Earlier this week, Essam El-Hadary was named in Egypt's provisional 35-man squad for the World Cup. The 45-year-old goalkeeper will be confident of adding to his 156 international caps over the coming weeks and creating a bit of history too. If, as expected, he makes the final cut and plays in Russia, El-Hadary will become the oldest player ever to appear at a World Cup, overtaking some other renowned veterans in the process.
Faryd Mondragon
The Colombian goalkeeper currently holds the record. His international career lasted for over two decades but rarely as first choice, amassing just 51 caps in that time. Mondragon went to three different World Cups, and retired after defeat to Brazil in the quarter-finals four years ago. As back-up to David Ospina, he came on as an 85th-minute substitute in Colombia’s final group game just days after turning 43.
Roger Milla
Famed for his exploits at Italia 90, having come back from retirement to become one of the stars of the tournament at the age of 38, Milla’s appearances at the 1994 World Cup are less well-remembered. Introduced as a half-time substitute in Cameroon’s final group game, the 42-year-old striker grabbed a consolation goal in a 6-1 defeat to Russia. He remains the oldest player to score in a World Cup, having broken his own record.
Peter Shilton
While Roger Milla proved the value of experience at the 1990 World Cup, Shilton was perhaps demonstrating some of the risks of sticking with a veteran who’s past his physical peak. Bobby Robson persisted with the 40-year-old goalkeeper as England reached the semi-finals. Shilton was arguably at fault for West Germany’s goal as he responded slowly to Andreas Brehme’s deflected effort. Despite Gary Lineker’s equaliser, they eventually lost on penalties.
Pat Jennings
The Northern Ireland goalkeeper retired from club football in 1985, but turned out for Tottenham Hotspur reserves to maintain his fitness ahead of the World Cup in Mexico. Jennings and his compatriots exited at the group stage after collecting a single point from a tough draw. He played in all three games, including a final 3-0 defeat to Brazil on his 41st birthday.
Dino Zoff
A legendary figure in Italian football, Zoff made 112 appearances for his country, and helped them to success in two international tournaments – one at the start and one at the end of his Azzurri career. He was named best goalkeeper at the 1968 European Championships, where he displaced Enrico Albertosi on the way to beating Yugoslavia in a replayed final. Fourteen years on Zoff captained Italy to victory in the World Cup at the age of 40.
