Top 10 Oldest Active Football Players in the World
Football demands intense physical and tactical skills, which often lead players to retire in their thirties. Yet, some athletes defy age and keep competing professionally well past that point. This list highlights the top 10 oldest footballers still active at elite levels, from 39-year-old Manuel Neuer to Japan’s legendary Kazuyoshi Miura at 59. These players prove that with passion, fitness, and experience, careers can stretch beyond typical limits.
Oldest Footballers Still Playing
- Rank: 10
- Player: Manuel Neuer
- Age: 39
- Country: Germany
- Current Club: Bayern Munich
- Career Start: 2005
- Rank: 9
- Player: Luka Modrić
- Age: 40
- Country: Croatia
- Current Club: AC Milan
- Career Start: 2003
- Rank: 8
- Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
- Age: 41
- Country: Portugal
- Current Club: Al Nassr
- Career Start: 2002
- Rank: 7
- Player: Santi Cazorla
- Age: 41
- Country: Spain
- Current Club: Real Oviedo
- Career Start: 2003
- Rank: 6
- Player: Thiago Silva
- Age: 41
- Country: Brazil
- Current Club: Porto
- Career Start: 2002
- Rank: 5
- Player: José Fonte
- Age: 42
- Country: Portugal
- Current Club: Casa Pia
- Career Start: 2003
- Rank: 4
- Player: Roque Santa Cruz
- Age: 44
- Country: Paraguay
- Current Club: Nacional
- Career Start: 1997
- Rank: 3
- Player: Fábio
- Age: 45
- Country: Brazil
- Current Club: Fluminense
- Career Start: 1997
- Rank: 2
- Player: Georgi Petkov
- Age: 50
- Country: Bulgaria
- Current Club: Slavia Sofia
- Career Start: 1996
- Rank: 1
- Player: Kazuyoshi Miura
- Age: 59
- Country: Japan
- Current Club: Atletico Suzuka
- Career Start: 1986
Profiles of Notable Veteran Footballers
At 39, Manuel Neuer remains Bayern Munich's primary goalkeeper after stepping back from international duty in 2024. Rising through Schalke’s youth system, he joined Bayern in 2011 and has become a defining keeper of his generation. With 858 club and 125 international appearances, Neuer boasts 12 Bundesliga titles, two UEFA Champions League trophies, and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Luka Modrić, 40, keeps impressing at Serie A’s AC Milan. Renowned for his midfield mastery, he guided Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and earned the 2018 Ballon d’Or. Having played for Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham, and Real Madrid, he totals over 1100 appearances combined, winning six Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, continues to shatter records at Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner leads international scoring with 143 goals and nears 1000 career goals. A pivotal figure in Portugal’s 2016 European Championship and 2019 Nations League triumphs, Ronaldo remains one of football’s greatest legends.
Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla, 41, known for superb ball control and dribbling, captains Real Oviedo. Overcoming lengthy injury setbacks, he played key roles at Villarreal and Arsenal, earning 81 caps for Spain and two European Championships.
Thiago Silva, 41, recently returned to Europe with Porto after a stint at Fluminense. The Brazilian defender has over 800 club appearances, 113 international caps, and collected 24 trophies, including multiple Ligue 1 titles and a Copa América win.
Portuguese defender José Fonte, 42, leads Casa Pia with aerial skill and leadership. A Euro 2016 winner with Portugal, he enjoyed success in England and France, tallying more than 700 club appearances and a Ligue 1 title with Lille.
Veteran Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz, 44, has played globally, including Bayern Munich where he won 13 trophies. With 112 national team caps, he now lends experience to Club Nacional Asunción.
Goalkeeper Fábio, 45, guards the net for Fluminense and boasts 1303 professional appearances. Despite no international caps due to stiff competition, he holds over 470 clean sheets and contributed to Fluminense’s 2025 Club World Cup campaign.
Bulgarian legend Georgi Petkov, 50, plays for Slavia Sofia and is among the top appearance makers in Bulgaria’s league. Known for his leadership and shot-stopping, he holds several domestic titles and earned 19 national caps.
Nicknamed King Kazu, Kazuyoshi Miura is the oldest active footballer at 59. Beginning his career in 1986, he played internationally for Japan with 90 caps and 49 goals. Now with Atletico Suzuka, he remains a rare example of longevity in the sport.
Historic Oldest Players and Records
- Kevin Poole: 41 years 164 days, England, Burton Albion, 1981–2014, English League Cup winner
- Neville Southall: 41 years 178 days, Wales, Canvey Island, before 1974–2004, Premier League winner
- Roger Milla: 42 years 39 days, Cameroon, Putra Samarinda, before 1970–1996, AFCON winner
- Mark Schwarzer: 42 years 159 days, Australia/Germany, Leicester City, 1990–2016
- Brad Friedel: 42 years 176 days, USA, Tottenham Hotspur, before 1994–2015
- Steve Ogrizovic: 42 years 237 days, England/Serbia, Coventry City, 1977–2000
- Alec Chamberlain: 42 years 327 days, England, Watford, before 1982–2007
- Faryd Mondragon: 43 years 3 days, Colombia, Deportivo Cali, 1990–2014
- John Burridge: England, Blyth Spartans, before 1970–1998, oldest Premier League player
- Essam El-Hadary: 45 years 161 days, Egypt, Nogoom FC, 1994–2019, oldest World Cup player
Common Questions
- Who is the oldest football player?Kazuyoshi Miura holds this distinction.
- How old is the oldest football player? He is 59 years old.
- Who has the longest professional career? Again, Kazuyoshi Miura with a career starting in 1986.
- Is Cristiano Ronaldo on the list? Yes, at age 41, he features prominently.
