Liberian President George Weah,51, has become the oldest footballer to feature in a competitive international game following his appearance in his country’s friendly game against Nigeria, according to a leading group of football statisticians.
Weah, a former professional footballer, featured for 79 minutes in the game played in the capital, Monrovia. Lone Stars lost 2-1.
According to RSSSF group, he beat the earlier record set by Greece captain Yorghos Koudas, who was 48 when he played his last game in 1995.
FIFA has however not confirmed the record.
During his playing days, the president featured for various clubs across Europe, including AS Monaco, where he was coached by famous French tactician Arsene Wenger.
Tuesday game saw Nigeria field a reasonably strong team, which included Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) and Peter Etebo (Stoke City). Another Leicester player, Kelechi Iheanacho, was brought in as a second half substitute.
After the game, Liberian football authorities retired jersey number 14, which was worn by Weah during his footballing peak.
Weah won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1995, and is the only African to date to ever win the prestigious accolade.
