AssetID: 55765246
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Neuer, Messi, Ronaldo & Co: The Veterans’ World Cup
Caption: Neuer, Messi, Ronaldo & Co: The Veterans’ World Cup. The FIFA World Cup kicking off on Thursday, June 11, in the United States, Canada and Mexico is not only the largest tournament ever, with 48 teams — it is also the oldest!. In the tournament’s 96-year history, only seven players over the age of 40 have ever taken part. This year alone, another seven could join them if all of the veteran players named in their national squads actually take the field. Cristiano Ronaldo is aiming for a record sixth World Cup appearance at the age of 41. Luka Modrić, who is almost 41, remains one of the key figures in the Croatian national team. Manuel Neuer had effectively retired from international football but is now back as Germany’s number one goalkeeper at the age of 40. Bosnian striker Edin Džeko continues to prove his world-class quality at 40 years old. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates his 40th birthday just in time for his nation’s historic World Cup debut against Spain. Scottish goalkeeper Craig Gordon, at 43, is currently the oldest player selected for the 2026 tournament. Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa and Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera strengthen the exclusive club of over-40 goalkeepers at this tournament. Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary still holds the all-time record as the oldest player in World Cup history, having appeared in Russia 2018 at the age of 45 years and 161 days. Before this year, only one outfield player over 40 had ever appeared at a World Cup — Cameroon legend Roger Milla. In 2026, as many as three could join him. Argentina’s football icon Lionel Messi is not yet 40, but he will celebrate his 39th birthday in just a few days. He and Cristiano Ronaldo would then become the only players in history to have appeared in six World Cups. Messi will also be looking to help his team defend their title. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Sports,Neuer,Messi,Ronald,Veterans,football,professional,players,world cup,oldest,competition,96 years,over 40 years old,national squads,field,Cristiano,Luka Modrić,Manuel Neuer,Edin Dzeko,goalkeepr,Vozinha,Craig Gordon,Guillermo Ochoa,Fernando Musiera,Essam El Hadary,Roger Mill,Lionel Messi
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