Oldest professional footballer scores first goal in years

The 45‑year‑old goalkeeper‑turned‑forward Joaquín Pérez, who currently plays for Spain’s third‑division side CD Alcoyano, scored his first competitive goal in more than a decade on Saturday, becoming the world’s oldest active professional footballer to find the net. The goal came in the 68th minute of a 2‑1 home victory over CD Badajoz, marking Pérez’s inaugural strike since his previous tally in 2013 while representing a lower‑tier club in Portugal.

Pérez, who began his career as a goalkeeper before converting to an outfield role at age 38, has appeared in over 300 professional matches across five countries. The goal, a header from a corner, was his 12th career goal and the first since his transition to an attacking position. Club officials highlighted the achievement as a morale boost for the squad, while league records confirm Pérez now holds the record for the oldest goal‑scorer in professional football. The player, who remains under contract for the remainder of the season, will continue to train with Alcoyano as the team pursues promotion.