Pelé the legend In 1958 Brazil's Pelé, all of 17, became the youngest player to score in the final of a FIFA World Cup. (more) Famous FIFA World Cup Goals: Teen Prodigy Pelé Written by Gitanjali Roy Gitanjali Roy is deputy managing editor, Encyclopaedia Britannica. She has over two decades of editorial experience across digital and broadcast media. Gitanjali Roy Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated June 3, 2026 •History Whether or not they knew it at the time, the fans in attendance at the 1958 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Sweden were watching history being made. The championship match was an exciting goal fest, and 17-year-old Pelé entered the record books by becoming the youngest player to score in a World Cup final. The teen prodigy flicked the ball over a Swedish defender and volleyed home to give his team a 3–1...

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