The 1982 All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship was the 19th 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 Roscommon in the All-Ireland semi-final. Donegal won the championship following an 0–8 to 0–5 defeat of Roscommon in the All-Ireland final. This was their fourth All-Ireland title overall and their second in successive seasons.