The 5 oldest goal-scorers in the history of the Champions League

By Jamie Spencer

FRANCESCO Totti’s strike against Manchester City this week not only gave his Roma side a deserved draw, but it was recording-breaking too, making him the tournament’s oldest ever goal-scorer.

The competition may be dominated by young stars, but the 38-year-old Italian has shown there is still plenty of room for veterans.
To mark Totti’s new record, here’s a look back at the 5 oldest goal-scorers in the history of the UEFA Champions League.

5. Laurent Blanc – 36 years, 338 days
Manchester United was the ninth and final stop on Laurent Blanc’s epic journey of a career that also took in spells at Inter Milan and Barcelona.
The ageing French defender spent two seasons at Old Trafford as a short term replacement for Jaap Stam. Less than a month before his 37th birthday he scored the final goal of a glittering career against Olympiacos in the first group stage of the 2002/03 campaign.

4. Javier Zanetti – 37 years, 71 days
Javier Zanetti became the oldest goal-scorer in Champions League history when he scored for Inter Milan against Tottenham in October 2010.
A few months earlier the veteran Argentine had captained Inter to victory in the final over Bayern Munich to complete an historic treble.

3. Filippo Inzaghi – 37 years, 86 days
Less than two weeks after Zanetti had broken the record, his mark was bettered by Filippo Inzaghi of city rivals AC Milan.
The Italian striker scored both of his side’s goals in a 2-2 draw with Real Madrid, which proved to be his last in European competition.

2. Ryan Giggs – 37 years, 289 days
Ryan Giggs actually became the Champions League’s oldest goal-scorer twice within a matter of months. The Manchester United legend broke the record for the first time when he scored in 2010/11 semi-final win over Schalke.
Then, in the following season’s group stage, the 37-year-old beat his mark with a goal against Benfica.

1. Francesco Totti – 38 years, 3 days
Just a few days after his 38th birthday Francesco Totti became the oldest ever player to score in the Champions League, finding the net in this season’s group stage against Manchester City.
Totti had never scored against an English team in Europe before, but his delicate chip gave his side a well-deserved point from the encounter.

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