Youth, agility and speed are often praised as the most important factors in soccer. However, there is a rare breed of players who challenge the notion that age is a disadvantage to success. Despite the passage of time, these extraordinary figures continue to strut out onto the field in their kit and boots.
Brazilian legend Romário is a modern-day example of this. The 58-year-old World Cup winner and current president of Rio de Janeiro's American Football Club has registered as a player. This put him on track to become the oldest active soccer player.
Romario's registration was accepted this week, making him eligible to compete in the Carioca Championship, the second division of the Rio de Janeiro state league, starting May 18th.
In November 2009, the former FIFA World Player of the Year made his final official appearance for America FC. Since 2009, he has served as president-elect of America FC. It was a symbolic end to a highly successful career with Dutch side PSV and La Liga powerhouse Barcelona.
Who is the oldest active soccer player in the world?
Romario's inspiring story of perseverance, dedication, and unflinching enthusiasm has helped us identify top-ranked active soccer players around the world.Ahead of the Brazilian's return as a player, we introduce you to the oldest soccer player the current playing around the world.
5. Nasir Chaudhry – 44
Nasir Chaudhry has appeared in six games this season, scoring one goal, and shows no signs of slowing down. He is currently a member of Chittagong Abahani in the Bangladesh Premier League. He played in 132 career games and scored 14 goals while playing as a defender. However, he has never performed outside his home country.
4. Ahmad Kolhani – 45 years old
Goalkeeper Ahmad Kolhani, who currently plays for AC Tripoli in Lebanon, is 45 years old. He has appeared in seven games so far this season. During this time, he has conceded just five goals and has kept four clean sheets.
3. Dragan Jorovic – 48
At FK Alfa Modrica, Dragan Jorovic remains a firm presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina's second division. He played 24 games as a centre-back and scored two goals. He continues to increase his appearances, including in Champions League qualifying. The veteran, born March 30, 1976, has appeared in over 300 games in his career thus far.
2. Georgi Petkov – 48
Multi-award-winning goalkeeper Georgi Petkov's career began in the late 1990s. He made an impressive 400 appearances in all major European competitions, including the Europa League and his UEFA Champions League. He made 19 appearances for the Bulgarian national team throughout his career, making his debut in 1998. Born on March 14, 1976, Petkov is currently a member of Bulgarian First Division team Slavia Sofia.
1. Tomoyoshi Miura – 57
Miura has become something of a mythical figure thanks to his unwavering commitment to continuing to play the game we all love. He plays for Oliveirense in Portugal's second division and is currently 57 years old. The striker has not scored in five games this season, but it is hard to believe that he is not having fun on the field.
As crazy as it may seem, he has been performing since the early 1980s and has also performed in Brazil, Japan, Italy, and Australia. During this period, he played in 709 matches and scored 193 goals. But his 55 goals in 89 appearances for the Japanese national team is perhaps his most notable statistic.
Top 10 players list by age
| place | name | current team | position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kazuyoshi Miura | UD Oliveirense | center forward | 57 |
| 2. | Georgi Petkov | Slavia Sofia | goalkeeper | 48 |
| 3. | Dragan Jorovich | FK Alpha Modrica | center back | 48 |
| Four. | Ahmad Kolhani | AC Tripoli | goalkeeper | 45 |
| Five. | Nasir Chowdhury | Chittagong Abani | center back | 44 |
| 6. | Ferreira Pinto | AC Ponte San Pietro | right wing | 44 |
| 7. | Rhys Griffiths | Pennybont FC | center forward | 44 |
| 8. | Cesar Medina | Alianza FC Panama | center forward | 44 |
| 9. | Ilion Rika | KF Tirana | goalkeeper | 43 |
| Ten. | Joel Pinto | sports one kayo | goalkeeper | 43 |
Photo: Imago
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