Guinness Book of Records confirms there is a new ‘oldest professional footballer’

We've all been living a lie

For many years we've all been told that the oldest professional footballer is the Japanese legend Kazuyoshi Miura. You know, the one you've heard about many times. Well, everything you've ever been told about 'King Kazu' being the oldest professional player at the age of 55 is a lie. We've all been sold a dream.

The old man on the block

But fear not, there's a new (old) kid (man) on the block to take his title. Just like Miura, he isn't playing at the elite levels of football. In fact, he's plays his football in the fourth tier of the Uruguayan footballing pyramid. Who is he, you might ask? His name: Robert Carmona. As revealed by podcast The Football Ramble, Carmona is still going strong at the grand old age of 59 and is the world's oldest active professional footballer, which has been confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records. Carmona is actually on the verge of turning 60 in April, however his journey to be officially recognised took up to four years, as reported by Marca.

How did the record come about?

His adventure started way back in 2010 after he was encouraged by his daughter to send in documents including his birth certificate to Guinness. After a long process, he was eventually recognised for his career which has spanned over 45 years, where he has played for 30 clubs and made 2,200 career appearances. What an unbelievable set of records there. Best of all as well, he plans to keep on playing. "When they ask me about [retiring], it annoys me a bit... I say, what would I retire for?" he said.

"I'm a chosen one, a living legend. I became the oldest active player in the world and I'll keep going. I feel like a 25-year-old. Retirement isn't on my mind. "I want my career to be a message to people. You only get one life and we have to show we can live better, have a quality life. Carmona's going nowhere!"

So if you ever think you're too old to play football, you're wrong. If Carmona can, you can. Related links:

• Japanese legend has been in every single FIFA since 1995
• World’s oldest professional footballer signs for new club at 54
• Premier League block Burnley bid to sign Victor Moses from Spartak Moscow

---