Mykola Lykhovydov's Record-Breaking Feat
On April 13, 2026, Mykola Lykhovydov, the president and player for the club 'Real Pharma', became the oldest professional footballer in Ukrainian history by taking to the pitch in a Second League match at the age of 60 years and 79 days. This remarkable event occurred during the 26th round of the Ukrainian championship, where 'Real Pharma' faced the team 'Skala 1911' from the city of Stryi. The match ended in a 0:0 draw, with Lykhovydov making his appearance in the 90+3rd minute. This achievement is particularly notable in a sport where players typically retire in their mid-30s.
This record was set just ten days after his previous milestone, when on April 3, 2026, Lykhovydov had already become Ukraine's oldest footballer by playing in a match against 'Sambir-Nyva-2' at the age of 60 years and 69 days. During the current season, the footballer has participated in 17 matches across all tournaments, demonstrating his active and consistent role within the team.
Dedication to Sport and Club Ambitions
The unique aspect of Mykola Lykhovydov's accomplishment is that he not only continues to play professional football at such a venerable age but also holds an executive position within the club. This dual role underscores his profound dedication to the sport and his desire to remain actively involved in football.
'Real Pharma's' upcoming plans include their next match, scheduled for April 19 against the club 'Atlet'. While Lykhovydov now holds the national record, the absolute world record belongs to Egyptian player Ezzeldin Bahader, who played in a third-division match in Egypt in 2020 at the age of 74 years and 125 days.
Mykola Lykhovydov's achievement not only highlights his physical fitness and professional commitment but also opens new perspectives for older players in football, showing that a sporting career can last significantly longer than is commonly assumed. This case may serve as an inspiration for younger generations, encouraging them towards an active lifestyle and participation in sports regardless of age.