75th Congress, which takes place annually on May 15 in Paraguay's capital, Asunción, which houses the headquarters of Conmebol. The congress agenda is yet to be published, but the plan for a 64-team World Cup will supposedly receive intense local lobbying in the backrooms and corridors of FIFA.

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

The World Cup presents the greatest chance for players to fulfill a lifelong dream of representing their nations on the global stage, with another edition nearby Sportz Point presents the countries that have booked a spot in the final

Mar 26, 2025, 8:30 AM7 min read

FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far-sportzpoint.com
World Champions Argentina qualify for the World Cup 2026. (Image Credit | AP)

The participating teams' line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has started taking shape, as Iran and Argentina have booked their place from the qualification round into the finals of the tournament.

In 2022, the FIFA World Cup provided an unforgettable experience for over 1 billion viewers who tuned in. Lionel Messi-led Argentina to victory, giving the nation moments of joy and a fitting tribute to the late Diego Maradona while solidifying his place among players who have won every major trophy. 

Read Also: Europe's Top International Goalscorers: Cristiano Ronaldo extends his lead

Key Details on the FIFA World Cup 2026

Image
Official Logo: FIFA World Cup 2026.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his team in their bid to improve the quality of the World Cup and promote inclusivity increased the number of teams that will participate in the World Cup from an initial 32 teams to 48 teams.

The teams will be split into 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 of each group and the 8 best third-placed teams progressing to a new Round of 32

The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994 and will be the first World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation.

Read Also: FIFA World Cup 2026: The groups are set for the European qualifiers

How Do Teams Qualify for the World Cup?

Qualification for the World Cup is done based on the regions of the World. Each  regional Confederation is responsible for its qualification tournament, which will consist of at least one round of competition using the following formats  

  • Confederations can use a League format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group twice – once at home and once away.
  • A single round-robin format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group once, with the venues either drawn at random or assigned by the confederation with the agreement of the playing association
  • A Knockout format in which each team in a round plays one other team over two legs once at home and once away.
  • With FIFA's permission, a tournament is held in one of the participating nations or neutral territory.
  • With FIFA's permission, a single-leg knockout format.

Europe has 16 slots, Asia has 8 slots with one extra from playoffs making it 9, Africa has 9 slots with one extra coming from playoffs, South America has 6 with one extra coming from playoffs making a total of 7, North America has 6 slots with 3 already taken due to the host nations.

Teams That Have Qualified

With qualifications still ongoing the only nations that have qualified are the host nations namely the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada qualification process for the World Cup will be ongoing till the end of November 2025, and till then teams will be struggling to qualify.

1. The USA

USMNT Meta

Despite not predominantly being a football nation, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has managed to establish a formidable team with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.

The appointment of Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach shows some sign of intent that the country intends to go as far as possible in the World Cup.

Read Also: 10 Footballers Who Retired And Came Back

2. Mexico

Sports LIVE Today, March 24: Mexico Crowned CONCACAF Nations League Champs;  Oklahoma City Thunder Win 6th Straight NBA Game
Mexico have won the Concacaf Nations League 2025.

Mexico has qualified for every World Cup in the past decade, but playing on home soil will give them the advantage of fan support. While they may be without their veteran goalkeeper Ochoa, who has been crucial in past tournaments, they remain a team not to be underestimated.

Read Also | 5 Craziest Football Transfers of All-time

3. Canada

Canada beats USMNT to seal 3rd place in Nations League | theScore.com

Canada had a memorable 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighted by their surprising win against Belgium. However, they lost their remaining group games to Morocco and Croatia, leading to their early exit from the tournament.

Known for their attacking football, Canada relies on pace in midfield and attack, with Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies being key to their World Cup ambitions.

Teams from the Qualifier Rounds

4. Japan

Japan become first nation to qualify for World Cup as Kamada, Kubo strike
(Image Credit | AP)

Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup from the qualification round. On March 20, Thursday, Hajime Moriyasu's side beat Bahrain 2-0 in Group C of the AFC World Cup qualifiers.

Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo scored in the second half to inspire the Samurai Blue to ensure their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, guaranteeing a top-two finish in the qualifiers standings.

Japan surprised the world with their impressive run in the 2022 World Cup, before bowing out from the Round of 16 in a narrow penalty shoot-out defeat against eventual third-place finishers Croatia. However, Japan defeated both Germany and Spain in the group stage to march onto the next round.

5. New Zealand

The New Zealand All Whites

New Zealand has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the third time with a 3-0 home win over New Caledonia in the OFC Qualifiers Final on Monday, March 24.

Three second-half goals from Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah led New Zealand to a comfortable 3-0 win at Eden Park in Auckland. This win marks the All Whites' return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 when they registered three draws against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay in South Africa.

For the first time, the All Whites qualified directly for a World Cup, as Oceania received an automatic spot in next year’s 48-team tournament, rather than having to go through an intercontinental play-off as they did in the past.

6. Iran

FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams, which nations are in, Iran join Japan,  New Zealand and North American co-hosts
(Image Credit | AFP)

Iran have become the second Asian side to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on March 25 in the third round of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers Group A.

Mehdi Taremi's brace secured a point for Iran to stay atop the group A table with 20 points in 8 matches, securing the guaranteed top two finish in the group stage. On the other hand, Uzbekistan is just one victory away from their inaugural World Cup appearance.

Despite the qualification format being made easier for Asia due to the expanded 48-team World Cup, Iran has sealed the passage to their fourth World Cup finals in a row, and seventh in their history.

In the AFC Qualifiers, the top two teams qualify directly for the World Cup, while the teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian groups will enter an additional qualifying round.

7. Argentina 

Argentine players celebrate their victory over Brazil during a CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match, Buenos Aires, Argentina, March 25, 2025. (EPA Photo)
(Image Credit | EPA)

The reigning World Champions have stormed into the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 4-1 crushing over eternal rivals Brazil in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers on March 26. 

Argentina produced a bolstering performance, beating the Selecaos 4-1, powered by goals from Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone. Matheus Cunha netted the only goal for Brazil.

La Albiceleste currently top the table with 31 points in 14 matches, 16 points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela than the required seven points at this point.

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Five youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup

Discover the 5 youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup, including legends like Pele and Ronaldo Nazario, who made history at an early age.

Mar 22, 2025, 12:47 PM4 min read

Five youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup-sportzpoint.com

It is a childhood dream for everyone to represent their country in a global tournament like FIFA World Cup. But imagine, you are actually a young lad, and yet you are playing the tournament and winning it. For some lucky but no doubt exceptionally talented players, this became a reality. 

In this article from Sportz Point, discover the 5 youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup, including legends like Pele and Ronaldo Nazario, who made history at an early age.

5 youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup:

RANK  PLAYERS AGE NATION
1. Pele 17 Brazil
2. Ronaldo Nazario 17 Brazil
3. Giuseppe Bergomi 18 Italy
4. Kylian Mbappe 19

France

5. Thierry Henry 20 France

5. Thierry Henry | 20 Years | France:

Before Kylian Mbappe became a familiar name, there was Thierry Henry in a star-studded French team including the biggest stars like Zinedine Zidane, Lillian Thuram, and Patrick Viera led by Didier Deschamps. Henry at the age of just 20, burst into the limelight with France, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and craved his name among the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.

However, Henry did not make an appearance against Brazil, where France won 3-0. He had already played his role, scoring thrice in six matches. During the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Henry was one of the guaranteed starters in the squad.

4. Kylian Mbappe | 19 Years | France:

With astonishing speed and agility, it feels like he is in a sports car on a football field. Kylian Mbappe announced himself at the age of 19. Mbappe became the youngest player to score in the FIFA World Cup final since Pele in 1958, bringing back the title to France after 20 years.

He was one of the most important players for France throughout the season. In the round of 16, Mbappe managed to score a brace in five minutes, knocking out Lionel Messi's Argentina 4-3. Mbappe craved his name among the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.

3. Giuseppe Bergomi | 18 Years | Italy:

Giuseppe Bergomi was selected by the Italian national team coach Enzo Bearzot in the 1982 FIFA World Cup squad. He started the tournament on the bench and during the group stage did a great job marking Socrates and Serginho against Brazil in a memorable 3-2 win. Bergomi impressed everyone with his maturity in the Semi-final and the Final.

Giuseppe Bergomi was a FIFA World Cup winner just over a year after making his first appearance in the senior match. Bergomi is one of the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup. 

2. Ronaldo Nazario | 17 Years | Brazil:

Ronaldo Nazario "The Phenomenon" was a generational talent. If not for a catalog of serious knee injuries, he would probably be known as the greatest ever to play football. In 1994, a 17-year-old Ronaldo was part of the World Cup-winning Brazil team in the United States. However, he only made it to the bench and did not play a single minute. Ronaldo Nazario placed second in this list of the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.

Ronaldo scored a staggering 115 goals in 134 games between 1994 and 1999 during two brilliant spells at Barcelona (37 goals, 34 games) and PSV (46 goals in 42 games). By 23, he had scored over 200 goals for club and country.

1. Pele | 17 Years | Brazil:

Pele is the most well-known footballer in the history of the sport and possibly the greatest attacking player of the 20th century. The Brazilian legend was just 17 years and 249 days old in 1958 when Brazil outdid Sweden by 5-2 in the final at the Rashunda Stadium in Solna, Sweden. Pele scored a brace, winning Brazil their first-ever World Cup

Pele is the youngest player to win the FIFA World Cup on this list. Brazil’s 5-2 triumph over France in the semi-finals saw Pele become the youngest scorer of a hat-trick in World Cup history. He also won the World Cup in 1962 in Chile. Later on, he went on to claim his third World Cup trophy after eight years in Mexico. He is the only player to have won 3 World Cup trophies.

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Brazil All-stars vs India All-stars: Which legends are going to take part in this historic clash?

Get ready for an epic showdown between Brazil All-Stars and India All-Stars at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, featuring Brazilian legends like Cafu, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho.

Mar 19, 2025, 12:19 PM2 min read

Brazil All-stars vs India All-stars: Which legends are going to take part in this historic clash?-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: X

Indian Football fans are set to witness an unforgettable night as Football Plus Academy officially launches ticket sales for the highly anticipated Brazil All-Stars vs India All-Stars match, featuring FIFA World Cup-winning Brazilian football icons. The historic showdown will take place on March 30, 2025, at 7:00 pm IST at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.

This unique event will mark the first time that members of Brazil's legendary World Cup-winning squad, including Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Cafu, and Coach Dunga-will play on Indian soil. The match promises to be a grand spectacle, as the Brazilian greats take on the star-studded India All-Stars team, led by the legendary coach Prasanta Kumar Banerjee

Brazil All-Star:

Brazil All-stars vs India All-stars: Which legends are going to take part in this historic clash?-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Dans Football

Goalkeepers:

  • Heurelho da Silva Gomes
  • Diogo Gill de Oliveira

Defenders:

  • Claudio Roberto de Silva
  • Gilberto Silva
  • Edmilson
  • Jenilson Angelo de Souza

Midfielders:

  • Jose Kleberson Perirera
  • Giovanini Silva de Oliveira
  • Ricardo Oliveria
  • Rivaldo
  • Marcleo Fernando Domingues de Rezende (Camanducaia)
  • Elivelton

Forwards:

  • Paulo Sergio
  • Viola
  • Jorginho
  • Amaral
  • Lucio
  • Ronaldinho

Manager:

  • Dunga
  • Alexander Ferro

India All-Stars:

Brazil All-stars vs India All-stars: Which legends are going to take part in this historic clash?-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Sportskeeda

Goalkeepers:

  • Subhasish Roychowdhury
  • Karanjit Singh

Defenders:

  • Mehtab Hossain
  • Deepak Kumar Mandal
  • Mahesh Gawali
  • Mehraj Uddin Wadoo

Midfielders:

  • Ravanan Dharmaraj
  • Pradeep NP
  • Syed Rahim Nabi
  • Climax Lourenco
  • Arnab Kumar Mondal

Forwards:

  • Alvito D'Cunha
  • Venkatesh Shanmugam
  • Mohan Raj
  • Bibiano Fernandes
  • IM Vijayan

Manager:

  • Prasanta Kumar Banerjee

Ticket Details:

Tickets are available exclusively on Book My Show from Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 4 pm IST with limited tickets available.

Rivaldo's reaction:

“I am coming to share an unforgettable experience. On March 30th, I’ll be there to create truly special moments with all of you. It’s going to be an incredible experience"

Brazilian legend Rivaldo also shared his enthusiasm for the match, promising Indian fans an unforgettable experience and looking forward to creating special moments on the pitch. 

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