Oldest Football Player Ever: Who Holds the Record?

By Sarah Miller · February 12, 2028

The oldest professional football player in recorded history is Isak Arvidsson, who played at the age of 91 for a Swedish local club. However, the most widely recognized oldest professional to play in a top-tier league is Ezzeldin Bahader, who was certified by Guinness World Records as the oldest professional footballer at 74 years old.

Who Holds the Record for Oldest Professional Football Player?

The title of the oldest officially recognized professional football player belongs to Ezzeldin Bahader from Egypt. In 2020, at the remarkable age of 74, he signed a professional contract with FC Al-Ahly's veteran team and made an official appearance, earning him a place in the Guinness World Records.

Key Facts About Ezzeldin Bahader

Born: December 23, 1945, in Cairo, Egypt
Position: Midfielder
Club: Al Ahly (veteran division)
Record Set: February 2020, aged 74 years and 125 days
Certification: Officially recognized by Guinness World Records

Other Notable Longevity Cases in Football

While Bahader holds the official record, several other players have demonstrated extraordinary longevity in competitive football:

Isak Arvidsson – The Unofficial Longest-Playing Footballer

A lesser-known but astonishing case is that of Isak Arvidsson from Sweden, who reportedly played in an amateur match at age 91. Though not in a FIFA-sanctioned league, his participation highlights lifelong passion for the sport.

Kazuyoshi Miura – The Eternal Pro

Kazuyoshi Miura, known as "King Kazu," continues to defy age expectations. As of 2025, he remains active at age 58, playing for Suzuka Point Getters in Japan’s JFL (fourth tier). He has played professionally since 1986, making him one of the longest-active professionals in history.

Essam El-Hadary – Africa’s Ageless Goalkeeper

Egyptian international goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary became the oldest player to appear in an Africa Cup of Nations match at 45 years and 161 days in 2018. He also played in the 2018 FIFA World Cup at age 45, setting a modern benchmark for elite-level longevity.

Player	Nationality	Age at Record	Club/Team	League Level	Year
Ezzeldin Bahader	Egypt	74	Al Ahly (Veterans)	Non-top-tier (Official)	2020
Kazuyoshi Miura	Japan	58	Suzuka Point Getters	JFL (Tier 4)	2025
Essam El-Hadary	Egypt	45	Egypt National Team	FIFA World Cup	2018
Giorgio Conti	Italy	70	ASD Olimpia Colligiana	Amateur (Italy)	2019
Isak Arvidsson	Sweden	91	IFK Österåker	Local Amateur	2018

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that while official records are capped by professional league standards, numerous players continue competing well beyond typical retirement ages. Ezzeldin Bahader's 74-year milestone stands out as a unique achievement in formal football, whereas players like Miura and El-Hadary demonstrate sustained elite performance into their late 40s and beyond. These cases reflect evolving fitness standards and medical support in modern sports.

What Defines a 'Professional' Football Player?

To understand the oldest football player records, it's essential to define what constitutes a professional:

Contractual Status: A player must be under a paid contract with a registered club.
League Recognition: The competition must be sanctioned by a national or international football association (e.g., FIFA, UEFA, CAF).
Match Validity: Appearances must occur in official matches, not exhibitions or charity games.

This distinction excludes many elderly participants in friendly matches, emphasizing why Bahader’s record is officially recognized despite older individuals playing informally.

Factors Enabling Longer Careers in Football

Modern advancements have extended athletic careers significantly. Key contributors include:

Advanced Sports Medicine

Injury prevention, rehabilitation techniques, and regenerative therapies allow players to recover faster and maintain performance.

Nutrition and Recovery Protocols

Tailored diets, hydration strategies, and sleep optimization help sustain physical output over decades.

Reduced Physical Demands in Lower Leagues

Players like Miura often transition to lower-tier leagues where pace and contact are reduced, enabling longer participation.

Mental Resilience and Passion

Intrinsic motivation plays a major role—many long-serving players cite love for the game as their driving force.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Oldest Football Players

Who is the oldest professional football player ever?

Ezzeldin Bahader from Egypt is officially recognized as the oldest professional football player, having played at age 74 in a sanctioned match and being listed in the Guinness World Records.

Is there anyone older than Ezzeldin Bahader who played football?

Yes, Isak Arvidsson from Sweden played at age 91 in a local amateur match, but since it wasn’t in a professional or FIFA-recognized league, it doesn’t count as an official record.

How old is Kazuyoshi Miura in 2025?

Kazuyoshi Miura was born on February 26, 1967, making him 58 years old in 2025. He remains active in Japan’s fourth-tier league.

Can someone play professional football past 50?

Yes, though extremely rare. While no player has appeared in a top-tier league after 50 recently, several have competed in lower divisions or veteran leagues, supported by advanced training and medical care.

Why does Ezzeldin Bahader's record matter?

His record matters because it was verified by Guinness World Records and occurred within a structured football environment, proving that age need not be an absolute barrier to professional participation under special circumstances.