Top Oldest Living Football Players in the World 2025

List Of Top Oldest Living Football Players in the World 2025:

Because of its high physical demands, football is frequently seen as a sport best enjoyed by young people, with the majority of professional players retiring in their mid-30s. A few exceptional athletes, on the other hand, continue to compete long into their 40s and even 50s, defying the passing of time. Because of their unwavering dedication, extraordinary fitness, and intense love for the game, these players exhibit astonishing longevity. The ten people listed below, each with a distinct tale of tenacity and commitment, stand out as the oldest active professional football players in 2025. We examine their lives, accomplishments, and contributions to football below, emphasizing the reasons why they continue to serve as role models for football fans everywhere.

1. Kazuyoshi Miura:

The Japanese forward Kazuyoshi Miura, also referred to as "King Kazu," is at the top of the list. At 58, he is still redefining what it means to be a professional athlete. Miura was born on February 26, 1967, and her career, which started in the early 1980s, spanned an incredible 50 years. He is presently on loan from J2 League team Yokohama FC to play for Atletico Suzuka in the Japan Football League. With stops in Brazil, Italy, Croatia, Australia, and Portugal—including a noteworthy stint with Portuguese second-division team UD Oliveirense in 2023—Miura's career has brought him across continents. Miura is Japan's second-highest goalscorer of all time with 709 career games and 193 goals, including 55 goals in 89 caps for Japan. IFFHS Asia's Footballer of the Year and the 1992 AFC Asian Cup are among his international honors. Miura is a global symbol of longevity because of his dedication to fitness and his symbolic presence on the field, even if he hasn't played much in recent seasons. His status as the first football player to play professionally for fifty years and the oldest active goal scorer in the J-League solidifies his reputation as a genuine legend.

2. Georgi Petkov:

The 48-year-old Bulgarian goalie Georgi Petkov is an example of perseverance and reliability. Petkov, who was born on March 14, 1976, has been playing professionally since the late 1990s and is currently captain of Slavia Sofia, a team in Bulgaria's top division. Petkov has made almost 400 appearances in his career, including games in the Europa League and UEFA Champions League. His career is distinguished by its excellence and longevity. After making his Bulgarian debut in 1998 and receiving 19 caps, he became the oldest goalie to appear for his country in an official match in 2018 at the age of almost 43. Petkov has won four Bulgarian championships, six Bulgarian Cups, and four awards for best goalie in Bulgaria, all of which are displayed in his trophy cabinet. He is a respected figure in Bulgarian football because of his ability to perform well, even as a backup in recent seasons, which demonstrates his professionalism and leadership.

3. Dragan Jolovic:

With FK Alfa Modrica, 48-year-old Bosnian center-back Dragan Jolovic continues to be a powerful force in the country's second tier. Jolovic, who was born in Zrenjanin, the former Yugoslavia, on March 30, 1976, has made over 300 appearances throughout a career characterized by leadership and defensive sturdiness. His longevity and ability to perform at a high level are demonstrated by his appearances in Champions League qualifications. He participated in 13 complete games for Tekstilac in the Second Bosnian League during the 2022–2023 season. In 2024, he made 24 appearances and scored two goals for FK Alfa Modrica. Jolovic is a role model for younger players because of his adaptability, perseverance, and dedication to the game, demonstrating that age is not an obstacle to playing competitive football. He is one of the best of the oldest active players due to his unwavering dedication and steady skill.

4. Ahmad Korhani:

Lebanese goalie Ahmad Korhani, 45, is still playing well for AC Tripoli in the Lebanese Premier League. Korhani was born on September 10, 1979, and his career has been distinguished by his remarkable durability and defensive skill. He made seven appearances in the 2024 season, recording three clean sheets and giving up just five goals, proving to be a reliable goalkeeper. Beyond just stopping shots, Korhani adds value to his club on and off the field by coaching younger players. He developed his skills during his senior career while playing for teams like Akhaa Ahli Aley, Ansar, Egtmaaey, and Safa. Being one of the oldest active goalkeepers in the world, Korhani is respected for his perseverance and ability to perform against strong opponents, which emphasizes his role as a fighter of Lebanese football.

5. Ferreira Pinto:

The 44-year-old Brazilian winger Ferreira Pinto is still playing for AC Ponte San Pietro in Serie D in Italy. Pinto, who was born in Quinta do Sol, Paraná, on December 10, 1979, has played in over 686 games throughout his career, including stints with Atalanta and Lecce in Italy's top divisions. He made 23 appearances in the 2024 season, displaying his consistent flair and athleticism. After losing his father when he was fifteen, Pinto started his path in poverty as a day laborer and bricklayer. His breakthrough came in Brazil's Série C with União São João, when he scored 28 goals in his first season. Pinto's tale of tenacity—from destitution to career achievement—inspires his teammates and supporters. He is an important player in lower-tier Italian football because of his versatility and experience, which are still priceless.

6. Nasir Chowdhury:

Playing for Chittagong Abahani in the Bangladesh Premier League, 44-year-old center-back Nasiruddin Chowdhury is a representation of strength and commitment. Chowdhury, who was born in Chittagong on October 9, 1979, has played his whole career in Bangladesh, making 132 appearances and scoring 14 goals, a remarkable total for a defender. He made five appearances and scored one goal in the 2024 season, demonstrating his continued importance to his team's defense. Highlights of Chowdhury's career include his time with Muktijoddha Sangsad, Dhaka Mohammedan, and Chittagong Mohammedan. He also represented Bangladesh from 2010 until 2019. His dedication to domestic football serves as an inspiration to future players and supporters, cementing his status as a national hero as the oldest player in the history of the Bangladesh Premier League.

7. Rhys Griffiths:

Welsh football star Rhys Griffiths, a 44-year-old center-forward, is the manager of Penybont FC in the Cymru Premier League. Griffiths, who was born in Cardiff on March 1, 1980, has made 313 appearances in his career and scored 199 goals, leading the Welsh Premier League's scoring lists for ten years. His influence as a player-manager is still considerable even if he only made 11 appearances in 2024, sitting on the bench. Three Player of the Season honors and six Wales semi-professional caps are among Griffiths' many achievements. He had stints at Newport County, Plymouth Argyle, and other Welsh teams during his career, when he routinely led the scoring charts. Griffiths is a highly regarded figure in Welsh football because of his ability to lead and score goals, which continue to influence Penybont's success.

8. Cesar Medina:

The 44-year-old Panamanian striker Cesar Medina is a symbol of devotion and commitment to Alianza FC, his hometown team. Medina was born on April 10, 1980, and has made 147 appearances for Alianza during his career. In the 2024 season, he scored one goal in four games. His effect is not lessened by his limited playing time because every appearance demonstrates his tenacity and dedication. Medina is a fan favorite and a representation of Alianza's ideals because of his unwavering loyalty to the team. Although he apparently retired after his final match in April 2024, his legacy lives on. Medina's tale of being loyal to his roots strikes a chord with Panamanian football supporters, solidifying his status as one of the sport's oldest players.

9. Joel Pinto:

Joel Pinto, a 44-year-old goalie from Peru, is well-known in the country's football scene for his 20-year career that ended recently. Pinto, who was born on June 5, 1980, made his professional debut in the 2000 Torneo Descentralizado at the age of 17. Prior to a noteworthy period with Sport Huancayo from 2012 until his retirement, he had stints at Coopsol Trujillo, Deportivo Wanka, Sport Boys, and Universidad César Vallejo. Pinto was a dominating presence in goal at 1.82 meters, and his expertise made him a dependable goalie. Despite not being active in 2025, he is included on this list due to his recent professional endeavors and services to Peruvian football, which demonstrate his long-lasting influence on the game.

10. Ilion Lika:

The final player on the list is Ilion Lika, a 44-year-old former Albanian goalie who has made important contributions to Albanian football. Lika, who was born on May 17, 1980, is most remembered for playing more over 200 games during his lengthy time with KF Tirana. He played in two championship games in the 2022–2023 season and was a backup in previous seasons. Lika has demonstrated his consistency at the highest level throughout his career by making appearances for the Albanian national team since 2002. Even if he is said to be retired, his legacy and current actions in Albanian football demonstrate his commitment. Lika's status as one of the sport's oldest players is highlighted by his function as a mentor and his ability to compete even with few playing hours.