Forty-Five Years Old, and He Saved a Penalty
Essam El-Hadary, at 45 years 161 days, became the oldest player in World Cup history — and saved a penalty — at Russia 2018.
Published: June 6, 2026
# Forty-Five Years Old, and He Saved a Penalty
June 25, 2018. Volgograd. Egypt vs Saudi Arabia. Both teams eliminated. But Essam El-Hadary, Egypt's 45-year-old goalkeeper, wasn't there to play a dead rubber. He was there for history.
45 years, 161 days. Oldest player ever in a World Cup match. Then — because showing up wasn't enough — he saved a penalty. Full stretch to his right. Fingertips pushing the ball onto the post.
Twenty-two years as Egypt's goalkeeper. Debut in 1996 — most of his 2018 teammates were still in primary school. Four Africa Cup of Nations titles. 150+ caps. But the World Cup had always eluded him. Egypt qualified in 2018 for the first time in 28 years. El-Hadary was 45. He wasn't going to miss it.
After the save, he pointed to the sky. Hugged the goalpost. "I waited my whole life for this moment. Forty-five years. Worth every second."