Top five oldest players to make FIFA World Cup appearance ft. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo started for Portugal vs DR Congo at the age of 41 years and 132 days.
As Portugal took to the field against DR Congo in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener at NRG Stadium in Houston, Cristiano Ronaldo wrote his name in the history books once again. The Selecao das Quinas legend became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match.
Despite being in his forties, Ronaldo is showing no signs of slowing down, coming into the tournament after winning his maiden league title in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr. Interestingly, he is not even the oldest player taking part in the 48-team expanded tournament in North America.
That feat goes to Scotland’s 43-year-old Craig Gordon, although he is yet to play. Other veterans who have starred in the tournament this year include Germany’s Manuel Neuer and Cape Verde hero Vozinha.
However, Ronaldo is still some way short of being the oldest-ever player to make a World Cup appearance. That mantle is held by Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, who made history in the 2018 edition by playing at the age of 45.
Also Read: Top 10 oldest players at FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Neuer, Ronaldo & Modric
Oldest players to make FIFA World Cup appearance
| Sl No. | Player | Opponent | Date | Age |
| 1 | Essam El-Hadary (Egypt) | Saudi Arabia | June 15, 2018 | 45 years, 161 days |
| 2 | Faryd Mondragon (Colombia) | Japan | June 24, 2014 | 43 years, 3 days |
| 3 | Roger Milla (Cameroon) | Russia | June 28, 1994 | 42 years, 39 days |
| 4 | Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) | DR Congo | June 17, 2026 | 41 years, 132 days |
| 5 | Pat Jennings (Northern Ireland) | Brazil | June 12, 1986 | 41 years, 0 days |
Who is the oldest player to ever play in a FIFA World Cup?
Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary holds the record, appearing at the 2018 World Cup aged 45 years and 161 days.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.