Top 10 Oldest Premier League Player - 2026 (Ranked)

In the high-paced world of the English Premier League, young talent dominates the league; however, to everyone's surprise. A few veterans have defied the odds, proving that experience and determination to contribute to a team's success can outshine young players. In 2026, English Premier League players like James Milner, Ashley Young and Séamus Coleman have been inspiring figures on the list of oldest Premier League player.

The likes of Jamie Vardy and Séamus Coleman showed us that age doesn't matter if you have the hunger to perform. Milner showing his professionalism is unmatched compared to others of his age. These oldest Premier League players have given tough fights to new talents of the league with their experience, fitness, and vision. Their longevity reflects not just skill but an unwavering commitment to the game, which inspires young players.

As the 2025-26 Premier League season is underway, let’s take a moment to celebrate the not-so-young stars who continue to defy age with their skill and passion. Here are the oldest football player in Premier League still shining in the Premier League.

List of Oldest Premier League Player in 2026

The table of the oldest Premier League player highlights veteran players who not only bring years of experience but also excel in one of the world’s best leagues, the Premier League. Let’s dive in and check out the oldest soccer player in Premier League.

Who is the Oldest Football Player in Premier League at Present?

Here is the detailed list of the oldest Premier League player who have been standing strongly amongst the emerging young talents and giving a tough fight to them in terms of skills and sometimes pace. Let's discuss the list of the oldest Premier League player in 2026.

10. Adam Smith (Defender)

At the place, starting the list of the oldest player in Premier League, we have AFC Bournemouth captain Adam Smith. He was born in the English capital on April 29, 1991, and is currently 34 years old. Smith spent his early years in Tottenham Hotspur's academy before earning a place in the first team. The defender made his debut Premier League in 2012 for the Lillywhites in a 2-0 win over Fulham.

The 34-year-old defender spent several seasons on loan with multiple clubs inlcuding Wycombe, Leeds United, MK Dons and Millwall. In 2014, the English right back joined Cherries and has been their long-term mainstay for AFC Bournemouth for over a decade. Adam played over 400 matches for the Cherries and has racked up more than 200 Premier League appearances.

9. Danny Welbeck (Forward)

The Manchester United academy graduate Danny Welbeck, might have lost some pace, but his goal-scoring instinct and movements have only improved. The 35-year-old forward is currently leading the lines of Brighton & Hove Albion as their centre forward. During the 2025-26 season, Welbeck has already scored 8 league goals in 23 appearances so far.

The England international, who made his debut in 2008 under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, brings leadership and clutch finishing at Seagulls. Throughout his professional career, Welbeck has been nearing the 400 Premier League appearances mark and scored 85 goals and 37 assists. At present, Danny is one of the oldest Premier League player.

8. Kyle Walker (Defender)

The decorated full-back Kyle Walker has won the English Premier League six times during successful spell with Manchester City. At the age of 35, he is currently one of the oldest Premier League players representing Burnley in the English top flight. He lifted a staggering 18 major honours, including a continental treble in 2023 as their skipper and played a pivotal role under Pep Guardiola.

Walker joined the newly promoted side Burnley in the summer of 2025, after a brief spell in Italy with Serie A club AC Milan. He has played for the England national football team 96 times and amassed over 434 appearances in the EPL. Besides, playing for Sky Blues, the English defender has played for Tottenham Hotspur, Shifiield United, Aston Villa and QPR.

7. Jordan Henderson (Midfielder)

Next up, we have another Premier League icon, Jordan Henderson, who enjoyed an impressive spell with Ajax Amsterdam and returned to England in the summer of 2025. The midfielder had signed for Brentford on a two-year contract, marking his return to the Premier League. He had won the English title with Liverpool in the 2019-20 season while making 496 appearances in all competitions.

Henderson rose through the ranks of AFC Sunderland and later played for Coventry City before establishing himself as a key player at his boyhood club. The midfielder is renowned for his vision, passing range and leadership skills, which remain sharp. He embodies professionalism and football IQ, making him one of the best and oldest Premier League player at the age of 35.

6. Idrissa Guèye (Midfielder)

The Everton star midfielder Idrissa Gueye has cemented himself as an important figure for the Toffees over the years. He was recently crowned the 2025 African Cup of Nations winner with the Senegal national football team. Gueye is a highly experienced defensive midfielder who has played for LOSC Lille and PSG before moving to England to sign for Everton in 2022.

The Senegalese international is currently one of the oldest football player in Premier League. He played a crucial role in Everton's 2024-25 campaign to avoid relegation and earned a new contract with his impressive performances. The 36-year-old defensive midfielder has made 227 appearances for Everton and remains a sure starter in the midfield, along with oldest soccer player in Premier League.

5. Ashley Barnes (Forward)

Another Burnley FC player is on the list of the oldest Premier League player in 2026 is Ashley Barnes. He has been a journeyman and played for numerous clubs throughout his club career, but mostly in the lower divisions. Nonetheless, the 36-year-old striker has played more than 200 matches in the Premier League, while scoring 43 goals and providing 33 assists.

During the 2024 January window, Barnes rejoined the Clarets for his second stint at Turf Moor. The England-born forward had first arrived at the club in 2014 and recorded a nine-and-a-half-year stint before signing for Norwich. It's clear that he is not the first-choice striker for Bunley; however, as a player with vast experience and proven credentials, he brings a lot to the squad.

4. Séamus Coleman (Defender)

At 4th in the list of oldest player in Premier League, the Premier League veteran Seamus Coleman is the longest serving player in the Premier League currently. He has been one of the best investments the club has made, signing the Irish international from Sligo Rovers on a deal worth a £60,000 fee. The Everton skipper is playing his remarkable 17th season with the Toffees and has become a club legend.

Despite upsetting injuries, Seamus Coleman has been essential for the dressing room environment as he adds necessary experience to the squad. The right back has only 6 months left on his current deal with the Merseyside club, which runs out in the summer of 2026. Capped 77th time for the Ireland national football team, he made 372 appearances and made 48 goal contributions for Everton only.

3. Martin Dubravka (Goalkeeper)

Upon the departure of James Trafford to Manchester City, Burnley FC roped in Slovak goalkeeper Martin Dubravka in the summer. The 37-year-old is among the oldest Premier League player. The Shot stopper was a vital player for Newcastle United with his gloves, leadership qualities, and plenty of experience for the team. After playing a pivotal part during the transition period of the club under Eddie Howe.

His experience played a crucial role in ending Newcastle United's trophy drought after 70 years by winning the Carabao Cup in the 2024-25 campaign. Known for his shot-stopping and calm presence in between the sticks, Dubravka provides vital cover when needed, making him one of the best, oldest Premier League player. The Slovakian international has made 187 appearances in the Premier League.

2. Lukasz Fabianski (Goalkeeper)

The Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski signed for West Ham United in September 2025 as a free agent for a second stint in the English capital. He was a part of the Hammers squad that lifted their first-ever European trophy, the UEFA Conference League, in 2023. The only short-tenured player on the list is with the Hammers for just half a decade before wearing the colours of Arsenal and Swansea City.

Fabianski first signed for Hammers in 2018, courtesy of his impressive debut campaign at the club, which helped him earn recognition as the "Hammer of the Year (2018-19). The West Ham keeper played 57 times for Poland at the international level. Fabianski has played for Arsenal and Swansea City before his move to West Ham United in 2018. The goalkeeper's current term expires in the summer 2026.

1. James Milner (Midfielder)

The England icon James Milner is currently one of the oldest active footballers in the world and plays for Brighton & Hove Albion. Since making his debut in the 2002-03 campaign, Milner has been going strong in the Premier League and is on the verge of becoming the Premier League's all-time top appearance maker, having played over 650 matches in the English top flight.

The ex-Liverpool midfielder's fitness is a testament to his longevity and three-decade-long successful career. Andy Robertson said, “I don’t think I’ll ever see someone as fit as him”. The midfielder sits second in the all-time Premier League appearances list and is just 2 appearances away from breaking the record held by Gareth Barry. Currently playing for the Seagulls, James is the oldest Premier League player.