Fans have been spellbound by youthful phenoms — but there’s another kind of magic too: when seasoned warriors defy age and step onto England’s biggest stage. In this article, KorKick will take you through the legends, numbers, and stories behind the oldest players to play in EPL — those who proved that passion, experience, and grit can sometimes outlast mere years.
Why age matters — and how the EPL tests it
English top-flight football is among the most physically demanding leagues in the world. The pace, intensity, pressing, and sheer length of a season punish older bodies. Yet, some players manage to cling on or even shine late into their 30s and 40s.
The fact that many of the oldest top-flight performers are goalkeepers is no coincidence: positioning, reading the game, and mental composure can help compensate for lost reflexes. But in recent years, a few outfield veterans also blurred the boundaries of what’s possible.
Understanding who holds the record, and how players got there, gives both historical insight and inspiration.
Record holders: the ultimate old-timers of the Premier League
Here are some of the most extraordinary cases — players who pushed age to the limit in the EPL.
John Burridge — 43 years, 162 days
The undisputed king of longevity in the Premier League is John Burridge, who appeared for Manchester City at 43 years and 162 days in May 1995. That performance still stands as the record for the oldest player ever to play in the Premier League. Burridge was often brought in as a short-term emergency solution, but his professionalism and experience made him a trusted veteran option.
Alec Chamberlain — ~42 years
Another goalkeeper, Alec Chamberlain, made a cameo appearance for Watford in May 2007 at the age of around 42, entering as a substitute to become one of the oldest Premier League players ever. His case underscores how backups and coaches sometimes rely on experience in dire moments.
Steve Ogrizovic — 42 years, 237 days
Though more famous for his career in the old First Division, Steve Ogrizovic also featured late in the English top flight. In the Premier League era, his longevity is still recognised among all-time lists.
Teddy Sheringham — 40 years, 272 days (outfield record)
While many of the oldest names are goalkeepers, Teddy Sheringham holds the distinction of being the oldest outfield player to appear in the EPL — he played a match at 40 years, 272 days. edia]) He also remains the oldest goalscorer in the league at 40 years, 268 days. His feat is especially remarkable given the physical demands on an attacking player.
Other notable legends
- Edwin van der Sar played into his early 40s, becoming one of the oldest EPL keepers in modern times.
- Mark Schwarzer also extended his time in the top flight late in life, though he had limited EPL appearances past 40.
- Brad Friedel holds records for consistency and also featured late: by his mid-late 30s he was still a first choice at several clubs.
These legends show that crossing the 40 mark wasn’t just a novelty — it was a testament to fitness, willpower, and adaptability.
The current crop: oldest players in recent EPL seasons
As of the 2024–25 season (and into 2025), several veterans were still active in the Premier League. Here’s a snapshot of who’s currently defying time:
| Player | Age / Season | Club | Notes |
| Lukasz Fabianski | ~40 years | Return to club | Rejoined ahead of 2025, provides depth and experience. varpenalty.com]) |
| James Milner | 39 years | Brighton & Hove Albion | One of the most respected veterans — still extending his influence. |
| Ashley Young | ~39 years | Everton (2024–25) | Among the eldest outfield contributors in recent seasons. |
| Martin Dúbravka | Late 30s | (at times in EPL) | A reliable older keeper, often featured in “oldest player” lists. |
| Seamus Coleman | Mid 30s | Everton | Still a veteran presence in defense, often in top-10 older player lists. ort]) |
These men show that while many players retire in their 30s, a few push far beyond, especially when their role transitions.
What allows them to last?
- Positional instincts: Goalkeepers rely on anticipation, positioning, and reading play more than athleticism.
- Professional habits: diet, recovery, sleep, and training modifications become central.
- Role adaptation: veterans often play fewer minutes, take on mentoring roles, or function as reliable backups.
- Mental resilience: staying motivated, engaged, and confident despite criticism or physical decline is crucial.
Trends, surprises, and shifts over time
###, playing past 38–39 was extremely rare. But over time, fitness, sports science, and squad management have extended careers. The dominance of goalkeepers in old age records is due to their position’s relative physical insulation and value of experience.
Outfield veterans are rarer but more poignant
Sheringham’s record stands as proof that, while difficult, outfield players can still perform at advanced age. But it’s far tougher nowadays, given the increasingly high tempo and pressing demands of modern EPL football.
Contracts, squad depth, and late comebacks
Some players have returned from retirement or re-signed late in their careers as dependable, injury-proof options. Clubs may keep them for leadership or emergency cover rather than full time play.
Rising numbers in late 30s
While crossing 40 remains rare, more players now continue into their late 30s. The top-10 oldest players in any recent EPL season often include names.
The challenge of breaking age records today
Given the evolving demands of football, it’s unlikely that Burridge’s 43-year record will fall easily. Modern seasons are longer, rotation is heavier, intensity is higher, and clubs often favor youth.
Nevertheless, a few pathways do exist:
- Specialist role: A veteran goalkee.
- Substitute usage: Brief cameo introductions in low-stakes games could preserve physical reserves.
- Exceptional fitness & genetics: Outliers with remarkable bodies might defy expectations again.
But for now, Burridge’s mark still feels like an indelible milestone in EPL history.
Why fans love seeing veterans play
- Sentiment & continuity: Fans cherish loyalty and the emotional arc of a player aging with them.
- Wisdom on pitch: Veterans often slow the tempo, manage nerves, and bring calm during chaos.
- Inspiration: Young players seeing someone grind past 35–40 gives hope for longevity.
- Narrative & identity: Clubs sometimes pride themselves on giving “homes” to legends who age with them.
Final Thoughts
Oldest players to play in EPL represent a beautiful paradox: football is often about youth, speed, and renewal — yet these legends show that age can become a badge of honor. From John Burridge’s unmatched 43-year feat to Sheringham’s audacious late-career goals, their stories defy expectations and enrich the league’s heritage.
If you enjoyed this trip through history, KorKick invites you to explore more: check our deep-dive profiles on EPL legends, compare longevity across leagues, or review upcoming matches featuring veteran stars. The story of football is not just about tomorrow’s heroes — sometimes it’s also about yesterday’s warriors who refuse to bow out.
