Goalkeepers often enjoy longer careers than outfield players, with experience and positioning helping them remain competitive well into their late 30s and even 40s.
Over the years, several veteran shot-stoppers have made history by appearing at the FIFA World Cup at remarkably advanced ages, proving that age is sometimes just a number on football’s biggest stage.
Here are the 10 oldest goalkeepers to feature in World Cup history.
1. Essam El-Hadary – 45 years, 161 days
The Egyptian legend holds the record as the oldest player ever to appear at a FIFA World Cup. El-Hadary made history during Egypt’s clash against Saudi Arabia at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
