Oldest goalscorers in Premier League history: Every player aged 38 and above

Age is supposed to slow footballers down. Legs go first, then sharpness, then minutes. But the Premier League has never fully obeyed that rule.

While the division is often celebrated for its speed and physicality, a select group of veterans have refused to fade quietly. Instead, they’ve stepped onto the pitch well into the twilight of their careers and still found the net.

Here are the oldest goalscorers in Premier League history. Every player here is aged 38 and above who proved that class doesn’t retire!

The 38-year-old scorers: Elite longevity

The 38-year-old bracket features some of the most consistent professionals in English football history. This group is characterized by players who adapted their game as they aged, transitioning from explosive roles to positions relying on intelligence and positioning.

Mick Harford (38y 34d): An old-school target man, Harford scored his final professional goal for Wimbledon against West Ham in 1997.

Tugay (38y 98d): The Turkish playmaker was famous for long-range “screamers.” His final goal for Blackburn came against Portsmouth in 2008. It made him the oldest foreign player to score in the division.

Jamie Vardy (38y 127d): One of the most remarkable late-bloomers in history, Vardy added his name to this list on May 18, 2025, scoring against Ipswich Town. Vardy also holds the record for the most Premier League goals scored after turning 30, with 110.

Mark Hughes (38y 149d): The Welsh striker rolled back the years for Blackburn Rovers in 2002 by scoring a trademark header against Leicester City.

Graham Alexander (38y 182d): A penalty specialist of immense renown, Alexander scored a brace for Burnley against Hull City in 2010. His ability to remain calm from the spot allowed him to finish the 2009-10 season as Burnley’s top scorer in the top flight.

Stuart Pearce (38y 215d): Stuart Pearce, the legendary left-back scored his final Premier League goal for West Ham against Southampton in 2000.

The 39-year-old scorers: Rare five

Reaching 39 and still contributing goals is a feat achieved by only five players in the modern era. This group contains some of the most decorated names in the sport.

Ryan Giggs (39y 86d): The Manchester United icon scored his final league goal against QPR in February 2013. Giggs is the only player to have scored in 21 consecutive Premier League seasons.

Ashley Young (39y 148d): In December 2024, Young made history as the oldest player to score a free-kick in the Premier League, netting for Everton against Wolves.

Thiago Silva (39y 198d): The Brazilian defender proved his class at Chelsea by scoring against Sheffield United in April 2024. Despite playing as a center-back, his aerial threat remained potent well into his 39th year.

Dean Windass (39y 235d): A cult hero at Hull City, Windass scored against Portsmouth in November 2008. This goal made him the oldest scorer for his hometown club in the top flight.

James Milner (39y 239d): James Milner, the oldest active player here, scored against Manchester City on 31st August, 2025. Remarkably, he is also the second-youngest scorer in PL history.

Teddy Sheringham: The only 40-plus trailblazer

Teddy Sheringham stands alone as the only player to score a Premier League goal after his 40th birthday. His record is a testament to footballing intelligence over raw physical attributes.

The record-breaking goal came on Boxing Day 2006 while Teddy Sheringham was playing for West Ham United. At 40 years and 268 days old, he scored in a 2-1 victory over Portsmouth. This strike broke his own previous record, and it remains untouched nearly two decades later.