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Ageing Football Legends in FIFA World Cup 2022
Professional football has always been a young man’s game, especially at its highest levels. Nevertheless, the 2022 World Cup has seen its fair share of international stalwarts who’ve defied age and continued playing football in their twilight years.
Most World Cup players are usually in their late 20s or early 30s. By mid-30, most players are usually past their prime. Hence, it’s pretty unusual to see veterans over 35 years old taking the spotlight in the World Cup.
This article pays homage to the oldest players in this year’s World Cup competition.
Alfredo Talavera – 40
On the 2022 World Cup opening day, Alfredo, a Mexican substitute goalkeeper, was 40 years and two months old.
Born on 18th September 1982, Alfredo is the oldest football player in the World Cup. He has been on the Mexican national team since 2011, where we’ve seen him in action in numerous international tournaments.
Alfredo is also the goalkeeper for FC Juarez.
Atiba Hutchinson – 39
At 39 years, Atiba entered FIFA 2022 as the captain of the Canadian National Team. This might be his last World Cup, but Atiba promised to put his best foot forward, hoping to go out with a bang.
Atiba is also a defensive midfielder for Turkey’s Besiktas JK.
Atiba was born on 8th February 1983.
Pepe – 39
At 39, Pepe has made his fourth appearance in the ongoing Qatar World Cup. Being a first-choice for Portugal doesn’t come as a surprise, given that he’s easily one of the best defenders alive.
Although his defensive playing style is often criticized for attracting cards, Pepe remains a legendary footballer. He has played for notable clubs like Besiktas and Real Madrid. Currently, he is a center-back and captain for Portuguese giants FC Porto.
Born as Kelper Laveran Lima Ferreira on 26th February 1983 in Brazil, he has grown to be known by his very popular nickname, Pepe. This tough, no-nonsense center-back has extended his stellar career well into his late thirties.
Eiji Kawashima – 39
FIFA 2022 is Eiji’s fourth World Cup. Playing at 39 years of age, Kawashima is officially the oldest Japanese to ever play in the World Cup.
He has been the first choice for Japan’s National Team’s goalkeeper for the past 12 years. It is easy to understand why. Kawashima is renowned for his intelligence, skillfulness, and strong belief that one should lead by example.
This has made him a valuable asset for the Japanese; he mentors younger team members, sharing his past world cup experiences.
Besides being a goalkeeper for the Japanese national team, Kawashima is also the goalkeeper for RC Strasbourg.
He was born on 20th March 1983 in Yono.
Dani Alves – 39
Dani Alves is a successful footballer who’s defied all odds to play his third world in Qatar at age 39. He is currently the oldest Brazilian on the field.
Dani’s success in the field is well-known, having won almost every international trophy, including Olympic Gold, Confederations cup, Copa America, and 3 Champions Leagues. However, although Dani is the most trophied footballer worldwide, the World Cup has always eluded him.
Known for his technical skills and stamina, Alves is appreciated as one of the best fullbacks of his generation. He plays for Puman UNAM as a midfielder and right-back.
Dani Alves da Silva was born on 6th May 1983 in Brazil.
Remko Pasveer – 39
39-year-old Remko is goalkeeping for the Netherlands national team in Qatar. He is the second-oldest Dutch to ever play for the Dutch team in the World Cup.
Remko is also the goalkeeper for AFC Ajax.
Remko Julian Pasveer was born on 8th November 1983.
Aymen Mathlouthi – 38
38-year-old Mathlouthi is one of Africa’s finest goalies. He plays for the Etoile du Sahel club. His smooth ball handling, agility, and unique playing style are often highly regarded.
Aymen will be playing for his Tunisian team in FIFA 2022.
Also known as Balbouli, Aymen was born on 14th September 1984.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 37
At 37 years of age, Cristiano is playing his fifth and possibly final World Cup in Qatar. In addition to being the highest international football goal scorer, FIFA 2022 may make him the highest World Cup goal scorer in history. Ronaldo is currently a free agent, and it is still unknown where will he end up after the World Cup. According to football bookmakers, he will most likely sign for some Saudi Arabian club, as the odds are currently 2/1 on that option.
Cristiano Ronaldo was born on 5th February 1985 in Funchal, Portugal.
Luka Modrić – 37
Modrić is a midfielder who currently plays as a captain for Real Madrid and the Croatian national team. Even though he is 37 years old, he still performs at the highest level and Real refuses to let him go.
Modrić is currently the only player that has featured in World Cups and EURO Championships in three different decades. In the last World Cup, he was voted as the tournament’s best player, winning the Golden Ball.
Luka was born on September 9th, 1985 in Zadar, Croatia.
John Souttar has been a regular player for the Rangers club since 2022. He plays as a Centre-back for both Rangers and Scotland national team. The footballer is married to Kayley and lives a happy life with his family. John Souttar and Kayley celebrated their little angel’s 5th birthday and shared beautiful pictures of the celebration. Here is everything about John Souttar’s wife, kids, and family.
Who is John Souttar’s Wife?
John Souttar married Kayley in 2022. He met her during high school days in 2013 and has been together over the years. John Souttar met her during his stint at Dundee United. He revealed his partner on Instagram during his trip to New York in 2018. John Souttar announced his engagement to Kayley on Instagram which took place in Central Park, Manhattan. The couple was blessed with a daughter in 2021. In 2022, they tied the knot at Edinburgh’s Carlowrie Castle with the blessings of their family members and friends.
What Does Kayley Souttar Do?
Kayley Souttar is an entrepreneur and she was a model before marriage. She is the partner of her husband’s ventures Maison Dieu Coffee Roasters and Maison Dieu Coffee at the Ferry. Kayley manages the shops and takes care of her kids as well. Kayley is a part time entrepreneur and full-time mother.
Kayley Souttar – Family & Education
Kayley hails from Scotland. We couldn’t find details about her family. Though Kayley is active on social media, she hasn’t shared her personal information. Kayley completed a bachelor’s degree in a well reputed university in Glasgow. There is no information about her educational qualifications.
John Souttar & Kayley Celebrated their Daughter’s Birthday
John Souttar and his wife have been blessed with two children. Their first child, Myla, was born in January 2021. The couple celebrated Myla’s 5th birthday in a grand way. Myla was born even before her parents’ marriage. The couple also have a son named Tommy Aaron who was born in 2023. Kayley regularly posts pictures of her kids on her Instagram.
Kayley Souttar Social Media
Kayley Souttar has an Instagram account with 1.8k followers. She doesn’t have a verified account, but her account is public. Kayley has more than 500 posts which clearly indicates she is super active on her account and posts her everyday activities. Her handle includes posts of her husband John Souttar and her kids as well. Kayley Souttar also uses her account to promote her business.
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Nigerian footballer Leon Balogun joined the Aris Limassol club in 2025. The veteran was a member of the Rangers team. Balogun has been in a relationship with the Brazilian model Mayara Zamboni for 10 years. Mayara is a model by profession who works for top agencies all over the world. She has been the biggest supporter of Leon Balogun. Let us see about the relationship between Leon Balogun and Mayara Zamboni.
Who is Leon Balogun Girlfriend Mayara Zamboni?
Leon Balogun has been dating Mayara Zamboni for a decade. Mayara Zamboni is a model from Brazil. She has been in a relationship with the footballer since his days at Mainz 05. Mayara is a professional super model and she travels all over the world for photoshoots. She lives in Germany with Leon Balogun, but keeps traveling for ads.
Leon Balogun & Mayara Zamboni Relationship
We don’t have any information about when Leon Balogun started dating Mayara Zamboni. An Instagram post of Mayara confirmed the couple started dating in 2016. A report states Leon Balogun proposed to Mayara Zamboni in 2019. Since 2019, the couple have been hanging out and traveling together.
As of 2026, Leon Balogun and Mayara are not married yet. We don’t have information whether the couple has been engaged or not. Both Leon Balogun and Mayara Zamboni are focusing on their professional career and have been staying together. It is yet to be known whether Leon Balogun has plans to marry his girlfriend in the near future.
What does Mayara Zamboni do?
Mayara Zamboni is a super model from Brazil. Mayara Zamboni works for agencies like Ford Models Brasils, MGM Models, Zone Models, and New York Models. She has collaborations with many brands. Mayara Zamboni is also an influencer and promotes cosmetics for brands. She loves working out at Gyms and Pilates.
Mayara Zamboni – Family & Education
Mayara Zamboni was born in Flores da Cunha, Brazil. She completed her schooling and graduation in Brazil. There is no information about her educational qualifications. Mayara Zamboni has never shared anything about her family. Since her school days, Mayara Zamboni wanted to become a top model. Her growth helped her to be a part of the Victoria’s Secret UK campaign.
Mayara Zamboni Social Media
Mayara Zamboni is a high-profile model and has a verified Instagram account with 11k followers. Mayara’s account is full of her photoshoots. She also posts pictures of her boyfriend whenever they go on trips. Mayara has traveled to London, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy with Leon Balogun. Mayara also uses her account to promote products in collaboration with other brands. Her latest collaborations are 8Alize, Effiekats, and Vehla.
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James Tavernier is arguably the best player of the Scottish premiership club, Rangers, in this decade. He has scored over 100 goals in 350+ matches. The footballer has been married to Melissa since 2018. Melissa Tavernier is an entrepreneur from Scotland. She has been with James Tavernier through thick and thin. Let us see about the beautiful relationship between James Tavernier and Melissa.
James Tavernier and Melissa Tavernier Relationship
James Tavernier and Melissa started dating years back. There is no information when the couple began dating. James Tavernier married Melissa in a private wedding in June 2018. They were engaged in January 2018. The footballer shared the picture of their wedding on his Instagram handle with a caption “Mr & Mrs Tavernier“.
Who is Melissa Tavernier?
Melissa Tavernier is a model and an entrepreneur. She owns a Nail Salon in Scotland. Melissa is the owner of NAIL B.A.S.E.DELUXE. Apart from this, she is a part-time model as well. Melissa Tavernier met James Tavernier even before he joined the Rangers club, but we couldn’t track information about the timeline they started dating.
Melissa Tavernier Family
Melissa Tavernier hails from Scotland. Her education details and family background are not revealed. Melissa completed her degree at a popular university in Scotland. She restrains herself from sharing personal details to the media. Melissa Tavernier enjoys her life with her partner and kids and doesn’t want public attention.
Do James Tavernier and Melissa Tavernier Have Kids?
Yes, James Tavernier and Melissa have been blessed with two children. His daughter Harlow was born in 2022. Their son Jacob was born even before their marriage. James Tavernier doesn’t share many pictures of his children on his Instagram account. They go on trips every year, but James Tavernier doesn’t share them frequently.
Melissa Tavernier Social Media
Melissa Tavernier has an Instagram account, but she doesn’t post many pictures. She has 100 followers and keeps it low-profile. Melissa’s followers are her close friends and family members. Melissa does not have a verified handle. Unlike other entrepreneurs and models, Melissa does not use social media. She prefers to lead a low profile life. Melissa’s husband doesn’t post many family pictures as well. He only posts pictures from football matches and practice sessions.
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