Goalkeeper Isaak Hayik has broken the world record after becoming the oldest footballer to take part in a competitive game. The 73-year-old was presented with his Guinness World Record certificate after playing the whole 90 minutes for Israeli side Ironi Or Yehuda yesterday afternoon.
Iraqi-born shot-stopper Hayik – who celebrates his 74th birthday next week – even claimed he is ready to play again after failing to inspire his team to victory.
His side lost 5-1 to Maccabi Ramat Gan in the Isreali fourth-tier, though the veteran is said to have made a number of fine saves.
Speaking to Reuters after the match, Hayik said: “I’m ready for another game.” While adding: “This is not only a source of pride for me but also to Israeli sports in general.”
His son, 36-year-old Moshe Hayik, hailed his father’s achievement as “unbelievable”, while also joking he used to tire first when they used to play together.
He said: “I used to get tired before he did. He is unbelievable.”
Hayik’s family were among the thousands of Iraqi Jews that fled to Israel in the mid-20th century.
