Oldest Goal Scorers in FIFA World Cup History

Cristiano Ronaldo did not manage to win the FIFA World Cup this year, but he still set three new records during the tournament held in North America. His first goal of the group stage against Uzbekistan made him the only male player to score in six different World Cup tournaments. This feat also ties him with Lionel Messi for the most World Cups played by any footballer.

Ronaldo’s goal in the round of 32 against Croatia was another milestone. At 41 years and 147 days, he became the oldest player to net a goal in a knockout match. Despite this, the all-time record for the oldest scorer in World Cup history belongs to Cameroon's Roger Milla. Milla scored at the 1994 World Cup in the USA when he was 42 years and 39 days old.

This year's tournament featured several veteran players making their mark. Alongside Ronaldo and Messi, Marko Arnautovic and Ivan Perisic entered the top ten list of the oldest goal scorers in World Cup history.

Top 20 Oldest Goal Scorers at the FIFA World Cup

We think this list highlights how experience can still shine on football's biggest stage. Players like Messi, Ronaldo, and others have defied age expectations by performing at such high levels.