Cameroon's Roger Milla stands as a towering figure in African football history, his name etched on the pantheon of legends alongside the likes of Pele and Maradona. And what makes this 80s icon so remarkable is that he has one significant record firmly planted in his grasp – becoming the oldest goalscorer at the World Cup, with an impressive 42 years and 39 days still the benchmark.
While Cristiano Ronaldo's recent effort to usurp Milla's record may have drawn attention, it's clear that the Portuguese superstar still has some way to go before he can match the Cameroonian's incredible longevity. At 41 years and 138 days old when he scored against Uzbekistan in their second group match, Ronaldo did move ahead of Lionel Messi on the all-time list – but Milla's mark remains firmly out of reach.
Milla first burst onto the global stage at Italia '90, his four goals for Cameroon helping them become the first African team to reach the quarter-finals. And what a spectacle it was! His iconic corner flag dance celebration has been etched into the memories of football fans around the world – a moment that still sends shivers down the spine.
Fast forward to USA '94 and Milla was at it again, scoring against Russia at 42 years and 39 days. Although Cameroon's campaign ultimately ended in defeat, his individual achievement cemented his place as one of the greatest of all time. Other notable names have joined him in the top ten oldest World Cup goalscorers – Portugal's Pepe, who scored at 39 years and 283 days in 2022, and Austria's Marko Arnautovic, at 37 years and 58 days – but Milla's record appears rock solid.
Can either Ronaldo or Messi somehow defy the odds and threaten Milla's supremacy? Speculation is already rife about their potential participation in the 2030 World Cup, with games to be hosted in Portugal and Argentina. While it's an ambitious idea that would test their mettle like never before, even they may struggle to match Milla's extraordinary feat.