Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has been graced by many prolific finishers. While youth can often dominate the footballing narrative, certain players have defied age, delivering moments of brilliance well into their late 30s and early 40s.
The team at BoyleSports, who offer the latest football betting odds, unearthed these veterans, who scored with the wisdom of experience and a touch of nostalgia, and have proven that age is just a number.
10. Gary Speed – 37 years and 351 days
During the 2007/08 season, Gary Speed scored a header for Bolton Wanderers against Reading in a 3-0 league victory. This goal was significant as it extended his record of scoring in every Premier League season up to that point – a remarkable achievement later surpassed by Ryan Giggs. Nonetheless, Speed’s streak of goals in over 15 consecutive top-flight seasons remains an impressive testament to his enduring talent and consistency, contributing to his legacy, remembrance, and respect following his tragic passing in 2011.
9. Mick Harford – 38 years and 35 days
Mick Harford, a lesser-known name, made his mark with a notable headed goal for Wimbledon against West Ham United during the 1996/97 season. At that time, he was the only player over 38 to score in the Premier League. While modern fans might be less familiar with Harford due to his extensive career in lower-tier English football with clubs like Luton Town and Derby County, his achievement remains impressive. Although surpassed by eight other players since, Harford continues to hold a spot in the Premier League’s top 10 oldest goalscorers over 25 years later.
8. Tugay Kerimoglu – 38 years and 99 days
Better known as ‘Tugay,’ the former Blackburn Rovers midfielder earned a reputation for scoring stunning goals. The Turkish player was a formidable presence in midfield throughout his career in England, and he cemented his legacy as one of the Premier League’s oldest goalscorers.
Tugay’s final goal for Blackburn came in November 2008 against Portsmouth, where he rifled a shot past a helpless David James. It was a fitting conclusion to his career, showcasing his trademark flair and leaving a lasting impression. For many fans, Tugay remains a memorable player who epitomises the modern phrase “the streets won’t forget.”
7. Mark Hughes – 38 years and 150 days
Mark Hughes enjoyed the peak of his career at Manchester United and Chelsea, where he is remembered as one of United’s finest strikers. After leaving Stamford Bridge in 1998, his career tailed off slightly, and he moved on to play for the likes of Southampton, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers.
His final Premier League goal came in 2002 during Blackburn’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester City, where Hughes headed in an equaliser before Leicester secured the win. This goal marked the end of his 64 Premier League goals; most of his career strikes were netted before the league’s formation in 1992. After retiring, Hughes later managed Blackburn, the club where he scored his last league goal.
6. Graham Alexander – 38 years and 180 days
Graham Alexander made his Premier League debut in the 2009/10 season at 37, becoming the oldest league debutant at that time. The Burnley right-back seized this chance by scoring seven goals that season, starting with his first on matchday six against Sunderland.
Alexander scored a penalty in a 3-1 win over Sunderland, and he also bagged crucial goals in draws against Manchester City and Arsenal. Notably, he scored a brace in a 2-0 victory over Hull City on matchday 11 and repeated the same feat on matchday 34, where he netted twice against The Tigers again in a 4-1 win.
5. Stuart Pearce – 38 years and 211 days
Stuart Pearce, a legend of English football primarily known for his time at Nottingham Forest in the 90s, became one of the Premier League’s oldest goalscorers during the 2000/01 season with West Ham United. He scored his first goal of the season on matchday 10 with a direct free-kick against Arsenal, though West Ham lost 2-1. Pearce’s final goal of his time at The Hammers came in a 3-2 win over Southampton with another trademark free-kick.
4. Ryan Giggs – 39 years and 85 days
Ryan Giggs, a Premier League icon with 13 titles from his time at Manchester United, is widely renowned for surpassing 100 goals and 100 assists in the league. He also holds the record for the most assists in Premier League history with 162. During the 2012/13 season, Giggs further solidified his legacy by becoming one of the oldest goalscorers in the competition’s history. He scored twice in 22 appearances, with his final goal coming against QPR in a 2-0 victory for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side at Loftus Road.
3. Thiago Silva – 39 years and 198 days
Thiago Silva is the most recent placement in the list of the 10 oldest goalscorers in Premier League history as he scored a placed volley for Chelsea in a 2-2 draw against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. The stalwart defender scored eight league goals throughout his spell in Greater London and has recently returned to his home nation of Brazil to join Fluminense.
2. Dean Windass – 39 years and 231 days
In the 2008/09 season, Dean Windass continued to make headlines for Hull City following their promotion to the Premier League. At 39 years, 7 months, and 21 days old, Windass scored his final Premier League goal on matchday 14, netting a crucial equaliser in the 87th minute of a 2-2 draw with Portsmouth. Despite making only five appearances that season, Windass had already cemented his legacy with Hull through his pivotal volley in the Championship play-off final against Bristol City the previous season.
1. Teddy Sheringham – 40 years and 264 days
Teddy Sheringham, one of the Premier League’s most legendary strikers, scored 146 goals in 418 appearances. In the 2006/07 season, at 40 years old, Sheringham netted his 145th and 146th goals, marking his final Premier League strikes. Playing for West Ham at the time, Sheringham remains the only player over 40 to score in the league. His first goal that season came on matchday 10 against Blackburn Rovers, and his second goal was a consolation strike in a 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth, which remains the record for the oldest Premier League goalscorer!
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