Top 10 Oldest Active Men’s Footballers with Major Tournament Experience (Ranked)
From Zlatan’s comeback to King Kazu’s ageless journey, these footballers have proven that age is no match for passion, discipline, and talent. Here’s our ranked list, starting with the "youngest" of the oldest.
#10 – Pepe (Portugal) – Age 40
Still a defensive force at 40, Pepe plays for FC Porto and remains a mainstay in Portugal’s national team.
With 133 caps and a UEFA EURO 2016 title under his belt, he’s known for his tough, no-nonsense style.
The Brazilian-born center-back has also won major trophies with Real Madrid, including multiple Champions League titles.
He continues to bring steel and leadership to both club and country.
#9 – Atiba Hutchinson (Canada) – Age 40
Canada’s most capped player ever, Hutchinson has 103 appearances for the national team.
He made his World Cup debut in 2022 at age 39, adding to six Gold Cup appearances across two decades.
Since 2013, he’s anchored the midfield for Turkish giants Besiktas, while previously playing in Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
Even at 40, Hutchinson’s professionalism and consistency keep him at the top level.
#8 – Sayed Mohamed Adnan (Bahrain) – Age 40
Adnan, a commanding defender, continues to play in the Bahraini Premier League for Al Hidd.
With 104 international caps, he featured in two AFC Asian Cups and has scored 11 goals for Bahrain.
His career has spanned across Qatar, Kuwait, and Australia, where he played for Brisbane Roar.
After 20 years in the game, his composure and experience still shine.
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#7 – Cristian Riveros (Paraguay) – Age 40
Riveros is still active with Libertad in Paraguay’s top league, sharing the pitch with fellow veteran Roque Santa Cruz.
He earned 101 caps for Paraguay and played in two World Cups and two Copa Américas.
His international career included a stint in England with Sunderland and spells in Brazil, Turkey, and Mexico.
Known for his work rate and vision, he remains a reliable midfield presence.
#6 – Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden) – Age 41
Zlatan needs little introduction. With 122 caps and 62 international goals, he’s still a Sweden icon.
He’s had an illustrious club career in Italy, Spain, England, France, the U.S., and more.
Even at 41, he returned to the Swedish national team and is still contributing at AC Milan.
Known for his charisma and confidence, Zlatan’s legend only grows with age.
#5 – Roque Santa Cruz (Paraguay) – Age 41
Santa Cruz is still banging in goals for Libertad in Paraguay at 41.
He played in three World Cups and four Copa Américas, scoring 32 goals in 112 caps.
Fans in Europe will remember his time at Bayern Munich, Blackburn Rovers, and Manchester City.
His continued presence in top-flight football is a testament to his discipline and enduring skill.
#4 – Joaquín Sánchez (Spain) – Age 41
Joaquín has become a symbol of loyalty and longevity at Real Betis, where he began his career.
With 51 caps for Spain, he played in two World Cups and EURO 2004.
He’s also played for Valencia, Málaga, and Fiorentina, showing consistency across La Liga and Serie A.
Recently, he became the oldest goalscorer in Europa League history.
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#3 – Endō Yasuhito (Japan) – Age 43
Endō is still orchestrating play in midfield for Júbilo Iwata in Japan’s second tier.
He represented Japan in three World Cups and won the AFC Asian Cup twice.
Over his career, he played more than 600 league games for Gamba Osaka, becoming a J.League legend.
At 43, he remains one of Japan’s most respected and enduring players.
#2 – Gianluigi Buffon (Italy) – Age 45
A World Cup winner and the most-capped Italian male footballer, Buffon is still going strong at Parma.
He played in five World Cups and four European Championships, lifting the World Cup in 2006.
His club career has mostly been with Juventus, where he made over 500 appearances.
Buffon is a symbol of Italian football excellence and leadership.
#1 – Miura Kazuyoshi (Japan) – Age 56
Topping the list is Miura Kazuyoshi, better known as "King Kazu", still registered as a pro at age 56.
Currently on loan to Oliveirense in Portugal, he began his career back in 1986.
He scored 55 goals in 89 caps for Japan and won the 1992 AFC Asian Cup.
Though he hasn't made an appearance yet for Oliveirense, his career is a living legacy of commitment and love for the game.
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