In the annals of international youth football, the FIFA U-17 World Cup stands as a testament to the sport’s evolution, with its origins rooted in the Lion City Cup.
Conceived by the Football Association of Singapore in 1977, the Lion City Cup marked the genesis of under-16 football competitions worldwide.
The pivotal moment came in 1982, as then FIFA secretary-general Sepp Blatter, deeply impressed during his visit to the Lion City Cup, recommended the establishment of the FIFA U-16 World Championship.
Embarking on this novel venture, the inaugural FIFA U-16 World Championship unfolded in China in 1985, birthing a tradition that endures every two years. Initially tailored for players under 16, the age limit underwent a transformative shift in 1991, extending to 17 and thereby laying the foundation for the current iteration of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Nigeria has won the FIFA U-17 World Cup Men’s Version five times. No Oceanian team has won the title yet although Australia came close couple of times.
As we delve into the archives of this illustrious competition, we unravel not just a series of matches but a chronicle of burgeoning talent, global camaraderie, and the unwavering spirit of youth football.
This journey through time encapsulates the essence of a tournament that has become a rite of passage for emerging football prodigies worldwide.
Also Read: FIFA Men’s World Rankings: England Matches Their Joint-Highest Position, Southgate aims first spot
FIFA U-17 World Cup Champions List
- 1985: Nigeria
- 1987: Soviet Union
- 1989: Saudi Arabia
- 1991: Ghana
- 1993: Nigeria
- 1995: Ghana
- 1997: Brazil
- 1999: Brazil
- 2001: France
- 2003: Brazil
- 2005: Mexico
- 2007: Nigeria
- 2009: Switzerland
- 2011: Mexico
- 2013: Nigeria
- 2015: Nigeria
- 2017: England
- 2019: Brazil
