The 20 Oldest Goalscorers in Champions League History

May 25, 2025 Oliver Obel

The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of club football, where only the best earn their chance to shine. As the competition demands top-level performances, it’s even more impressive when veteran players defy age and score crucial goals on Europe’s grandest stage.

20. Sergey Ignashevich – CSKA Moscow

At 36 years and 4 months, CSKA Moscow’s legendary centre-back Sergey Ignashevich played against PSV Eindhoven in 2015. His composure and intelligence were vital in their 2:1 win.

19. Lee Dixon – Arsenal

In 2000, Lee Dixon represented Arsenal at 36 years and 7 months in a 4:2 win over AC Sparta Prague. The right-back brought leadership and tactical discipline to European nights.

Read the full article

18. Ángel Di María – SL Benfica

Angel Di Maria — Asatur Yesayants / Shutterstock.com

At 36 years and 7 months, Ángel Di María starred for SL Benfica in a 4:0 win over Atlético de Madrid. His flair and experience lit up the Estádio da Luz.

17. Robert Lewandowski – FC Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski played for FC Barcelona at 36 years and 7 months in a 4:0 rout of Borussia Dortmund in 2025. His clinical instincts remained razor sharp.

16. Burak Yılmaz – LOSC Lille

At 36 years and 8 months, Burak Yılmaz led the line for LOSC Lille against Chelsea in 2022. Though the match ended 2:1 to the Blues, Yılmaz showed fighting spirit.

15. Didier Drogba – Chelsea

Didier Drogba took the field for Chelsea at 36 years and 8 months in a stunning 5:0 victory over Schalke 04 in 2014. His presence elevated the team’s confidence and performance.

14. Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo played for Manchester United at 36 years and 9 months in a group stage match against Villarreal in 2021. Despite the 2:0 defeat, his intensity and professionalism stood out.

13. Paolo Maldini – AC Milan

In the dramatic 2005 UEFA Champions League final, Paolo Maldini captained AC Milan at 36 years and 10 months. He scored in the opening minutes, underscoring his enduring quality.

12. Laurent Blanc – Manchester United

Laurent Blanc represented Manchester United at 36 years and 11 months in a 2002 group match against Olympiacos. His calm distribution and experience remained assets.

11. Nicolás Otamendi – SL Benfica

Otamendi, at 37 years and 27 days, played for SL Benfica in a confident 3:1 win over Barcelona in 2025. His defensive dominance made a clear difference.

10. Olivier Giroud – AC Milan

At 37 years and 1 month, Giroud led the line for AC Milan in a crucial 2:1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. His target-man presence helped unlock the French defence.

9. Edin Džeko – Inter Milan

Džeko featured for Inter Milan at 37 years and 1 month in the Champions League semifinal against AC Milan in 2023. His experience was crucial in securing a spot in the final.

8. Luka Modrić – Real Madrid

Luka Modrić played for Real Madrid at 37 years and 1 month in a commanding 5:1 victory over Celtic in 2022. He dictated play with his trademark elegance.

7. Javier Zanetti – Inter Milan

At 37 years and 2 months, Javier Zanetti captained Inter Milan in a thrilling 4:3 win against Tottenham in 2010. His stamina and intelligence were unmatched.

6. Filippo Inzaghi – AC Milan

Filippo Inzaghi turned back time for AC Milan at 37 years and 2 months, scoring twice in a 2:2 draw with Real Madrid in 2010. His poaching instincts were as sharp as ever.

5. Francesco Acerbi – Inter Milan

Francesco Acerbi featured for Inter Milan at 37 years and 2 months in a gripping 4:3 extra-time victory over Barcelona in 2025. His resilience at the back was vital.

4. Sergio Ramos – Sevilla FC

Sergio Ramos played for Sevilla FC at 37 years and 8 months in a tight 2:1 win over RC Lens in 2023. The veteran’s leadership and grit were decisive.

3. Ryan Giggs – Manchester United

Ryan Giggs appeared for Manchester United at 37 years and 9 months in a 1:1 draw with Benfica in 2011. His vision and ball control aged like fine wine.

2. Francesco Totti – AS Roma

Francesco Totti took the field for AS Roma at 38 years and 1 month in a 1:1 draw with CSKA Moscow in 2014. His intelligence and effortless style were on full display.

1. Pepe – FC Porto

Pepe played for FC Porto at a remarkable 40 years and 9 months in a thrilling 5:3 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023. He even found the net, underlining his status as an ageless warrior.