At just 17 years old, Pelé became the youngest player to ever win a World Cup.

The 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden served as the global debut for Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé. At 17 years and 249 days old, he became the youngest player to appear in, score in, and win a World Cup final. This record for the youngest winner remains unbroken more than 60 years later.Before the tournament began, Dr. João Carvalhaes, the team psychologist, conducted psychometric tests on the players. He specifically advised against selecting Pelé, describing him as 'infantile' and claiming he lacked the necessary sense of responsibility. Coach Vicente Feola famously ignored this advice, reportedly telling the doctor that while he might be right, he knew nothing about football.Pelé's performance was statistically dominant for his age. He scored a hat-trick in the semi-final against France and two goals in the 5-2 final victory over Sweden. His second goal in the final involves a legendary 'lofted' flick over a defender followed by a clinical volley, which is still cited by FIFA as one of the greatest goals in history.The emotional physical collapse Pelé experienced at the final whistle was a result of intense psychological pressure and physical exhaustion. His teammates, including Garrincha and Gilmar, had to lift him off the grass as he sobbed. This victory secured Brazil's first-ever World Cup title and established the 'Joga Bonito' style as the gold standard of international football.