Football is more than just a sport. It is a way of life. When people think about football as a sport, they are likely to think about youngsters playing. However, age is nothing but a number and there are a few players who have proven to the world that they are only getting started. These players have advanced their careers and continue to perform on the field. Hence, Football clubs continue to choose them. If you are interested in learning more about the oldest soccer players who are still playing, you have come to the right place. This post takes a close look at the oldest footballers that truly love the sport and show no signs of stopping. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started.
- Kazuyoshi Miura
One of the oldest and most well-known soccer players who is still playing soccer today is Kazuyoshi Miura. He started football back in 1986 and continues to play to this very day. The Japanese professional football holds the record for being the oldest professional footballer in the world.
Besides this, he also holds the record for being the oldest goal scorer when he scored an amazing goal at the age of 5 in the J-League in 2017. Kazuyoshi Miura has played for the national team 89 times during 1990 to 2000. During his playing days with the Blue Samurai alone, he managed to score 55 goals. He has had a long career playing for a variety of clubs in different parts of the world. Kazuyoshi Miura has been featured in clubs like Dynamo Zagreb, Genoa, Palmeiras, and Santos. Currently, he plays for the J-League club.
- Gianluigi Buffon
Starting his football career back in 1995, Gianluigi Buffon is another soccer player who shows no signs of stopping despite his age. Considered to one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, the Italian legend is also one of the oldest active footballers. He is widely loved and respected in the world of football. His exploits with Juventus FC, his former team cemented his reputation as being the best shot-stopper in the country. Gianluigi Buffon also helped Italy win the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Hailing from Carrara in Italy, he was just signed for Serie B side Parma which shows that he is still going strong.
- Shunsuke Nakamura
Another Japanese footballer to have made the list for the oldest soccer players still playing soccer is Shunsuke Nakamura. Beginning his career in 1997, the former Celtic FC midfielder is still involved on the pitch despite his age. The Yokohama FC player has proved to the world that he loves football and will continue to play the sport no matter what comes his way. He is currently playing his third season with the J-League and has been featured 10 times with the J-League. Moreover, Shunsuke Nakamura has also played for the national team of Japan 98 times during 2000 to 2010. He is also considered to be one of the best foreign players to have played in the country of Scotland and is a key figure for Celtic.
- Maxi Rodriguez
Maxi Rodriguez started playing football professionally in 1999. The Argentine footballer is a veteran in his field and plays for Newell’s Old Boys in the country. Considered to be one of the oldest footballers to be currently playing, Maxi Rodriguez shows just how passionate he is about the sport. He moved to Europe in 2002 from Newell’s Old Boys and went on to play for Athletico Madrid, Espanyol, and Liverpool.
- Joaquin Sanchez
The next oldest soccer player who is still playing soccer today is Joaquin Sanchez. He started playing in 2000 and has garnered a massive following. The former Spanish international is more than 40 years old and is still active in the Spanish La Liga. He has made close to 551 appearances in the top Spanish division and has broken the record previously held by Raul Gonzales for most appearances made by an outfield player. The player is active and healthy which is why he is able to keep up with the intensity of the job. Maxi Rodriguez is an inspiring soccer player that more people need to know about.
- Roque Santa Cruz
In addition to the above, Roque Santa Cruz is also a fantastic soccer player who is over the age of 40. He began playing soccer professionally back in 1997 and has had an impressive career. The former Manchester City and Paraguay striker is still going strong despite his age. The Olimpia Asuncion forward has shown a sharp performance. In fact, he scored 17 goals last year and had 27 appearances. His passion for soccer is what keeps him going. There is no soccer player quite like him.
- Diego Lopez
Lastly, Diego Lopez is an amazing soccer player who is proving to the world that age does not matter. He started playing professionally back in 1999 and has had a remarkable career. Diego has spent most of his time in Spain as he has played for Espanyol, Sevilla, Villareal, and Real Madrid. But, he has even represented AC Milan in Italy. Diego Lopez has been newly promoted to La Liga, Espanyol for the 2021/22 season. The Spanish goalkeeper does a terrific job on the field. Hence, his name will continue to shine.
Honorable Mentions
Before our post comes to an end, it is important to mention a few names that are worth mentioning. These include Rabiu Ali, Pepe Reina, Phil Jagielka, Jorge Molina, and Jalal Hosseini of Persepolis. Each of the football players is terrific and has shown that age does not pose any limits.
Conclusion
After you have finished reading our post, you will come to know about the oldest soccer players who are still playing soccer today. Each of the players mentioned above have given their all to the profession and continue to amaze football fans. If you love soccer, you should check out Soccer Deal Shop.
