With just over a month until Qatar kick-off the 2022 World Cup against Ecuador on November 20, who are the oldest players to score at the World Cup? Well, a key Rangers figure and a Liverpool icon feature in the top 15 players.
England kick off their campaign a day later, the second match of the entire tournament – against Iran. Senegal against Netherlands is arguably the pick of the games on the first two days, before Lionel Messi is in action on day three.
But who are the World Cup’s oldest goalscorers, excluding qualification? Many will remember the name, Roger Milla. The Cameroonian legend renowned for his hip-thrusting around a corner flag. At 42, in 1994, he netted for his country.
His goal came against Russia in a 6-1 win, and has stood since – a whole 28 years. Indeed, it is a record that is likely to last for a whole lot longer. Second in class, Gunnar Gren had held the record at 37, scoring in the 1958 semi-finals.
WHO ARE THE OLDEST PLAYERS TO SCORE AT THE WORLD CUP?
A more recognisable name to the younger World Cup fan might be Cuauhtemoc Blanco. Looking slightly overweight and 85 days younger than Gren, he scored in the 2010 World Cup – a penalty against France in a 2-0 win.
Panama had a World Cup to forget in 2018, but Felipe Baloy will always remember netting against England, during our 6-1 win. He too, is 37. Other recognisable names make up the rest of the top 15 – Miroslav Klose in at number nine.
England’s Tom Finney was 36 and 64 days when he scored in 1958, the eighth-oldest scorer. Argentina target man Martin Palermo, Mexico’s Rafa Marquez and Portugal’s Pepe – who is also still playing – are also in the top 15.
Rangers gaffer Gio van Bronckhorst got his name on the list when he slammed home a left-footed effort against Uruguay in the third-placed play-off – a scorcher. Liverpool icon John Aldridge netted for Ireland in 1994, at 35.
So, are there any potential candidates to make the list this time around? Cristiano Ronaldo is the obvious one at 37, and you would not bet against him. Dani Alves is 39 and could go, Thiago Silva is 38. Luka Modric is also 37.
