The oldest player in Premier League history is goalkeeper John Burridge at 43 years and 162 days. The oldest goalscorer is Teddy Sheringham at 40 years and 268 days.
The main age records
These two records are often discussed together, but they measure different things. One is about appearing in a match, and the other is about scoring in one.
| Record | Player | Age | Match or team detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oldest player | John Burridge | 43 years 162 days | Manchester City 2-3 Queens Park Rangers, 14 May 1995 |
| Oldest goalscorer | Teddy Sheringham | 40 years 268 days | For West Ham United |
| Oldest penalty scorer | James Milner | 39 years 239 days | Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Manchester City, 31 August 2025 |
Burridge holds the appearance record. Sheringham holds the scoring record. Milner's mark is separate, because it applies only to penalty goals.
How John Burridge set the oldest-player mark
According to the Premier League's official record, Burridge set it on 14 May 1995 for Manchester City against Queens Park Rangers in a home match that City lost 2-3. That fixed the oldest-player record at 43 years and 162 days.
Burridge was a goalkeeper, so he is also the oldest goalkeeper to play in Premier League history. His career lasted almost 30 years, and he signed for 29 clubs.
The oldest Premier League goalscorers
As of 31 August 2025, the Premier League's published top 5 oldest goalscorers are listed below. This ranking is based only on age at the time of the goal.
| Rank | Player | Age when scoring |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Teddy Sheringham | 40 years 268 days |
| 2 | James Milner | 39 years 239 days |
| 3 | Dean Windass | 39 years 235 days |
| 4 | Thiago Silva | 39 years 198 days |
| 5 | Ashley Young | 39 years 148 days |
Milner moved into second place on 31 August 2025 with a penalty. He also became the oldest player to score a Premier League penalty, and it was his only Premier League goal of the 2025/26 season.
Why James Milner is part of the same conversation
Milner's first Premier League goal came for Leeds United at Sunderland on Boxing Day 2002, when he was 16 years and 356 days old. The span between his first and latest Premier League goals is 22 years and 248 days, which is a Premier League record.
Sheringham remains the oldest goalscorer overall.
FAQ
Who is the oldest Premier League goalscorer?
Teddy Sheringham holds that record. He scored for West Ham United at 40 years and 268 days.
How old is the oldest Premier League player?
The record age is 43 years and 162 days. John Burridge reached it when he played for Manchester City against Queens Park Rangers on 14 May 1995.
Who is the oldest goalkeeper in Premier League history?
John Burridge. He was a goalkeeper, and he also owns the oldest appearance record in the competition.
Is James Milner the oldest scorer in Premier League history?
No. Milner is second on the list at 39 years and 239 days, while Sheringham remains first. Milner does hold the record for the oldest Premier League penalty scorer.