As football fans worldwide marvel at the young talents emerging on the scene, it’s equally fascinating to witness the endurance and tenacity of veteran players who continue to defy age. This article celebrates the remarkable careers of the oldest active footballers in 2024, showcasing their achievements and ongoing contributions to the sport.
At the 2024 European Championship held in Germany, Portuguese defender Pepe set a record by becoming the oldest player to ever participate in the tournament at the age of 41. Known for his time at Real Madrid and FC Porto, Pepe remains a formidable presence on the field. Remarkably, he has retained his physicality and competitive edge over the years, continuing to play at a high level against much younger opponents.
At 41 years and 10 months, Pepe Reina stands out as a seasoned goalkeeper for Villarreal. Known for his stints with Liverpool and Napoli, Reina has an illustrious career, including winning the 2010 World Cup and two consecutive European Championships with Spain. Although he played only two matches in La Liga during the 2023/24 season, he was pivotal in Villarreal’s Europa League campaign. Reina has yet to officially announce his retirement, keeping fans hopeful for more appearances.
Roque Santa Cruz, at 42 years and 10 months, continues to play for Asuncion in his native Paraguay. Santa Cruz, who made his name at Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Malaga, boasts 132 caps and 32 goals for the Paraguayan national team. Despite a challenging tenure at Manchester City, he found success with Malaga, making memorable performances in the Champions League. Now, he aims to conclude his career on a high note back home.
Joel Pinto, aged 44 years and 1 month, is a legend in Peruvian football. Starting his professional career at 17, Pinto has played for seven different Peruvian clubs and is currently with Sport Huancayo. With over 130 clean sheets to his name, it’s surprising that he never received a call-up to the Peruvian national team. His enduring presence on the field is a testament to his skill and dedication.
At 44 years and 1 month, Ilion Lika is a former Albanian national team goalkeeper currently playing for KF Tirana. Known for his spells with Terik (now Akhmat) and multiple stints with Tirana, Lika has amassed 198 matches for the club. His career has predominantly been spent in Albania, where he has become a respected figure in the domestic league.
Rhys Griffiths, at 44 years and 4 months, is a legendary figure in Welsh football. Playing for nine different clubs, he is currently with Penybont, where he also serves as a player-coach. Griffiths is the second-highest scorer in the history of the Welsh league, often coming off the bench to make an impact. His dual role showcases his leadership and tactical acumen.
Ferreira Pinto, aged 44 years and 6 months, began his professional career before 2000 and has played for several notable Italian clubs such as Perugia, Atalanta, and Lecce. He is currently with Ponte San Pietro, a Serie D club. Despite the lower league level, Ferreira Pinto remains a significant player, demonstrating his enduring talent with 23 matches in the last season.
Nasiruddin Chowdhury, at 44 years and 8 months, is a central defender for Chittagong Abahani in Bangladesh. Having played for over ten clubs in his home country, he holds the record as the oldest professional footballer in Bangladesh. His commitment to the game in his country has made him a standout figure in Bangladeshi football.
Ahmad Korhani, aged 45 years and 2 months, is a goalkeeper for Tripoli in Lebanon. Spending his entire career in Lebanon, Korhani has mostly played a backup role in recent years. Despite only seven appearances in the last championship, his experience and reliability have made him a valuable asset to his team.
Georgi Petkov, at 48 years and 3 months, continues to be an active player for Slavia Sofia. Starting his career in 1994, Petkov has won the Bulgarian championship four times and has been named the country’s best player on multiple occasions. With over 400 career matches, he remains an essential figure in Bulgarian football, often stepping up as needed despite his age.
At 57 years and 4 months, Kazuyoshi Miura is not only the oldest active footballer but also a living legend. Miura, currently playing for Atletico Suzuka, is the only professional footballer to have played in five different decades. His career began when he moved to Brazil at 15, eventually joining Santos. Returning to Japan in 1990, Miura made history by winning the Asian Cup with the national team in 1992. After a brief stint in Italy with Genoa and another in Croatia, he continued to play in Japan with Yokohama until 2022, before moving to Atletico Suzuka. Even at his advanced age, Miura remains dedicated to the game, constantly looking for playing opportunities.
These veteran footballers are a testament to the longevity and passion for the sport. Their dedication, skill, and ability to compete at high levels despite their age inspire fans and younger players alike. As they continue to defy expectations, they remind us that football is not just a young man’s game but a lifelong passion that can transcend generations.
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