While the name might not be instantly familiar, veteran footballer Isaak Hayik entered the Guinness Book of World Records last week and is unlikely to be dislodged anytime soon.
The 73-year-old goalkeeper started for Israeli club Ironi Or Yehuda FC in a match against Maccabi Ramat Gan, thus becoming the oldest person to play in a professional competitive football match.
73-year-old sets new Guinness World Record as oldest player in a professional soccer match: https://t.co/DV58DxcXy4 📷 Amir Cohen pic.twitter.com/zxEuAjuhHL
— Reuters Pictures (@reuterspictures) April 5, 2019
Despite suffering a 5-1 defeat, Hayik had his feat officially recognised in an award ceremony attended by representatives from the Guinness World Records (GWR) organisation.
“This is not only a source of pride for me but also to Israeli sports in general,” Hayik said. “I’m ready for another game!”
The record was previously held by Robert Carmona of Uruguay, who in 2015 played a professional match with Pan de Azucar at the age of 53.
Hayik joins an illustrious list of football’s venerable veterans: