The FIFA World cup 2022 hosted by Qatar is undoubtedly the most significant event of this year, with 32 countries facing off against each other to win that shiny gold trophy. The coming days will tell us which country takes it all. This world cup will be a bittersweet experience for many as they might see their favorite players play on the field for the last time.
We will get to see a number of veteran players who will play the world cup for the last time. Here are some oldest players representing their country in FIFA:
1. Alfredo Talavera (Mexico) – 40 years
Talavera is the oldest player to play in FIFA 2022 and has been a part of the Mexican national team since 2011. He has represented Mexico in various International tournaments. This legendary player is best known for his exceptional Aerial game.
Talavera plays as a goalkeeper for Liga MX club Juarez. Initially, Talavera was selected to be the third goalkeeper but due to some circumstances, he was called to play in the main team. Having 40 caps to his name, he is surely the best goalkeeper Mexico has seen.
2. Atiba Hutchinson (Canada) – 39 years
Atiba Hutchinson plays as a midfielder for Super Lig club Besiktas and is the oldest player to play in the Canadian national team in FIFA 2022. He is the captain of both the national team and the club team. Hutchinson was out of the game for some time due to an injury but gave his best to play his last world cup, plans to give his best, and hopes to go out with a bang. He holds the record for most caps for Canada with 97.
3. Pepe (Portugal) – 39 years
Even at the age of 39 years, Pepe remains the first choice for Portugal which is remarkable, he is regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation. Pepe plays as a center-back for Porto. This legendary footballer has played for clubs like Real Madrid and Besiktas. Born and raised in Brazil but chose to play for Portugal’s National Team and has earned 129 caps. Known for his defensive style of playing, Pepe is often criticized for picking up cards.
4. Eiji Kawashima (Japan) – 39 years
Being the oldest Japanese player to ever play in the history of the World cup, Eiji plays as a goalkeeper for Ligue 1 club Strasbourg and the Japanese national team. This is Eiji’s fourth world cup and has been Japan’s first choice of goalkeeper for the last 12 years. He believes in leading by example and is known for his intelligence and skillfulness in the game. Kawashima is an asset for japan as he is a mentor to his young team member by sharing his experience of the previous world cups.
5. Dani Alves (Brazil) – 39 years
This 39-year-old legend has participated in three world cups and is the oldest Brazilian. player to ever play in FIFA. Alves is also the most trophied player in the world but has never won a world cup in the senior category. The footballer plays as a right-back for Liga MX club UNAM and is the greatest full-back of all time. Alves is known for his stamina and technical skills. He is also an Ambassador for Special Olympics.
6.Remko Pasveer (Netherlands) – 39 years
This 39-year-old dutch plays as a goalkeeper for Eredivisie club Ajax. He is the second oldest dutch player to ever debut for the national team. Pasveer found his chance to play in the national team when he least expected it, this very well can be his first and last world cup. He joined Ajax as the third goalkeeper but some unforeseen circumstances opened the door to play as the main goalkeeper.
7. Aymen Mathlouthi (Tunisia) – 38 years
Regarded as the best Tunisian goalkeeper and one of the best African goalkeepers, this veteran plays for Etoile du Sahel club. Mathlouthi is best known for his playing style, his smooth ball control, and agility. Aymen was also part of the team that won the 2011 African Nations Championship and was awarded as the best goalkeeper in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
8. Thiago Silva (Brazil) – 38 years
This Brazilian football star has experience from three world cups under his belt and heads the brazil national team. Silva plays for the Premier League club, Chelsea, as a center-back. Known for his discipline and leadership, Silva is easily one of the greatest defenders of the world. This veteran has previously played for clubs like AC Milan and PSG.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 37 years
Cristiano Ronaldo has dribbled his way into fans’ hearts and forever be known as GOAT, the Greatest of all time. This legend plays as a forward for Premier League club Manchester United and is one of the very few players who have scored over 800 career goals for his country and club. Ronaldo has won 5 Ballon d’Or and various other prominent Awards throughout his career. This might be the last time fans get to see him play in FIFA World Cup.
10. Danny Vukovic (Australia) – 37 years
Danny is the only goalkeeper to ever score in the A-League and is the holder of several records. This 37-year-old star plays as a goalkeeper for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League. This Australian Star played his first debut for his country at the age of 33 and firmly believes that anything is possible. Vukovic is a top-class goalkeeper in his country.
For many of these football Legends, this might be their last FIFA WorldCup, but their experience and hard work have made them a treat to watch on the field. It will be a touching sight to see many of them retire from their careers.
