Is Ronaldo one of the oldest players in World Cup history?

Football fans across the globe have been asking whether Cristiano Ronaldo has become one of the oldest players ever to feature in a FIFA World Cup match.

In Portugal’s Group K opener at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which ended in a 1–1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ronaldo captained his side at the age of 41 years and 132 days.

According to records, Ronaldo is now the fourth-oldest player in FIFA World Cup history.

The all-time record for the oldest World Cup player is held by Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary, who played against Saudi Arabia on June 25, 2018, at the age of 45 years and 161 days.

Second on the list is Colombia’s Faryd Mondragón, who featured against Japan on June 24, 2014, at 43 years and 3 days old.

Third is Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who played against Russia on June 28, 1994, at the age of 42 years and 39 days.

Ronaldo’s appearance at 41 places him just behind these legends, making him one of the most experienced players ever to feature in the tournament’s history.