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The 2026 World Cup featured veteran stars and first-time competitors competing for a title much older than some might imagine. From Croatia’s Luka Modrić at 42 to Cape Verde’s Vozinha at 40, the tournament’s talent spared no age limits. But who are some of the oldest players to have lifted a World Cup trophy?
With Lionel Messi, 39, competing in back-to-back World Cups, here is a list of the oldest players to win a World Cup.
Miroslav Klose (36 years and 34 days)
While he remains Germany’s all-time leading scorer, forward Miroslav won the World Cup with Germany at age 36 years and 34 days in 2014. Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 to clinch the team’s fourth World Cup title.
Klose finished his 2014 World Cup campaign with two goals and five assists. He also emerged from the tournament as the all-time leading scorer in the tournament with 16 goals, a figure that was surpassed by Messi’s 17 in this year’s World Cup with 19 in total.
Franco Armani (36 years and 63 days)
The Argentine goalkeeper won his first World Cup in 2022 at the age of 36 years and 63 days. Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties.
Armani’s six years with Argentina saw him make two World Cup teams in 2018 and 2022, with two starts in 2018 and one save. Following the 2022 title, Armani retired from international football in September 2024.
Angelo Peruzzi (36 years and 143 days)
Goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi, who collected his first World Cup title with Italy, was part of the Italian team that won in 2006. Peruzzi backed up starting goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Italy defeated France 5-3 on penalties.
While Peruzzi was scheduled to start in Italy’s 1998 World Cup campaign, a late injury forced him to withdraw from the team. Peruzzi competed for Italy for 11 years and retired in 2007, shortly after his 2006 victory.
Nilton Santos (37 years and 32 days)
As one of Brazil’s legendary defenders, Nilton Santos helped Brazil to a second consecutive World Cup title in 1962, aged 37 years and 32 days. Brazil defeated Czechoslovakia 3-1.
Santos competed in four World Cups with the Seleção between 1950 and 1958. Santos contributed one goal and one assist in 15 tournament appearances.
Dino Zoff (40 years and 133 days)
As Italy’s fearless leader, goalkeeper Dino Zoff led Italy to a victory in the 1982 World Cup as captain at 40 years and 133 days. Additionally, he is the oldest player to appear and win a World Cup. Zoff and Italy defeated West Germany 3-1 to secure the title.
In his heroic campaign in the 1982 tournament, Zoff finished with two clean sheets (one in the group stage and one in the semi-finals) and conceding six goals in seven games.
