With the rapid burst of young players, the older football talents have somewhat disappeared. However, even today, there are active players who have been performing well every season, beautifully serving their club and country. In this post, we are going to talk about the top 8 oldest active football players in the world.
1. Kazuyoshi Miura
Kazuyoshi, also referred to as King Kazu, is Japan’s first football player. As of 2022, he’s still active. Kazu’s rise coincided with the premiere of Japanese League J1 in 1993. This made him become the poster child of the League!
- Full name: Kazuyoshi Miura
- Date of birth: 26 February 1967
- Place of birth: Shizouka,
- Japan Age: 55 years (as of December 2022)
- Nationality: Japanese
- Current club: Suzuka Point Getters
- Position: Forward
- Years Active: 1986 to date
2. Denílson de Oliveira
Denilson is a 17-year old football player who’s recognised for his excellent dribbling skills. His football career started from Sao Paulo to Real Betis. He retired in 2010.
- Full name: Denílson de Oliveira
- Date of birth: 24 August 1977
- Place of birth: Diadema, Brazil
- Age: 44 years (as of December 2022)
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Current club: Ibis Sporting
- Position: Winger
- Years Active: 1995 to date
3. Gianluigi Buffon
The Italian goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon is a living legend. He’s considered as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. He’s played through significant Italian clubs.
- Full name: Gianluigi Buffon
- Date of birth: 28 January 1978
- Place of birth: Carrara, Italy
- Age: 44 years (as of December 2022)
- Nationality: Italian
- Current club: Parma FC
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Years Active: 1995 to date
4. Shunsuke Nakamura
Shunsuke has made 98 appearances for Japan. He’s been a key player in international games, such as the 2006, 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the 2000, 2004 AFC Asian games.
- Full name: Shunsuke Nakamura
- Date of birth: 24 June 1978
- Place of birth: Yokohama, Japan
- Age: 43 years (as of December 2022)
- Nationality: Japanese
- Current club: Yokohama FC
- Position: Midfielder
- Years Active: 1997 to date
5. Rabiu Ali
Rabiu Ali is a Nigerian football player, also referred to as “Pele”. He made a notable number of appearances on the international football scene with his national team. Since 2011, he has been with Kano Pillars FC.
- Full name: Rabiu Ali
- Date of birth: 27 September 1980
- Place of birth: Kaduna, Nigeria
- Age: 41 years (as of December 2022)
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Current club: Kano Pillars FC
- Position: Midfielder
- Years Active: 2005 to date
6. Joaquín Sánchez Rodríguez
Joaquin is known for his incredible dribbling and crossing skills. He’s had an illustrious career of playing numerous La Liga teams and has made quite a name for himself!
- Full name: Joaquín Sánchez Rodríguez
- Date of birth: 21 July 1981
- Place of birth: El Puerto, Spain
- Age: 40 years (as of December 2022)
- Nationality: Spanish
- Current club: Real Betis
- Position: Winger
- Years Active: 1997 to date
7. Roque Luis Santa Cruz Cantero
Roque Luis holds the current record for the highest goal scorer of Paraguayan. He has earned 100 caps and is considered Nation’s history. He started his career in his home country of Paraguay.
- Full name: Roque Luis Santa Cruz Cantero
- Date of birth: 16 August 1981
- Place of birth: Asuncion, Paraguay
- Age: 40 years (as of December 2022)
- Nationality: Paraguayan
- Current club: Libertad
- Position: Striker
- Years Active: 1997 to date
8. Diego Lopez Rodriguez
Diego Lopez is a Spanish goalkeeper. He’s played for over 3 decades now for major clubs, which includes Real Madrid among others. Diego finally joined RCD Espanyol in 2017 as their first team goalkeeper.
- Full name: Diego Lopez Rodriguez
- Date of birth: 3 November 1981
- Place of birth: Paradela, Spain
- Age: 40 years (as of December 2022)
- Nationality: Spanish
- Current club: RCD Espanyol
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Years Active: 1994 to date
Don’t forget to check out the list of The Youngest Active Football Players.