Who is the oldest ever footballer to play at a World Cup competition? Find out right here.

The World Cup 2022 is quickly approaching and we have a winter of outstanding football to watch as the best nations in the world battle it out to become the Qatar World Cup champions 2022.

With the greatest players, come the greatest nations and there is certainly going to be some fine talent on show! We have veteran names within the sport such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and many more who will all feature, who have all also aged like a fine wine.

But this begs the question, who is the oldest player to ever play at a World Cup finals? We have the answer for you right here.

Read More: World Cup 2022: Dates, Schedule, Location, Groups, Tickets, Odds And More


Who is the oldest player to ever play at a World Cup?

Essam El Hadary of Egypt reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 25: Essam El Hadary of Egypt reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Saudia Arabia and Egypt at Volgograd Arena on June 25, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

The oldest player to ever play at a World Cup tournament is Egypt's, Essam El Hadery at 45 years and 10 days old.

The goalkeeper set this record in Russia in 2018 when he started for Egpyt in their last group-stage match against Saudi Arabia, which made him the oldest player to ever feature for a nation in a World Cup finals.

The game didn't exactly go according to plan for the Egyptians, as El Hadery conceded a 95th-minute goal which gave Saudi Arabia a 2 - 1 win after Mohamed Salah got their goal in the first half.

However, the veteran goalkeeper did have a fantastic game and made some fine stops throughout. Not bad for a 45-year-old.


Oldest Players to play at World Cup Tournaments

Cameroon striker Roger Milla walks the ball into the empty net to score the winning goal

NAPLES, ITALY - JUNE 23: Cameroon striker Roger Milla walks the ball into the empty net to score the winning goal after dispossesing Colombian goalkeeper Rene Higuita (l) of the ball mid pitch during the Second phase match between Cameroon and Colombia on June 23, in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images)

Here are the five oldest players to ever have played at World Cup tournaments.

  • Essam El Hadery (Egypt) - 45 years and 10 days old.
  • Faryd Mondragon (Columbia) - 43 years and 3 days old
  • Roger Milla (Cameroon) - 42 years and 39 days old
  • Pat Jennings (Northern Ireland) - 42 years old
  • Peter Shilton (England) - 40 years, 9 months and 19 days old

To play at a World Cup at any stage of your career is impressive, but to do it in your 40s? Take a bow, lads!


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