By Goalkeeping is an art that is not within everyone’s reach – it requires practice and sharp reflexes. A goalkeeper does not get even a moment to react. It is practically impossible without sharp reflexes.
The analyst believes that Goalkeepers are, by their very nature, capable of greater longevity than their outfield counterparts. It isn’t about running all the time but more about standing focused unless the football comes. Teams always prefer experienced goalkeepers because goalkeeping is level-headedness, calmness, and experience.
Some players in football have been doing goalkeeping for years. Through this article, we will talk about the 7 oldest goalkeepers, who still play despite being aged.
1. Mark Schwarzer (44 years)
Mark Schwarzer is the oldest goalkeeper who still plays for his team. He was among the best in early 2000 and still saves goals when it is needed. He has been in a good form even at this age of his life.
Mark Schwarzer is 44 years old, as of 2022. He has been playing for different teams since mid-2000. However, he played most games of his career with Middlesbrough (367 appearances in a total of 11 years). With his strange goalkeeping style, he stuns the strikers of the opposite team.
2. Shay Given (40 years)
Shay Given is the oldest goalkeeper who has been playing for England for over a decade. He is one of the most known English goalkeepers who played for various clubs including English clubs Manchester United, Newcastle, and Stoke City.
Even today, if you look at the list of Best Saves in Football, you will definitely find Shay Given’s name in there. Currently, he plays for Stoke City as an important member of the team. Though he’s not regular, he plays as a pundit to the young goalkeeper Jack Butland. This is because Shay is no longer in his prime.
3. Gabor Kiraly (40 Years)
Gábor Király is the third oldest player in the list of modern goalkeepers. He had one of the best seasons in Euro 2016 where he saved many goals for Hungary. Gabor managed to earn 108 caps for his team.
Kiraly played for various clubs including Crystal Palace, Fulham, West Ham, and Aston Villa. He has always been the trustable and one of the most important players on his team.
4. Noel Valladares (39 Years)
Noel Valladares may not be as tall as other goalkeepers but he has always been the first choice for every club. After Buffon, Neol is the second player who has the most number of appearances, with an overall count of over 600.
Valladares is awarded with the Best Goalkeeper Award of Liga Profesional de Honduras 3 times. Also, he won the Man of the Match in a World Cup tie against Switzerland in 2010.
5. Gianluigi Buffon (38 years)
Gialuigi Buffon is also known as the 6″ tall Italian Wall. He doesn’t permit the football to reach the goal. Buffon is considered as one the best goalkeeper of all time. Also, he has the record of holding the most number of appearances.
The 2006 world cup was the best year in his career, he saved almost all the goals except for the impossible ones and made his team lift the World cup. Even at the age of 38, Buffon is still considered by many to be in his good form.
6. Julio Cesar (37 years old)
Whenever it comes to goalkeepers, who can forget Julio Cesar? Be it the list of the best goalkeepers or the oldest one, he is everywhere. The Brazilian goalkeeper has never given a chance of doubting his goalkeeping skills except for a match with Germany in the FIFA 2014 semi finals where they had to face 7 goal thrashing. Like we say, a single game doesn’t define your destiny – he came back even stronger and saved various goals.
7. Dani Mallo (37 years old)
Dani Mallow, the Spanish goalkeeper who currently plays for Atlético de Kolkata is the last goalkeeper on our list. The 37-year-old started his career playing for Deportivo. However, he only managed to grab 85 appearances for the club. It’s been reported that the Cambre Municipal ground is named after the spanish 37-year-old goalkeeper, Dani Maloo. He played for Falkirk squad as an important member who qualified for semi finals of the domestic league cup of Scotlan.
Age Done, What Next?
Let us know about the Tallest Goalkeepers in Football!
