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The 2026 World Cup featured veteran stars and rookie competitors vying for a title much older than some might imagine. From Croatian Luka Modrić at 42 to Cape Verde Vozinha at 40, the tournament’s talents spared no age limit. But who are the oldest players to have lifted a World Cup trophy?
With 39-year-old Lionel Messi competing for two consecutive World Cups, here is a list of the oldest players to win a World Cup.
Miroslav Klose (36 years and 34 days)
While he is still Germany’s all-time leading scorer, striker Miroslav won the World Cup with Germany at 36 years and 34 days old in 2014. Germany beat 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 tournament’s all-time top scorer with 16 goals, which was beaten by Messi’s 17 at 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 36 years and 63 days old. Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties.
Armani’s six years with Argentina saw him part of two World Cup squads in 2018 and 2022, with two starts in 2018 and one stoppage. After the 2022 title, Armani retired from international football in September 2024.
Angelo Peruzzi (36 years and 143 days)
Amassing his first World Cup title with Italy, goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi was part of the Italian team that won in 2006. Peruzzi backed up starting goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Italy beat France 5-3 on penalties.
While Peruzzi was due to start 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 win a second consecutive World Cup title in 1962, at the age of 37 years and 32 days. Brazil beat Czechoslovakia 3-1.
Santos participated in four World Cups with the Seleção from 1950 to 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 1982 World Cup victory as captain at 40 years and 133 days old. Additionally, he is the oldest player to compete in and win a World Cup. Zoff and Italy beat West Germany 3-1 to win the title.
During his heroic campaign in the 1982 tournament, Zoff finished with two clean sheets – one in the group stage and one in the semi-final – and six goals conceded in seven matches.
