A list of the 10 oldest World Cup winners in the history of the sport

The FIFA World Cup has witnessed legendary victories and flashes of genius from players and teams. Despite the prevalence of younger players, a unique breed of footballers triumphed against all odds to become the oldest World Cup winners. These grizzled old pros proved that you can still excel at the highest level no matter how old you are.

Football stars, ranging from goalkeepers to midfield maestros, have made a lasting impression by showcasing their enduring quality. Sports Brief ranks the oldest World Cup champions ever.

Oldest World Cup winners

Age is just a number, not a barrier to achieving greatness on the grandest stage. We delve into the annals of football history to celebrate the oldest World Cup winners as ranked by Knel Now.

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Football

10. Mário Zagallo

• Date of birth: August 9, 1931
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Age won the last World Cup trophy: 31

Mário Zagallo was the oldest World Cup winner until his demise on January 5, 2024. He had an incredible playing and coaching career. Zagallo was integral to Brazil's 1958 FIFA WC victory in Sweden. His ability to create scoring chances and dribbling made him a star as a left winger.

9. Djalma Santos

• Date of birth: February 27, 1929
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Age won the last World Cup trophy: 31

Djalma Santos was crucial to the national team's victory when Brazil won the 1958 FIFA WC in Sweden. His Transfermarkt stats and achievements put him among the best. He was renowned as a proper back for his superb defence and versatility in helping out in the attack.

8. Marco Materazzi

• Date of birth: August 19, 1973
• Nationality: Italian
• Age won the last World Cup trophy: 32

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Materazzi played as a central defender for Italy in their 2006 FIFA WC victory in Germany. He is famous for scoring Italy's equalizer in the 2006 WC final against France, sending the game to extra time and a penalty shootout. Italy won 5-3 on penalties.

7. Fabio Cannavaro (Italy)

• Date of birth: September 13, 1973
• Nationality: Italian
• Age won the last World Cup trophy: 33

As captain of the Italian national team, Cannavaro guided his squad to the 2006 triumph and was a crucial cog in the Italian defence. Italy won their fourth FIFA WC after a penalty shootout victory over France in 2006. The Italian won the Silver Ball for his outstanding defensive efforts.

6. Cafu

• Date of birth: June 7, 1970
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Age won the last World Cup trophy: 34 years old

The legendary right-back led Brazil to two FIFA World Cup victories in 1994 and 2002. He won the 2002 title at 34 after beating Germany 2-0 in the final, making him one of the oldest players to lift the trophy. Cafu also scored in the tournament, becoming one of the oldest World Cup scorers.

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Football

5. Gilmar Rinaldi

• Date of birth: January 13, 1959
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Age won the last World Cup trophy: 35 years old

Gilmar Rinaldi joined the 1994 Brazilian World Cup squad while at Flamengo. According to the Soccer World Cups, he was nearing the end of his career when he joined the team as a backup for Zetti and Claudio Taffarel.

Although Rinaldi did not make any official appearances for the victorious side, he won the 1994 tournament and remains one of the oldest World Cup winners alive.

4. Angelo Peruzzi

• Date of birth: February 16, 1970
• Nationality: Italian
• Age won the last World Cup trophy: 36 years old

Angelo Peruzzi was Marcello Lippi's backup goalkeeper in the 2006 FIFA WC winning team, with significant contributions off the field. Winning the 2006 tournament at 36 makes him one of the oldest to lift the trophy.

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Football

3. Miroslav Klose

• Date of birth: June 9, 1978
• Nationality: German
• Age won the last World Cup trophy: 36 years old

Germany's all-time leading scorer, Miroslav Klose, has become famous in football lore. His longevity and goal-scoring exploits made him a lethal forward.

Klose played in four World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014) and won the 2014 edition at 36, scoring two goals. He is the tournament's record goal scorer with 16 goals.

2. Nílton Santos

• Date of birth: May 16, 1925
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Age won the last World Cup trophy: 37 years old

Nílton Santos was an integral part of Brazil's 1958 World Cup-winning squad alongside Pelé, Vavá, Didi, and José Altafini. He won the tournament at 37, making him the oldest defender in the tournament's history. The legendary defender played most of his career for Botafogo.

1. Dino Zoff

• Date of birth: February 28, 1942
• Nationality: Italian
• Age won the last World Cup trophy: 40 years old

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The legendary Juventus goalkeeper captained Italy to the 1982 World Cup victory at 40, making him the oldest player to win the trophy. His miraculous saves against Brazil in the semi-final helped Italy advance to the final following a 3-2 victory. They met West Germany in the final and won 3-1. Dino is one of the oldest World Cup players and winners still alive.

FAQ

Winning the World Cup at an old age is a privilege only a few players enjoy. Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria are among the oldest to win the title, following their 2022 triumph in Qatar at 35.

Who is the youngest player to win World Cup history?

Football legend Pele won the trophy in 1958, aged 17 and 249 days, becoming the youngest player to lift the world title. He scored in their 5-2 final victory over Sweden, making him the youngest player to score in a World Cup final.

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Who is the oldest World Cup scorer in history?

According to the Olympics, Cameroonian legend Roger Milla is the oldest scorer in the competition. He scored against Russia in the 1994 World Cup in USA at 42 years, 39 days.

Final word

The oldest World Cup winners in football history have defied expectations and proven that age is not a barrier to success. From Dino Zoff's heroics in 1982 to Mirolas Klose's goal-scoring exploits in 2014, the legends have inspired many never to give up.

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