Credit: Millet News
These players are the defy age with style!
As football enthusiasts across the globe are captivated by the rising young stars, it's equally intriguing to observe the perseverance and resilience of seasoned players who continue to challenge the effects of age. This article highlights the exceptional careers of the oldest active footballers in 2024, celebrating their accomplishments and their enduring impact on the sport.
At 57 years and 4 months, Kazuyoshi Miura stands as the oldest active footballer and a true icon of the sport. Currently playing for Atletico Suzuka, Miura is the only professional footballer to have played across five different decades. His career began at 15 when he moved to Brazil and joined Santos. Returning to Japan in 1990, he made history by winning the Asian Cup with the national team in 1992. After brief periods with Genoa in Italy and a Croatian club, he continued his career in Japan with Yokohama until 2022, before joining Atletico Suzuka. Even at his advanced age, Miura remains deeply committed to the game, ever in search of new playing opportunities.
At 48 years and 3 months, Georgi Petkov remains an active player for Slavia Sofia. Since beginning his career in 1994, Petkov has secured four Bulgarian championships and earned multiple accolades as the country’s top player. With over 400 career matches to his name, he continues to be a crucial presence in Bulgarian football, frequently rising to the occasion despite his age.
At 45 years and 2 months, Ahmad Korhani serves as a goalkeeper for Tripoli in Lebanon. Having spent his entire career in Lebanon, Korhani has primarily been a backup in recent years. Although he made just seven appearances in the last championship, his experience and dependability continue to make him a valuable asset to his team.
At 44 years and 8 months, Nasiruddin Chowdhury is a central defender for Chittagong Abahani in Bangladesh. With a career spanning over ten clubs in his home country, he holds the distinction of being the oldest professional footballer in Bangladesh. His dedication to the sport has established him as a prominent figure in Bangladeshi football.
At 44 years and 6 months, Ferreira Pinto embarked on his professional career before 2000 and has played for several prominent Italian clubs, including Perugia, Atalanta, and Lecce. He is now with Ponte San Pietro, a Serie D team. Despite the lower league status, Ferreira Pinto continues to be a key player, displaying his impressive skill with 23 appearances in the last season.
At 44 years and 4 months, Rhys Griffiths is a legendary name in Welsh football. Having played for nine different clubs, he currently represents Penybont, where he also takes on the role of player-coach. As the second-highest scorer in Welsh league history, Griffiths frequently makes a significant impact off the bench. His dual role highlights both his leadership and tactical expertise.
At 44 years and 1 month, Ilion Lika, a former Albanian national team goalkeeper, is currently playing for KF Tirana. Renowned for his time with Terik (now Akhmat) and multiple tenures at Tirana, Lika has accumulated 198 appearances for the club. Most of his career has been spent in Albania, where he has earned considerable respect within the domestic league.
These seasoned footballers really show what it means to love the game. Their commitment and skill, even as they age, are truly inspiring for fans and younger players. They prove that football isn’t just for the young; it’s a lifelong passion that can keep burning bright through the years.
