List of 7 World’s Oldest Soccer Players Still Playing Today (Most Updated)

When it comes to professional sports, age is often seen as a limiting factor. However, there are those who manage to push past this barrier and continue competing at the highest level well into their later years. In the world of soccer, there have been many players who have accomplished this feat, and their stories are nothing short of incredible. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 7 oldest soccer players that are still active, including their achievements and the records they have set.

Typically, the average age of retirement for professional soccer players is around 35 years old. This is due to the physical demands of the sport and the toll it takes on the body. However, there have been many players who have continued to play well into their forties and even fifties, defying age and showing that they still have what it takes to compete at the highest level.

You may want to read: When do football players retire? age of each position

Who is the Oldest Soccer Player Still Playing Today?

Soccer players are retiring earlier than ever before, but there are still a few who have managed to keep playing well into their later years. In this section, we will take a look at the oldest soccer player still playing as of April 2023, ranked by age.

Kazuyoshi Miura – 56 years old

• Full name: Kazuyoshi Miura
• Born: February 26, 1967
• Age: 56 years old (as of April 2023)
• Country: Japan
• Club(s): Oliveirense (on loan from Yokohama FC)
• Position(s): Forward

Kazuyoshi Miura, also known as “King Kazu,” is a Japanese soccer player who is still playing professionally at the age of 56. He made his professional debut in 1986 and has played for several teams throughout his career. He is the oldest professional soccer player in the world and continues to inspire fans around the globe with his dedication and skill.

Gianluigi Buffon – 45 years old

• Full name: Gianluigi Buffon
• Born: January 28, 1978
• Age: 45 years old (as of April 2023)
• Country: Italy
• Club(s): Parma
• Position(s): Goalkeeper

Gianluigi Buffon is an Italian goalkeeper who has had a long and successful career. He has played for several top teams, including Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, and has also represented Italy at the international level. At the age of 45, he is still playing at a high level and is one of the oldest players in the game.

Yasuhito Endo – 43 years old

• Full name: Yasuhito Endo
• Born: January 28, 1980
• Age: 43 years old (as of April 2023)
• Country: Japan
• Club(s): Gamba Osaka
• Position(s): Midfielder

Yasuhito Endo is a Japanese midfielder who currently plays for Gamba Osaka. He made his professional debut in 1998 and has been an integral part of the Japanese national team. Endo has played in three World Cups and the 2012 Olympics, winning numerous awards in his career, including the J. League Player of the Year award in 2008 and 2013. Despite his age, Endo continues to play at a high level and is considered one of the best midfielders in Japan.

Rabiu Ali – 42 years old

• Full name: Rabiu Ali
• Born: June 15, 1980
• Age: 42 years old (as of April 2023)
• Country: Nigeria
• Club(s): Kano Pillars
• Position(s): Midfielder

Rabiu Ali is a Nigerian midfielder who currently plays for Kano Pillars FC in the Nigerian Professional Football League. He was born on August 10, 1979, and has spent most of his career playing for Kano Pillars FC.

Ali is known for his technical ability and vision on the field, and has won several awards for his performances. Despite his age, Ali continues to be an important player for Kano Pillars FC, and is considered one of the best football midfielders in Nigeria.

Joaquin Sanchez – 41 years old

• Full name: Joaquín Sánchez Rodríguez
• Born: July 21, 1981
• Age: 41 years old (as of April 2023)
• Country: Spain
• Club(s): Real Betis
• Position(s): Winger

Joaquin Sanchez is a 41-year-old Spanish professional football player who currently plays as a right-winger for Real Betis Balompié in La Liga. He’s known for his speed, technical ability, and accurate crossing. Joaquin started his professional career at Real Betis in 1999 and has played for several other clubs, including Valencia, Malaga, and Fiorentina. He has won several trophies throughout his career, including the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Europa League, and the UEFA Intertoto Cup.

Diego Lopez – 41 years old

• Full name: Diego López Rodríguez
• Born: November 3, 1981
• Age: 41 years old (as of April 2023)
• Country: Spain
• Club(s): Espanyol
• Position(s): Goalkeeper

Diego Lopez is a Spanish professional football player who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Espanyol in La Liga. He started his professional career at Real Madrid in 2000 and has also played for several other clubs, including Villarreal, AC Milan, and Tottenham Hotspur. Lopez is known for his shot-stopping ability and his composure under pressure.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 41 years old

• Full name: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
• Born: October 3, 1981
• Age: 41 years old (as of April 2023)
• Country: Sweden
• Club(s): AC Milan
• Position(s): Forward

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a Swedish soccer player who has played for some of the top teams in Europe, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United. He is known for his skill and his longevity, and at the age of 41, he is still playing at a high level for AC Milan. He has also represented Sweden at the international level and is one of the most iconic players of his generation.

5 Oldest Soccer Players in World Cup history

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest tournament in soccer, and it is also where some of the oldest players have made their mark. In this section, we will take a look at the oldest soccer players to have played in the World Cup, ranked by age.

Essam El-Hadary – 45 years old

Essam El-Hadary is a former Egyptian goalkeeper, who made history when he played for his country in the 2018 World Cup. At the age of 45, he became the oldest player to have played in the tournament.

El-Hadary has had a long and illustrious career, having played for several clubs in Egypt and other countries. He is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in African soccer history, having won several awards and accolades throughout his career.

Faryd Mondragon – 43 years old

Faryd Mondragon is a Colombian goalkeeper who used to hold the record for the oldest player to have played in a World Cup match before Essam El-Hadary. At the age of 43 years and three days, he played for Colombia in their final group match at the 2014 World Cup.

Roger Milla – 42 years old

Roger Milla is a Cameroonian soccer player who made history at the 1990 World Cup. At the age of 38, he became the oldest goal scorer in World Cup history, helping his team reach the quarterfinals of the tournament. Four years later, at the age of 42, he returned to the World Cup and scored another goal, cementing his place in soccer history.

Peter Shilton – 40 years old

Peter Shilton is an English goalkeeper who played in five World Cups between 1982 and 1990. In 1990, at the age of 40, he became the oldest player to have played in a World Cup semifinal.

Dino Zoff – 40 years old

Dino Zoff is a former Italian goalkeeper, who played for his country in the 1982 World Cup. At the age of 40, he was among the oldest soccer players to have played in the tournament. Zoff had a long and successful career, having played for several clubs in Italy, and winning numerous awards and accolades. He is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in Italian soccer history.

Other Oldest Soccer Players in History

While the players mentioned above are some of the most well-known oldest soccer players in history, there are others who also deserve recognition. In this section, we will take a look at a few more players who have managed to play at a high level well into their later years.

Sir Stanley Matthews – 50 years old

Sir Stanley Matthews (Front)

Stanley Matthews was an English soccer player who played for several teams throughout his career, including Stoke City and Blackpool. He is known for his skill and his longevity, and at the age of 50, he became the oldest player to have played in England’s top division.

Rivaldo – 43 years old

Rivaldo is a Brazilian soccer legend who played for top clubs such as Barcelona, AC Milan, and Olympiacos. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1999 and was a crucial member of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team. Despite being in his 40s, Rivaldo still managed to play for teams such as Kabuscorp in Angola and Sao Caetano in Brazil.

He retired from professional football in 2015, but his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time lives on.

Sergio Pellissier – 40 years old

Sergio Pellissier is an Italian former soccer player. He played for several teams throughout his career but was best known for his time at Chievo Verona.

At 40 years old, after 512 matches, 139 goals and 29 assists with the Chievo shirt, Sergio announced his retirement. Yet, fans still remember him as a bomber and captain of the Gialloblu.

Teddy Sheringham – 40 years old

Teddy Sheringham is an English soccer player who played for several top teams, including Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. At the age of 40, he became the oldest outfield player to have played in England’s top division.

Conclusion

That concludes our list of the top 8 well-known oldest soccer players in the world. The world of soccer has seen many players who have managed to defy the odds and continue playing at a high level well into their later years. From Roger Milla to Kazuyoshi Miura, these players have inspired fans around the globe with their dedication and skill. While age may be seen as a limiting factor in many sports, these players have shown that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

For more interesting information on football players and the game of soccer in general, don’t forget to visit ASC Football at ascfootball.net!

Also read: Top 10 Football Players with Most Red Cards Ever

FAQs about oldest soccer player

Who is the oldest soccer player ever?

The oldest soccer player ever is believed to be Israeli player Isaak Hayik, who played at the age of 73.

Who is the oldest soccer player to have played in a World Cup match?

The oldest soccer player to have played in a World Cup match is Faryd Mondragon from Colombia, who played at the age of 43 years and three days in the 2014 World Cup.

Who is the oldest outfield player to have played in England’s top division?

Teddy Sheringham is the oldest outfield player to have played in England’s top division. He achieved this feat at the age of 40.

Who is the oldest professional soccer player in the world?

Kazuyoshi Miura, also known as “King Kazu,” is the oldest professional soccer player in the world. He is still playing professionally at the age of 56.

What is the secret to playing soccer at an older age?

The secret to playing soccer at an older age is to stay fit, work hard, and have a strong mentality. Players who want to continue playing soccer as they age should focus on building endurance, strength, and flexibility through regular exercise and training, along with the mental game.

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