El-Hadary Tops the List of Oldest Players in World Cup History

Opta statistics network highlighted the list of the oldest players who have participated in World Cup history, topped by Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, who played in Egypt's match against Saudi Arabia in the 2018 World Cup at the age of 45 years and 161 days.

In that match, El-Hadary set two historical records, becoming the oldest player to participate in the tournament's history and the oldest player to play his first World Cup match. He also saved a penalty kick, becoming the first African goalkeeper to save a penalty in World Cup finals, although the match ended with Egypt losing 2-1.

The same source mentioned that El-Hadary played 159 international matches with the Egyptian national team and won the African Cup of Nations four times, also receiving the best goalkeeper award in the tournament three times.

Colombian Faryd Mondragón came in second at the age of 43 years and 3 days after participating against Japan in the 2014 World Cup, while Cameroonian Roger Milla ranked third at the age of 42 years and 39 days during his participation against Russia in the 1994 World Cup.

Milla holds another record as he remains the oldest player to score a goal in World Cup history, having scored Cameroon's sole goal in the 6-1 loss to Russia.

The list also included Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings, Englishman Peter Shilton, Italian Dino Zoff, Tunisian Ali Boumnijel, Scotsman Jim Leighton, Englishman David James, and Canadian Atiba Hutchinson.

Opta noted that Dino Zoff also retains the title of the oldest player to win the World Cup, having led Italy to victory in the 1982 World Cup at the age of 40 years and 133 days.