Gavi becomes Spain’s youngest ever goalscorer in World Cup

During a Group E play against Costa Rica on Wednesday at the Al Thumama stadium in Doha, Gavi scored Spain’s first goal in a World Cup game at the age of 17, beating goalkeeper Keylor Navas from outside the penalty area. He has just turned 18 years old and 110 days.

He is now the youngest player to score in the quadrennial championship since Brazilian great Pelé, who did so in the 1958 final against Sweden at the age of 17 years and 249 days. Mexico’s Manuel Rosas scored against Argentina in 1930 to become the second-youngest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history.

When he started in the UEFA Nations League semifinal match against Italy last year at the age of 17 years and 62 days, Gavi made history as the youngest player to ever represent Spain. He then surpassed Angel Zubieta’s previous record (17y 284days).

With a 7-0 thumping of the Ticos, Spain earned its largest World Cup victory to date and ascended to the top of the group stage.