The 1972 All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship was the ninth staging of the All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship since its establishment by the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1964.
Cork entered the championship as defending champions, however, they were defeated by Kerry in the Munster final.
On 22 October 1972, Galway won the championship following a 2-6 to 0-7 defeat of Kerry in the All-Ireland final. This was their first All-Ireland title.
Semi-finals
Final