There is no denying the fact that football is by far the most popular sport in the world. Successful footballers go on to develop a fan following in all corners of the globe, something that can only be matched by famous movie stars.
However, if looked at closely, the careers of professional footballers, although lucrative, lasts for only around 10-15 years. In fact, the average retirement age in football is 35 years. But there are some players who defy all odds and maintain a kind of physical wellness that they go on and play the beautiful game even well into their 40s. Then there are legends who even compete at the highest level during their 50s! Yes, you read that right, in their 50s! Let’s tell you about a few such senior football players who can still give the younger lot a run for their money.
Kazuyoshi Miura
Hailing from Japan, Kazuyoshi Miura is a professional footballer who was born on February 26, 1967, and is 53 years old today. In fact, Kazuyoshi is the oldest football player in the world right now. He’s been playing at this level since 1986 and is currently employed with Yokohama FC. Affectionately known as Kazu, he rose to fame during the early 90s, becoming the first ever football superstar from Japan. In 1993, he received the Asian Player of the Year Award (conferred by Asian Football Confederation), becoming the first Japanese to ever receive that honour. Kazuyoshi became the senior most ever football player to score a goal at professional level, when in March 2017 he found the back of the net for Yokohama FC in their game against Thespakusatsu Gunma.
Sir Stanley Matthews
Stanley Matthews of England played professional level football for 33 years, from 1932 to 1965. Counted amongst the greatest footballers to emerge from England, Matthews was once the oldest-ever (before Kazuyoshi broke his record) professional footballer to play the game as well as score a competitive goal. His last game was in 1965, the year when he was knighted by the UK royalty for his services to the sport. Post-retirement Matthew turned football coach and was instrumental in establishment of an all-black football team for South Africa in the year 1975, when the country was in the midst of apartheid crisis.
Essam El-Hadary
47 years old today, Essam El-Hadary has been playing professional football since 1993 (for 26 years) today. Hailing from Egypt, he plays as a goalkeeper. Considered the second oldest football player to be actively playing the game today, he made headlines after he set a Guinness world record by taking part in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, at 45.
Post that accomplishment, El-Hadary announced his retirement from Egypt’s national football team. He played a total of 159 international games for his country. Even though Hadary no longer plays for Egypt, he continued to play at the professional level with the Nogoom Football Club till 2019 end.