Top 10 Oldest Football Player in the World (Currently Ranked)

Football is a game that requires a lot of physical, tactical prowess and relentless energy to cover the field. With growing age, professional footballers slow down due to the age factor and inadequate physical fitness. The majority of players hang up their boots post-thirty, but there are a few athletes who defy the concept of ageing. These oldest football player have disobeyed those odds and are still featuring at the highest level.

While speaking of ‘old’ players, the first name that generally comes to every reader’s mind is that of Cristiano Ronaldo, who, at 40, is still running high for Al Nassr and winning trophies for the country. However, he is not the only one to shine at the sunset of his career, Japanese icon Kazuyoshi Miura, playing professionally even after crossing 50. There are a few more candidates who deserve equal appreciation for staying at the top of the game. We are going to explore the list of the top 10 list of oldest football players in the world in this article:

List of Oldest Football Players Still Playing

Below is the table presenting a list of the top 10 active, oldest football player in the world, who are still playing at a top level, earning multi-million dollar club contracts and representing their countries in international football.

Who is the Oldest Football player at Present?

Let’s take a look at some of the oldest playing football player who continue to withstand age and expectations, still tying up their boots week in week out and playing the sport they love at the highest professional level. And explore the fact of who is the oldest football player?

10. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

At the age of 39, Goalkeeping icon Manuel Neuer is still the main custodian at Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich after retiring from international football in 2024. He rose through the ranks of the FC Schalke youth setup, and later Neuer joined the Bavarians back in 2011. The German icon has been a mainstay in goal, widely regarded as one of the greatest keepers of this generation. Neuer is one of the oldest football player active in 2026.

The World Cup winner is still one of the best German footballers currently, following a consistent performance for his club in goal in the 2025-26 season. He has represented the country in four Euros and four FIFA World Cups, and lifted the 2014 edition of the World Cup, which was held in Brazil. He has won a staggering 26 domestic accolades with Bayern Munich, including 12 Bundesliga titles, two UEFA Champions League trophies, and as many FIFA Club World Cups.

9. James Milner (Brighton)

A Premier League icon in a true sense, Leeds-born veteran midfielder James Milner is still shining bright at 40, playing for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English top flight under the tutelage of German manager Fabian Hurzeler, who himself is seven years younger than him. Starting his career in his hometown at Leeds United in the 2002-03 season, and since then, Milner has represented clubs like Swindon Town, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Liverpool.

Currently playing for the Seagulls, having joined them as a free agent in 2023, the 40-year-old is soon to become the Premier League's all-time top appearance maker, amassing over 650 outings until the 2025-26 season. It won't be far-fetched if we say, James is the most versatile player of this generation, smoothly functions in every outfield position from full-back to midfield, wide midfielder, and forward. In his career, he won 3 EPL titles, 2 FA Cups, 2 EFL Cups and as many Community Shields.

8. Luka Modric (AC Milan)

An icon for Croatian football Luka Modric is ageing like fine wine, playing at the top level with the same intensity at the age of 40. He is widely renowned as one of the greatest midfielders of all time due to his immensely successful stint with Los Blancos. And, he has been a leading figure in Croatian football over the years, guiding his country to successive World Cup qualifications.

Modric steered his team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final against France in Russia. He has played for clubs like Real Madrid, Dinamo Zagreb, and Tottenham Hotspur in the past and was also adjudged ‘The Best FIFA Men’s Player’ in 2018. In 2025, he bid adieu to Los Blancos and signed a fresh contract at Serie A club AC Milan. The Croatian continues to showcase his elegance on field despite being one of the oldest football player in the world.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, for his unparalleled success on and off the field. He is the leading goal scorer in international football with 143 goals and is soon to touch the 1000-goal mark to become the first player to do so. At the age of 40, the Portuguese icon is 7th in terms of oldest football player who are still active and plying their trades at the pinnacle of football.

Last summer, Ronaldo helped the Portugal national football team win the UEFA Nations League after beating Spain in the final. The ex-Man United icon won the 2016 European Championship in his cabinet, apart from numerous club competitions like the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and FIFA Club World Cup, among others. He has also won the Ballon d’Or five times and is currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in Asia.

6. Santi Cazorla (Real Oviedo)

Real Oviedo's hero Santi Cazorla is next on the list of the oldest football player active in the world. He was renowned for his exceptional technicality, ball Control and stunning dribbling and skills, making him one of the most gifted footballers that Spain has ever produced. In his club career, Cazorla has represented clubs like Villarreal and Arsenal, amassing over 500 appearances for both clubs.

The Spaniard was on the sidelines for 636 days, undergoing numerous operations after a series of injuries. Yet at the age of 41, he is captaining his boyhood club Real Oviedo, in the La Liga. A commanding figure and a club icon, the midfielder played a leading role in helping his club to secure a promotion to the Spanish top flight after 24 years. For Spain, Cazorla has capped 81 times for his country and won 2 UEFA European Cups.

5. Thiago Silva (Porto)

The Brazilian icon Thiago Silva was making waves in South America while playing for Fluminense for two years before returning to Europe in January 2026. He is still an active footballer and is currently playing for Portuguese giants Porto FC. Silva has become one of the oldest football player in the world, at age 41. The defender has earned 113 international caps for Brazil, playing in the FIFA World Cup and the Copa America.

The former PSG and Chelsea centre back has played for big clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, AC Milan, and Dinamo Moscow as well, and recently featured in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 for Fluminense. During his days in the French capital, Silva won a staggering 24 trophies with the Parisians. The commanding defender has played over 800 professional appearances at the club level.

4. José Fonte (Casa Pisa)

Our next pick for the oldest football player active in professional football Jose Fonte, at 42 years old, who is the captain of Casa Pia in the Portuguese top flight. Fonte was a key part of the 2016 Portugal side that lifted the European Championship in France, defeating the hosts in the final. On the club level, he has represented Southampton, LOSC Lille and Crystal Palace with over 700 appearances.

The 42-year-old also played a commanding role in the back line for French club Lille in their Ligue 1 success in the 2020-21 campaign. He was more of a late bloomer, who hit his prime years in his thirties. The Portuguese defender was tall, equipped with aerial excellence, excellent footwork and passing ability. Fonte's time in England was instrumental as he developed his game in the English conditions, making 178 Premier League appearances.

3. Roque Santa Cruz (Nacional)

The Paraguayan icon Roque Santa Cruz is third oldest football player who is still active in professional football after making his debut three decades ago on July 27, 1997. The striker has been a journeyman played all over the world, from South America to Europe. He spent a considerable spell at Bayern Munich, making 238 appearances in all competitions. He is one of those forgotten football stars.

The South American netted 51 goals and provided 22 assists altogether for the Bavarians, where he lifted 13 major trophies. The honours include 5 German titles and a Champions League trophy in the 2000-01 season. Despite his age, the 44-year-old has joined Club Nacional Asunción to lead their lines using his experience in front of goalC. Additionally, one of the oldest football players won 112 caps for his country.

2. Fábio (Fluminense)

Fábio Deivson Lopes Maciel, or popularly known as Fabio, is one of the oldest playing football player, who is still guarding the post for Fluminense at the age of 45 as their first choice. The goalkeeper was part of Fluminense's 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States last summer. He has mostly spent his club career playing in his home country, Brazil and became a household name thanks to longevity in between the sticks.

However, the 45-year-old never played for his country at the international level due to immense competition for Brazil's number one spot. He joined Fluminense in 2022 and will remain a part of the club's roster until 2027, his current deal runs out in. Throughout his career, he has played 1269 professional games and has kept over 470 clean sheets, incredible numbers. He is the second oldest football player.

1. Kazuyoshi Miura (Atletico Suzuka)

At first, we have the oldest football player in the world, Japan's finest Kazuyoshi Miura, often referred to as King Kazu by the fans is still enjoying a prolonged professional career at 58. He is the oldest active player to play and score in a professional match. The veteran made his debut at Brazilian club Santos in 1986 and went on to play in Croatia, Italy, and Portugal.

Mirua made his debut for Samurai Blues in 1990 and earned 90 caps for the Japan national football team, and scored 49 goals at the international level. The 1992 Asian Footballer of the Year awardee is currently playing for a third division side, Fukushima United, on loan. The Japanese icon has also represented top clubs such as Genoa, Dinamo Zagreb, Sydney FC, Santos (Brazil), and Vissel Kobe, among others.

Oldest Football Players in the World – Top 10 Comprehensive Table

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