Top 10 Oldest Active Footballers in the World

Top 10 Oldest Active Footballers Still Playing

Football demands intense physical effort, yet some players continue defying age and expectations. Most professionals retire in their thirties, but legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, and Thiago Silva stay competitive through discipline, experience, and adaptability. Leading this group is Japanese star Kazuyoshi Miura, active at 59, showing that longevity is possible with dedication.

These veterans prove tactical intelligence, fitness management, and passion can stretch careers beyond usual limits. Here’s a rundown of the top 10 oldest professional footballers who remain active and performing at a high level.

• Rank: 10Player: Manuel NeuerAge: 39Country: GermanyCurrent Club: Bayern MunichCareer Start: 2005
• Rank: 9Player: Luka ModrićAge: 40Country: CroatiaCurrent Club: AC MilanCareer Start: 2003
• Rank: 8Player: Cristiano RonaldoAge: 41Country: PortugalCurrent Club: Al NassrCareer Start: 2002
• Rank: 7Player: Santi CazorlaAge: 41Country: SpainCurrent Club: Real OviedoCareer Start: 2003
• Rank: 6Player: Thiago SilvaAge: 41Country: BrazilCurrent Club: PortoCareer Start: 2002
• Rank: 5Player: José FonteAge: 42Country: PortugalCurrent Club: Casa PiaCareer Start: 2003
• Rank: 4Player: Roque Santa CruzAge: 44Country: ParaguayCurrent Club: NacionalCareer Start: 1997
• Rank: 3Player: FábioAge: 45Country: BrazilCurrent Club: FluminenseCareer Start: 1997
• Rank: 2Player: Georgi PetkovAge: 50Country: BulgariaCurrent Club: Slavia SofiaCareer Start: 1996
• Rank: 1Player: Kazuyoshi MiuraAge: 59Country: JapanCurrent Club: Atletico SuzukaCareer Start: 1986

Profiles of the Oldest Active Players

10. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

At 39, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer remains Bayern Munich’s main man after retiring from international duty in 2024. He began at Schalke before joining Bayern in 2011, widely seen as one of the best keepers of his generation. Neuer has played 858 club games plus 125 for Germany, winning 12 Bundesliga titles, two Champions League trophies, and the 2014 World Cup.

9. Luka Modrić (AC Milan)

The Croatian midfield maestro Luka Modrić thrives at 40, now with AC Milan after a long Real Madrid career. Known for his vision and control, he led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final. With 932 club and 199 international appearances, his honours include four La Liga titles, six UCL wins, the 2018 Ballon d’Or, and a World Cup runner-up medal.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, remains a powerhouse at Al Nassr. The all-time international top scorer with 143 goals, Ronaldo nears 1000 career goals. His achievements include five Ballon d’Or awards, five Champions Leagues, the 2016 European Championship, and UEFA Nations League 2023 triumph with Portugal. He also featured in six World Cups, scoring twice in 2026, becoming the second-oldest World Cup scorer ever.

7. Santi Cazorla (Real Oviedo)

Spanish playmaker Santi Cazorla, 41, captains Real Oviedo, shining despite injuries that sidelined him for 636 days. Known for technical skill, he has over 774 club games and 81 caps for Spain, winning two European Championships and two FA Cups during spells at Villarreal and Arsenal.

6. Thiago Silva (Porto)

Thiago Silva, 41, currently plays for Porto after a stint at Fluminense. The Brazilian defender earned 113 caps, starred at PSG, Chelsea, and AC Milan, and collected seven Ligue 1 titles and a Copa América. His professional appearances exceed 800.

5. José Fonte (Casa Pia)

José Fonte, aged 42, leads Casa Pia in Portugal. A UEFA Euro 2016 winner with Portugal, he played in England for Southampton and Crystal Palace, making 178 Premier League appearances. With over 700 total matches, Fonte was vital in Lille’s 2020-21 Ligue 1 title.

4. Roque Santa Cruz (Nacional)

Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz, 44, debuted in 1997 and has journeyed worldwide. He spent many years at Bayern Munich, winning five German titles and the 2001 Champions League. Now with Nacional, he holds 112 national caps and over 850 professional appearances.

3. Fábio (Fluminense)

Brazilian goalkeeper Fábio, 45, remains Fluminense’s first choice. Though never capped internationally due to fierce competition, he has played 1303 matches with over 470 clean sheets, including winning the Copa Libertadores.

2. Georgi Petkov (Slavia Sofia)

Georgi Petkov, 50, shines in Bulgaria’s top flight with Slavia Sofia. Starting in 1996, he has more than 400 league appearances and 19 caps for Bulgaria. Known for leadership and shot-stopping, he is the oldest to appear in Bulgaria’s top division.

1. Kazuyoshi Miura (Atletico Suzuka)

Kazuyoshi Miura, 59, known as King Kazu, is the oldest professional footballer still playing and scoring. Debuting in 1986, he played in Brazil, Italy, Croatia, and Japan, earning 90 caps and 49 goals for Japan. Currently on loan at Fukushima United, his career spans nearly four decades.

Historical Oldest Football Players

• Kevin Poole: 41 years 164 days (Burton Albion, 1981–2014)
• Neville Southall: 41 years 178 days (Canvey Island, before 1974–2004)
• Roger Milla: 42 years 39 days (Putra Samarinda, before 1970–1996)
• Mark Schwarzer: 42 years 159 days (Leicester City, 1990–2016)
• Brad Friedel: 42 years 176 days (Tottenham Hotspur, before 1994–2015)
• Steve Ogrizovic: 42 years 237 days (Coventry City, 1977–2000)
• Alec Chamberlain: 42 years 327 days (Watford, before 1982–2007)
• Faryd Mondragon: 43 years 3 days (Deportivo Cali, 1990–2014)
• John Burridge: Oldest Premier League player (Blyth Spartans, before 1970–1998)
• Essam El-Hadary: 45 years 161 days (Nogoom FC, 1994–2019), oldest World Cup player

FAQs

• Who is the oldest football player?Kazuyoshi Miura, aged 59.
• How old is the oldest player?59 years old.
• Who has the longest career?Kazuyoshi Miura, starting in 1986 and still active.
• Is Cristiano Ronaldo included?Yes, at 41, he features among the oldest active players.