The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ is drawing ever nearer – with just 17 days to go! Between now and the start of the World Cup, we will take a closer look at a different statistic from the history of the tournament each day.

17 – Northern Ireland’s Norman Whiteside was 17 years and 41 days old when he first stepped onto the pitch at the 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain™ and became the youngest player ever to appear at the global finals, surpassing the record previously held by Pele. Whiteside had only played two matches for his club, Manchester United, when Northern Ireland coach Billy Bingham called him up for the tournament, where he made his international debut.

Looking back on his achievement, Whiteside told FIFA.com last year: “Taking the title of the youngest player to appear at the World Cup from Pele was superb. The biggest thing I remember was the press from all over the world asking me questions and me trying to answer them after they had spoken in their native language, it was a bit tricky as I kept forgetting what they had asked!"

To learn more about Whiteside's record, head here. For more stories behind FIFA World Cup records,  head to our Classic World Cup page.