A third-tier club in Egypt, 6 October, have signed what is believed to be the oldest professional player in the world.
The Egyptian Football Association (EPA) announced the registration of 75-year-old Ezzeldin Bahader on Tuesday.
“Today, the Egyptian Football Association has registered the oldest professional player in the world during the current winter transfer period. He is 75-year-old Ezzeldin, who signed for 6 October in the third division,” EFA wrote in a post on Facebook.
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“He is preparing to enter the Guinness World Encyclopaedia of records as he begins his participation with his club.”
The EFA and Bahader have invited the Guinness Book of World Records to come and watch him play to have his record as the oldest professional player ratified, the BBC reported.
Details of Bahader’s deal with the club are currently unavailable. Also, he’s unknown in the Egyptian footballing circles.
According to Goal, Japanese striker Kazuyoshi Miura, 52, is widely regarded as the oldest current professional player. Miura recently signed a contract extension with J-League club Yokohama FC.
“I was able to renew my contract with Yokohama for the 2020 season,” Miura said in a statement, quoted by The Japan Times.
“I hope to enjoy playing soccer and remember to be grateful as I make an effort to achieve the club’s goal of staying in the J1. I’ll work hard to contribute to the team’s wins.”
Miura is set to play his 35th season of professional football this year and turns 53 in February.
Currently, Egypt boasts of Essam El Hadary, the oldest player in World Cup history.
At 45, El Hadary beat the record of the previous oldest player to appear at the tournament, Faryd Mondragon who appeared in goal for Colombia in 2014 just three days after his 43rd birthday.
