The quest for a World Cup title often sees young talent emerge, but history shows that experience also plays a crucial role. As Lionel Messi, at 39, aims to win the World Cup again, he could join a list of some of the oldest players to have lifted the coveted trophy.
Dino Zoff stands as the oldest player to both appear in and win a World Cup. The Italian goalkeeper captained his nation to victory in 1982 at 40 years and 133 days old. Zoff's performance in that tournament included two clean sheets and six goals conceded across seven matches as Italy defeated West Germany.
Nilton Santos, a legendary Brazilian defender, was 37 years and 32 days old when he helped Brazil secure their second consecutive World Cup title in 1962, defeating Czechoslovakia 3-1. Santos participated in four World Cups between 1950 and 1958, making 15 tournament appearances.
Miroslav Klose, Germany's all-time leading goalscorer, won the World Cup in 2014 at the age of 36 years and 34 days. Germany clinched their fourth title with a 1-0 victory over Argentina. Klose concluded the 2014 tournament with two goals and five assists, ending his World Cup career as the tournament's leading goalscorer with 16 goals, a record later surpassed by Messi.
Argentinian goalkeeper Franco Armani was 36 years and 63 days old when he won his first World Cup in 2022, which Argentina secured by defeating France in a penalty shootout. Armani, who was part of Argentina's World Cup squads in 2018 and 2022, retired from international soccer in September 2024 shortly after the title win.
Another Italian goalkeeper, Angelo Peruzzi, was part of the victorious 2006 World Cup squad at 36 years and 143 days old. Peruzzi served as the backup to starting goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. His World Cup journey was marked by a late injury that forced his withdrawal from the 1998 campaign.
These veteran players demonstrate that age is no barrier to achieving the pinnacle of international football, with their experience and leadership proving vital to their teams' successes.