The FIFA World Cup has been the stage where great stars are born, but it has also been the place where some footballers have proven that age is no obstacle to continuing to make a difference.

Throughout the tournament's history, only a select group of players has managed to score after turning 35, setting records that will be difficult to surpass. The 2026 FIFA World Cup reshaped this prestigious list thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who continue to expand their remarkable legacies.

Roger Milla, the record that remains untouchable

No one has managed to surpass the feat of Cameroon's Roger Milla, who remains the oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.

At the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Milla scored against Russia at 42 years and 39 days old, setting a record that still stands more than three decades later. Despite Cameroon’s defeat, that goal became one of the tournament's most unforgettable moments.

Cristiano Ronaldo now ranks second all-time

The 2026 FIFA World Cup saw Cristiano Ronaldo climb to second place in the all-time rankings.

Portugal's captain scored against Croatia in the Round of 32 at 41 years and 147 days old, becoming the second-oldest player ever to score in a FIFA World Cup and the only footballer besides Milla to do so after turning 40.

Lionel Messi joins the oldest goalscorers

Lionel Messi's historic performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup not only saw him break multiple scoring records but also earn a place among the oldest players ever to score at the tournament.

The Argentina captain sits fourth on the list after finding the net at 39 years and 13 days old, adding yet another historic milestone to his unparalleled World Cup career.

Legendary names on the list

Alongside Milla, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi, several other legendary players are part of this exclusive group of veteran World Cup goalscorers:

• Pepe (Portugal) – Qatar 2022 | Round of 16 – 39 years and 283 days
• Gunnar Gren (Sweden) – Switzerland 1958 | Semifinals – 37 years and 236 days
• Cuauhtémoc Blanco (Mexico) – South Africa 2010 | Group Stage – 37 years and 151 days
• Ivan Perišić (Croatia) – Canada, Mexico & United States 2026 | Round of 32 – 37 years and 150 days
• Felipe Baloy (Panama) – Russia 2018 | Group Stage – 37 years and 120 days
• Marko Arnautović (Austria) – Canada, Mexico & United States 2026 | Group Stage – 37 years and 69 days
• Martín Palermo (Argentina) – Switzerland 1954 | Quarterfinals – 36 years and 227 days
• Miroslav Klose (Germany) – South Africa 2010 | Group Stage – 36 years and 29 days

A list reserved for true legends

Scoring in a FIFA World Cup is already an extraordinary achievement. Doing it close to the age of 40—or even beyond—is a testament to exceptional longevity, physical preparation, and footballing quality.

From Roger Milla's unforgettable record to the recent feats of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, these football icons proved that experience can be just as decisive as youth when it comes to making history on football's biggest stage.