A look at the older statesmen of American football!
With the 2024 Copa America in full swing in the United States, football fans worldwide are in for a treat with thrilling matches, nail-biting finishes, underdog stories, world-class goals, and sensational saves. This tournament is a display of talented young players demonstrating their amazing potential on the pitch. Yet, it is the seasoned veteran players who often guide their teams through crucial phases of the competition with their wealth of leadership skills, in-game awareness, and extensive tournament experience. Here are the top four oldest players at Copa America 2024:
Bolivian goalkeeper Carlos Lampe is among the oldest players in the 2024 Copa America. A vital figure for his team, is widely regarded as one of Bolivia's best goalkeepers ever. Since making his international debut in 2010, he has earned an impressive 53 caps for Bolivia, participating in multiple Copa America tournaments. This season, for his club Bolivar, Lampe made 16 appearances across all competitions, securing 4 clean sheets. At 37 years old, Carlos Lampe brings a wealth of experience at both the club and international levels. His performances and leadership on and off the pitch will be crucial to Bolivia's success in this Copa America.
One of the greatest strikers of his generation, Luis Suarez, continues to thrive even in the twilight of his career. Suarez had an incredible debut season with MLS club Inter Miami, scoring 14 goals and providing 7 assists in just 20 matches across all competitions. As Uruguay’s all-time top goal scorer, he boasts a stellar 68 goals in 138 international appearances. Under coach Marcelo Bielsa, Suarez is a key figure in the dressing room and plays a rotational role, primarily being utilised as an impact substitute in close games. At 37, Suarez remains a vital player for Uruguay, with his killer instincts posing a constant threat to opponents.
Peruvian forward Paolo Guerrero has become a football icon for his nation through his consistently outstanding performances. Guerrero holds the record for most appearances for Peru with an impressive 120 caps, scoring 40 goals and becoming the national team's top goal scorer. At 40 years old, Guerrero has been instrumental in Peru’s recent successes at the Copa America, helping them achieve two third-place finishes in 2011 and 2015 and a runner-up finish in 2019. Although the LDU Quito striker is no longer a regular starter for Peru, his leadership and experience are invaluable to the squad. His presence could be crucial in helping Peru stage another remarkable run in this tournament.
The oldest player in the tournament, still playing an integral role for his team, is Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. At 41 years old, Bravo made history by becoming the oldest player to participate in a CONMEBOL Copa America match this century. He started for Chile in their opening game against Peru, keeping a clean sheet in a goalless draw and making four crucial saves. Entering the tournament, the Chilean legend served as a backup goalkeeper for Real Betis this season, ultimately starting in goal for nine matches across all competitions and keeping two clean sheets. As a two-time Copa America-winning captain (2015 and 2016), Bravo will be instrumental once again if Chile is to have a successful tournament.
All of these players have seen the transition of the Copa America from the previous generation to the next!
