TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The oldest players in World Cup history proved that age should never be any of the rigid restrictions to orchestrate godsent skills. Rather than limiting their capabilities, the years spent in the court gifted them all the experiences ever needed.
To commemorate their legacies, let’s take a look at the top ten oldest players in World Cup history as drawn from Sporting News, the Analyst and Oldest.org.
1. Essam Al Hadry | Age: 45 years
Egypt’s final outing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup seemed destined to fade into obscurity after consecutive early defeats, until Essam El Hadary’s name on the team sheet transformed the occasion into a moment of history. At 45, the iconic goalkeeper at a World Cup delivered a dramatic first-half penalty save, the first by an African keeper at the finals.
Though Egypt ultimately fell 2-1 to Saudi Arabia, El Hadary’s performance served as a poignant capstone to a career that spanned more than two decades, four AFCON titles, and multiple best-goalkeeper honours.
2. Faryd Mondragon | Age: 43 years
When Colombia sealed qualification from their group in 2014, José Pékerman gifted Faryd Mondragón a final and historic substitution that made him one of the oldest players in World Cup history. Just days after turning 43, the veteran goalkeeper broke the tournament’s age record at the time, adding another milestone to a career already defined by longevity and quiet resilience.
His farewell in Brazil, followed by immediate retirement, closed the book on a journey that covered six qualifying World Cup campaigns and a professional life that began, and fittingly ended, at Deportivo Cali.
3. Roger Milla | Age: 42 years
Roger Milla etched his name into World Cup folklore by becoming, at the time, both the oldest player and the oldest goalscorer in tournament history. His consolation strike in the 6-1 loss to Russia stood as the final goal of a career many believed had ended six years earlier. Recalled from retirement by President Paul Biya, Milla dazzled at the 1990 World Cup with his decisive goals and infectious corner-flag dances.
4. Pat Jennings | Age: 41 years
Pat Jennings secured his place among the oldest players in World Cup history when he took the field on his 41st birthday at Mexico 1986. The match ended in defeat, yet it did nothing to tarnish the reputation of a goalkeeper widely regarded as one of Britain’s finest. With more than 1,000 senior matches and 119 caps, Jennings is still mentioned as one of the country’s most revered goalkeepers.
5. Peter Shilton | Age: 40 years
Peter Shilton had to wait until the age of 32 for his World Cup debut, but once he arrived on football’s grandest stage, he left an indelible mark across three tournaments and a record 17 appearances. His final outing came in the 1990 third-place play-off, just months before his 41st birthday, bringing an end to an international career that yielded an unmatched 125 caps for England. Despite never featuring in the Premier League, Shilton’s longevity and consistency cemented his status as one of English football’s defining figures.
6. Dino Zoff | Age: 40 years
As the oldest World Cup winner, Dino Zaff was the quiet centre of gravity for an Italian side in the 1982 showdown. Raised in the austere landscapes of Friuli, he carried that grounded determination through Napoli and into his defining years with Juventus, arriving at the 1982 World Cup as a veteran nearing the end of a storied career. Ultimately, his leadership and composure culminated in a triumphant 3-1 victory over West Germany, thanks to Enzo Bearzot's profound belief for Zoff to captain the Azzurri.
7. Ali Boumnijel | Age: 40 years
While Ali Boumnijel’s career rarely commanded attention, his durability placed him among football’s notable elder statesmen. At the 2006 World Cup, he became the tournament’s oldest player at 40, ranking as the fifth-oldest ever to appear in the finals.
Across spells with Bastia, Gueugnon and Nancy, Boumnijel amassed 14 clean sheets in 60 top-flight appearances, anchoring his sides with understated authority. After ending his playing days in 2007, Boumnijel shifted seamlessly into coaching, serving roles with the Tunisian national setup and clubs in Qatar, China and France.
8. Jim Leighton | Age: 39 years
Jim Leighton stands among the oldest players in World Cup history, a testament to both his longevity and the trust successive Scotland managers placed in him across four tournaments.
Rising to prominence with Aberdeen during their golden era, he carried that form onto the international stage, featuring at the 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1998 World Cups. With 91 caps, the second-most in Scotland’s history, he remains one of the nation’s most accomplished and steadfast goalkeepers.
9. David James | Age: 39 years
David James carved out one of English football’s most enduring careers, evolving from a raw prodigy at Watford and Liverpool into a seasoned figure whose longevity placed him among the oldest players in World Cup history. Despite early inconsistency that earned him the nickname “Calamity James,” he went on to record 536 Premier League appearances and play for numerous clubs.
10. Angel Labruna | Age: 39 years
Closing the tabs of the oldest players in World Cup history, Angel Labruna was an outfield player from a much earlier generation, remembered as one of Argentina’s most gifted forwards. He reached the final stage of the 1958 World Cup at almost 40, closing a national-team career marked by 17 goals in 37 caps. His stature was further defined by his role in River Plate’s famed attacking line, one of the finest of its time.
Despite their vastly different eras, styles and stories, the oldest players in World Cup history proved that football’s greatest stage has room for those who defy time itself. Their longevity is a tribute to resilience, craft and an unwavering devotion to the sport. As their legacies continue to inspire new generations, you can explore another side of football excellence by reading our deep dive into the highest-paid football players.
Editor’s Choice: Oldest Sport in the World: Ranking the Top 5 in History
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