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| FIFA World Cup Young Player Award | |
|---|---|
| Name | FIFA World Cup Young Player Award |
| Awarded for | Outstanding young player at the FIFA World Cup finals tournament |
| Presenter | Fédération Internationale de Football Association |
| First awarded | 1934 (as unofficial recognitions); officially 2006 |
| Most recent | 2022 |
FIFA World Cup Young Player Award The FIFA World Cup Young Player Award is presented to the outstanding young footballer at each FIFA World Cup final tournament. Administered by Fédération Internationale de Football Association and announced at the tournament's closing events alongside the Golden Ball (FIFA World Cup), the prize has highlighted emerging stars from Argentina national football team, Germany national football team, France national football team, Brazil national football team and other national sides. Recipients have often progressed to prominence with clubs such as Manchester United F.C., Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus F.C..
The concept of recognising young talent at the FIFA World Cup traces to informal mentions during early tournaments like 1934 FIFA World Cup and 1958 FIFA World Cup when players such as Pelé attracted attention while representing Brazil national football team. Formalisation occurred ahead of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany when Fédération Internationale de Football Association instituted an official award for best young player, aligning with other honours like the Golden Boot (FIFA World Cup) and Best FIFA Men's Player. Since 2006 winners such as Luka Modrić (note: winner of other awards), Luka Modrić's contemporaries and successors have seen careers intertwine with tournaments including UEFA European Championship and Copa América.
Eligible players must meet age limits set by Fédération Internationale de Football Association for the tournament year, typically being under 21 on 1 January of the tournament year; this rule echoes age policies in competitions like FIFA U-20 World Cup and UEFA European Under-21 Championship. The criteria focus on performances for national teams from federations such as The Football Association, Brazilian Football Confederation, Italian Football Federation and German Football Association during World Cup finals matches. Considerations include minutes played, goal contributions, defensive actions and impact in knockout stages versus teams like Argentina national football team, Netherlands national football team, Spain national football team and England national football team.
The selection process is administered by a committee convened by Fédération Internationale de Football Association comprising technical study group members, match delegates and appointed experts from confederations including CONMEBOL, UEFA, CONCACAF, AFC, CAF and OFC. Shortlists are compiled during the group stage and finalised after the final match at venues like Wembley Stadium and Lusail Iconic Stadium. The process mirrors selection methods used for awards like the FIFA Ballon d'Or and involves scouting reports prepared by analysts who have worked with clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain F.C., Arsenal F.C. and Chelsea F.C..
The physical award has been presented at the World Cup closing ceremony alongside trophies including the FIFA World Cup Trophy and individual honours like the Golden Glove (FIFA World Cup). Presentation ceremonies have taken place in host nations such as Germany, Russia, Brazil, South Africa and Qatar, frequently attended by Gianni Infantino, presidents of Fédération Internationale de Football Association and other dignitaries from organisations like the International Olympic Committee and national federations. The recipient receives a statuette and certificate, and often follows a trajectory to club honours such as UEFA Champions League medals and domestic league titles in Premier League or La Liga.
Winners of the award have come from diverse national teams, with notable recipients representing Argentina national football team, France national football team, Portugal national football team, England national football team, Brazil national football team and Netherlands national football team. Several winners subsequently starred in tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship and club competitions like the UEFA Europa League. Youth awardees have included players who later joined elite clubs including AC Milan, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid.
Statistical records track youngest winners, nations with most winners, and correlations with later career honours like Ballon d'Or nominations and FIFA World Player of the Year shortlistings. Data often highlights players who combined tournament statistics—goals, assists, tackles, saves—with team progression to stages such as the World Cup final or World Cup semi-final. Clubs whose players have frequently won include Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona, Manchester City F.C. and Bayern Munich, while confederations with multiple winners include UEFA and CONMEBOL.
Criticism has addressed age eligibility debates paralleling controversies in tournaments like the FIFA U-20 World Cup and allegations about age falsification in youth competitions involving federations such as the Asian Football Confederation and Confederation of African Football. Media outlets and pundits from organisations like BBC Sport, Sky Sports and ESPN have questioned subjective elements of the selection and the influence of high-profile clubs and agents. Incidents surrounding award timing, perceived bias toward attacking players over defensive talents, and disputes at major events like the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2018 FIFA World Cup have generated commentary from figures including national coaches and former players.
Category:FIFA World Cup trophies and awards