Ranking the Oldest Players in Champions League History
The Champions League has always been a stage for football’s greatest talents, but it has also been a competition where experience can make all the difference. Over the years, a handful of players have defied the odds, competing at the highest level well into their 40s. Whether goalkeepers, defenders, or even outfield players, these veterans proved that age is just a number.
We’ve taken a closer look at the oldest players ever to appear in a Champions League match, ranking them from youngest to oldest at the time of their final appearance.
20. John Lukic
John Lukic played his final Champions League match on October 17, 2000, at the exact age of 39 years, 10 months, and 6 days. The veteran goalkeeper, who spent most of his career with Arsenal and Leeds United, showed remarkable longevity before retiring from professional football.
19. Jasmin Handanović
On December 6, 2017, Jasmin Handanović became one of the oldest players in Champions League history, stepping onto the field at 39 years, 10 months, and 8 days. The Slovenian goalkeeper played for NK Maribor and was a key figure in their European campaigns despite his advanced age.
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18. Timmy Simons
Timmy Simons, a tireless Belgian midfielder, played in a Champions League match for Club Brugge on November 22, 2016, at 39 years, 11 months, and 11 days. Known for his leadership and consistency, Simons was still a crucial part of his team’s defensive setup well into his forties.
17. José Fonte
Portuguese center-back José Fonte became one of the oldest outfield players in Champions League history when he featured in a match on December 12, 2023, at 39 years and 11 months exactly. A leader on and off the pitch, Fonte continued to showcase his defensive intelligence and composure at the highest level.
16. Sander Boschker
Dutch goalkeeper Sander Boschker played his only Champions League match on December 7, 2010, at 40 years, 1 month, and 17 days. A loyal servant to FC Twente, Boschker’s career longevity made him a respected figure in Dutch football.
15. Donato
On February 19, 2003, Brazilian-born Spanish midfielder Donato stepped onto the Champions League stage at 40 years, 1 month, and 10 days. A Deportivo La Coruña legend, Donato remained a composed and skillful midfielder even as he entered his forties.
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14. Zlatan Ibrahimović
On December 7, 2021, Zlatan Ibrahimović defied age once again, playing a Champions League match at 40 years, 2 months, and 4 days. The Swedish striker, representing AC Milan, continued to be a dangerous presence up front, proving that experience and skill could compensate for physical decline.
13. Anastasios Mitropoulos
Greek midfielder Anastasios Mitropoulos played in the Champions League on December 10, 1997, at 40 years, 3 months, and 17 days. A veteran of Olympiacos, he remains one of the oldest outfield players ever to appear in the competition.
12. Dany Verlinden
Club Brugge goalkeeper Dany Verlinden made a Champions League appearance on December 9, 2003, at 40 years, 3 months, and 24 days. His long-standing presence in Belgian football and his ability to perform at the highest level well into his forties made him a standout name.
11. Ryan Giggs
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs played his final Champions League match on April 1, 2014, at 40 years, 4 months, and 3 days. The Welsh midfielder, who reinvented himself from a winger into a playmaker, extended his career through his intelligence and adaptability.
10. Jens Lehmann
German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann featured in a Champions League match on March 17, 2010, at 40 years, 4 months, and 7 days. Known for his commanding presence and sharp reflexes, Lehmann remained a reliable goalkeeper even in the twilight of his career.
9. David Weir
Scottish defender David Weir played in the Champions League for Rangers on December 7, 2010, at 40 years, 6 months, and 27 days. Despite his age, Weir’s defensive positioning and experience allowed him to compete against some of Europe’s best.
8. Alessandro Costacurta
Alessandro Costacurta, an AC Milan legend, appeared in a Champions League match on November 21, 2006, at 40 years, 6 months, and 28 days. A brilliant tactician on the field, he was part of Milan’s golden era and continued to contribute until his retirement.
7. Edwin van der Sar
One of the greatest goalkeepers in history, Edwin van der Sar played in the Champions League final on May 28, 2011, at 40 years, 6 months, and 29 days. The Dutch goalkeeper played a vital role in Manchester United’s success, proving age was no barrier to excellence.
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6. Allan McGregor
Scottish goalkeeper Allan McGregor featured in a Champions League match for Rangers on November 1, 2022, at 40 years, 9 months, and 1 day. Known for his incredible reflex saves, McGregor remained a crucial part of his team even in his 40s.
5. Pepe
Portuguese defender Pepe, famous for his aggressive playing style, took to the field in a Champions League match on March 12, 2014, at 41 years and 15 days. A defensive warrior, he showed no signs of slowing down despite reaching an age where most defenders retire.
4. Mark Schwarzer
Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer played in a Champions League match for Chelsea on April 30, 2014, at 41 years, 6 months, and 24 days. Having spent years in the Premier League, he proved to be a dependable backup goalkeeper even in his later years.
3. Oleksandr Shovkovskyi
Ukrainian goalkeeping legend Oleksandr Shovkovskyi featured in a Champions League game on September 13, 2016, at 41 years, 8 months, and 11 days. A Dynamo Kyiv icon, he played at the top level for over two decades.
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2. Gianluigi Buffon
On December 8, 2020, Gianluigi Buffon became the second-oldest player in Champions League history when he played at 42 years, 10 months, and 10 days. One of the most iconic goalkeepers of all time, Buffon’s longevity and consistency were unparalleled.
1. Marco Ballotta
Marco Ballotta holds the record as the oldest player ever to appear in a Champions League match. The Italian goalkeeper played for Lazio on December 11, 2007, at the remarkable age of 43 years, 8 months, and 6 days. His longevity remains an unmatched feat in European football history.
