World Cup 2018: Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary becomes the oldest player to ever play at a World Cup
Veteran goalkeeper, aged 45 years and 161 days, snatches record from Colombia’s Faryd Mondragon after he was named in the starting XI to face Saudi Arabia
WORLD CUP history will be made today after Egypt confirmed Essam El-Hadary would start for them against Saudi Arabia.
The goalkeeper will line-up between the sticks for the already eliminated Pharaohs in their final group clash.
And that means El-Hadary will become the oldest player to ever play in a World Cup.
He is aged 45 years and 161 days old.
The stopper has smashed the record previously held by Colombia’s Faryd Mondragon.
The South American goalie was 43 years and three days when he lined-up against Japan at the last World Cup four years ago.
El-Hadary said ahead of the game: “I will be very happy if I participate and set the record.
“But it is not certain.”
Egypt are playing for pride after losing their opening two matches and exiting the tournament.
Liverpool star Mo Salah was also included in the starting XI to take on the Saudis.
