This month, Kei Kamara joined an exclusive group of African footballers who have played international games after turning 40. Kamara, who is Sierra Leone’s second-highest scorer and one of the top scorers in US Major League Soccer (MLS) history, came out of retirement to help his country qualify for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). Sadly, his efforts fell short, meaning the 39-year-old won’t get to play on Africa’s biggest football stage as a 41-year-old. Still, Kamara was inspired by other African legends who kept playing well into their 40s. BBC Sport Africa shared some of their incredible stories.
Roger Milla (Cameroon)
Roger Milla, a famous African footballer, made history at the World Cup. Born on May 20, 1952, Milla is remembered for his goals and fun celebrations by the corner flag. In 1990, at 38 years old, he came out of retirement when Cameroon’s president, Paul Biya, asked him to play in the World Cup in Italy. Milla scored key goals that helped Cameroon become the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals before losing to England.
Milla wasn’t done. At the 1994 World Cup in the U.S., he became the oldest player and scorer in tournament history when he scored against Russia at 42 years old. Although the match ended in a 6-1 loss, his record still stands for the oldest outfield player at a World Cup. As BBC pointed out, Milla’s achievements remain legendary.
Essam El-Hadary (Egypt)
Essam El-Hadary holds the title for the oldest player ever to feature at a World Cup. At 45 years and 161 days, the Egyptian goalkeeper played against Saudi Arabia in the 2018 World Cup. Though Egypt lost 2-1, El-Hadary made history by becoming the first African goalkeeper to save a penalty at the tournament.
The Pharaohs’ star played an impressive 159 games for Egypt, including 20 matches after turning 40. As BBC highlights, El-Hadary also helped his team win four Afcon titles and played in seven tournaments—a remarkable feat for any player.
Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia)
Kalusha Bwalya, Zambia’s football icon and the 1988 African Player of the Year, made a surprise comeback at 40. As Zambia’s coach, Bwalya subbed himself into games during the 2004 Cosafa Cup and even scored a decisive free-kick in a World Cup qualifier against Liberia. However, BBC reminds us that his final international appearance didn’t go as planned—he missed a crucial penalty in a tournament final against Angola.
Bruce Grobbelaar (Zimbabwe)
Bruce Grobbelaar, a celebrated goalkeeper, also played for his country after 40. Born in South Africa but raised in Zimbabwe, he played for his national team over multiple decades. BBC recounts that Grobbelaar almost led Zimbabwe to qualify for the 1994 World Cup but fell short in the final round. He retired from international football at 41 but kept playing in smaller tournaments even later.
George Weah (Liberia)
Finally, George Weah, the only African to win the Ballon d’Or, amazed the world when he played an international match at 51 years old. In 2018, as Liberia’s president, he played in a friendly against Nigeria to officially retire his famous No. 14 jersey. Despite the loss, BBC emphasizes how Weah’s comeback showed his love for football and his nation.
Kei Kamara’s recent efforts highlight how African footballers continue to challenge age limits and redefine what’s possible on the field, as noted by BBC. These stories of passion and perseverance are a testament to their remarkable talent.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cz9x09dz0zeo