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The 2026 World Cup featured veteran stars and first-timers competing for a title much older than some could imagine. From Croatia’s Luka Modrić at 42 to Cape Verde’s Vozinha at 40, the tournament talent spared no age limit. But who are some of the oldest players to have lifted a World Cup trophy?
With 39-year-old Lionel Messi competing for 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)
Still standing as Germany’s all-time leading goalscorer, striker Miroslav won the World Cup with Germany after 36 years and 34 days in 2014. Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the team’s fourth World Cup title.
Klose finished his 2014 World Cup campaign with two goals and five assists. He also left the tournament as the then leading scorer in the tournament with 16 goals, broken by Messi’s 17 in this year’s World Cup with 19 in total.
Franco Armani (36 years and 63 days)
The Argentina goalkeeper won his first World Cup in 2022 at 36 years and 63 days. Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties.
Armani’s six years with Argentina included two World Cup squads 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 won his first World Cup title with Italy and 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 set 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, retiring in 2007 shortly after their 2006 victory.
Nilton Santos (37 years and 32 days)
As one of Brazil’s legendary defenders, Nilton Santos helped Brazil win a second consecutive World Cup title in 1962 at the age of 37 years and 32 days. Brazil defeated Czechoslovakia 3-1.
Santos participated in four World Cups with the Seleção from 1950-1958. Santos contributed one goal and one assist in 15 tournament matches.
Dino Zoff (40 years and 133 days)
As Italy’s fearless leader, goalkeeper Dino Zoff led Italy to a World Cup victory in 1982 as captain after 40 years and 133 days. In addition, he is the oldest player to have both appeared and won a World Cup. Zoff and Italy defeated West Germany 3–1 to secure the title.
In his heroic 1982 tournament campaign, Zoff finished with two clean sheets – one in the group stage and one in the semi-final – and six goals were conceded in seven games.
