Oldest players to score in Champions League match: Pepe, Totti, Giggs, Modric among veterans to net on biggest stage

The UEFA Champions League is a competition that's all about breaking records.

As the most prestigious club tournament in European football, it's been the scene of some memorable performances by players young and old throughout its illustrious history.

For many players, mid-30s are a time to start winding down and consider the prospect of retirement; for the very best to have graced the Champions League, it's a chance to show the world that age is just a number.

The oldest seven goalscorers in the competition's history are all at least 37 years old, which highlights the remarkable longevity and enduring quality of this group of stars. In November 2023, veteran Portugal defender Pepe set a new outright record in this regard.

The Sporting News looks at the oldest goalscorers in Champions League history, plus the most senior player to score a goal in the tournament's final.

The all-time leading UEFA Champions League goalscorers

In November 2023, Pepe became the oldest player to score a goal in a UEFA Champions League match. The Porto defender was 40 years and 254 days old when he scored in a 2-0 group-stage win over Napoli. He's the only goalscorer in the competition's history over the age of 40.

AS Roma icon Francesco Totti was the previous holder of this particular record after scoring against CSKA Moscow in 2014, at 38 years and 59 days.

AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini holds two major Champions League records as the oldest player to win the final, aged 38 years and 331 days.

That title came in a 2-1 final win over Liverpool in 2007 as Carlo Ancelotti's side secured revenge for their defeat to Rafa Benitez's side two years earlier.

Maldini's early goal for AC Milan in their 2005 final loss made him the oldest player to score in a