Even if she plays just one second in the 2019 World Cup, which begins June 7 in France, Brazilian mid-fielder Miraildes Maciel Mota will become the oldest athlete to play in a women's World Cup tournament.
Miraildes, better known as Formiga, played her first World Cup in Switzerland in 1995—the last century—and today she is 41 years old and 75 days.
American Christie Pierce holds the current record. The defender played in the 2015 World Cup in Canada and participated in the final against Japan at the age of 40 years and 11 days.
Formiga will break Christie's record in her seventh World Cup, but she is still behind several men who have played in the World Cup at older ages. It will be difficult to pass the male record holder, Egyptian goalie Essam El-Hadary.
El-Hadary gained his title last year in Russia's World Cup. He started in Egypt's final group phase game against Saudia Arabia at the ripe age of 45 years, five months, and ten days. Born in January of 1973, El-Hadary is still an active player.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon