Jock Rutherford
Jock Rutherford holds the distinction of being the oldest player to have ever represented Arsenal in a competitive match. The Scottish winger made his final appearance for the club at the age of 41 years and 159 days, a record that has stood for nearly a century. Rutherford originally joined Arsenal in 1913 from Blackburn Rovers and played through the First World War, returning for a second spell with the club after the conflict ended. His longevity in the game, particularly in an era when footballers rarely played beyond their mid-thirties, marks him as a unique figure in the club’s history.David O’Leary
David O’Leary is the second-oldest player to have appeared for Arsenal, featuring in a match at the age of 37 years and 299 days. The Irish centre-back is also the club’s record appearance holder, with 722 games across all competitions between 1975 and 1993. O’Leary’s career at Arsenal spanned nearly two decades, during which he won two league titles, two FA Cups, and two League Cups. His longevity was built on exceptional reading of the game and positional intelligence, compensating for a lack of explosive pace as he aged.John Lukic
Goalkeeper John Lukic made his final Arsenal appearance at 37 years and 218 days. Lukic played for Arsenal in two separate spells: first from 1983 to 1990, then returning in 1996 and staying until 2001. He served primarily as a backup during his second stint, notably providing cover during the 1997–98 Double-winning season. Lukic’s experience proved valuable in training and in cup competitions, where his steady presence helped younger defenders develop.Lee Dixon
Lee Dixon played his last match for Arsenal at the age of 37 years and 174 days. The right-back was a cornerstone of George Graham’s famous back four, forming a legendary defensive unit alongside Tony Adams, Steve Bould, and Nigel Winterburn. Dixon’s career at Arsenal lasted from 1988 to 2002, during which he won four league titles, three FA Cups, and the 1994 European Cup Winners’ Cup. His ability to maintain high fitness levels well into his late thirties allowed him to remain a regular starter under Arsène Wenger.Perry Groves
Perry Groves made his final Arsenal appearance at 37 years and 67 days. The winger, who famously cost Arsenal just £50,000 when signed from Colchester United in 1986, became a cult hero at Highbury. Groves was part of the 1988–89 title-winning team and the 1987 League Cup-winning side. Though not a regular starter in his later years, his pace and direct running made him a useful squad player.Tony Adams
Tony Adams, Arsenal’s legendary captain, played his last match for the club at 36 years and 188 days. Adams spent his entire 22-year professional career at Arsenal, making 669 appearances and winning 10 major trophies. His leadership and defensive organisation defined Arsenal’s success in the late 1980s and 1990s. Adams’s longevity was remarkable given his early-career struggles with injury and personal issues, and his return to peak form under Wenger in the late 1990s is one of the great comeback stories in English football.Jens Lehmann
Jens Lehmann made his final Arsenal appearance at 36 years and 181 days. The German goalkeeper was a key figure in the Invincibles season of 2003–04, keeping 13 clean sheets in the Premier League. Lehmann returned to Arsenal in 2011 for a brief second spell, providing emergency cover after injuries to first-choice goalkeepers. His competitive streak and excellent shot-stopping made him one of the best goalkeepers in Arsenal’s modern history.Ray Parlour
Ray Parlour, known as “The Romford Pele,” played his last match for Arsenal at 36 years and 83 days. The midfielder was a mainstay of Arsenal’s successful teams under both George Graham and Arsène Wenger, winning three league titles and four FA Cups. Parlour’s tireless running and ability to score important goals, including a memorable strike in the 2002 FA Cup final, made him a fan favourite. His career at Arsenal lasted from 1992 to 2004.Martin Keown
Martin Keown made his final Arsenal appearance at 36 years and 44 days. The centre-back had two spells at Arsenal, first from 1984 to 1986 and then from 1993 to 2004. Keown was a crucial part of the Invincibles squad and won three league titles and three FA Cups. His aggressive, no-nonsense defending and excellent reading of the game allowed him to maintain a high level well into his mid-thirties.Steve Bould
Steve Bould played his last match for Arsenal at 35 years and 337 days. The centre-back was a key member of the famous back four, joining from Stoke City in 1988. Bould won two league titles, two FA Cups, and the League Cup during his tenure at Highbury. His partnership with Tony Adams was particularly effective, with Bould’s composure complementing Adams’s aggression.Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Bergkamp made his final Arsenal appearance at 35 years and 326 days. The Dutch forward is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted players ever to wear the Arsenal shirt. Bergkamp joined from Inter Milan in 1995 and spent 11 seasons at the club, winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups. His vision, first touch, and ability to create goals from nothing defined an era of Arsenal’s attacking play.Nigel Winterburn
Nigel Winterburn played his last match for Arsenal at 35 years and 309 days. The left-back was another essential component of the back four, joining from Wimbledon in 1987. Winterburn won two league titles, two FA Cups, and the League Cup. His consistency and reliability made him a fixture at left-back for over a decade.David Seaman
David Seaman made his final Arsenal appearance at 35 years and 178 days. The goalkeeper joined from Queens Park Rangers in 1990 and became one of the most iconic figures in the club’s history. Seaman won two league titles, four FA Cups, and the 1994 European Cup Winners’ Cup. His calm presence and exceptional shot-stopping, combined with a trademark ponytail, made him instantly recognisable.Ian Wright
Ian Wright played his last match for Arsenal at 35 years and 128 days. The striker is the club’s second-highest goalscorer of all time, with 185 goals in 288 appearances. Wright joined from Crystal Palace in 1991 and quickly became a fan favourite with his explosive pace and clinical finishing. He won one league title, two FA Cups, and the League Cup during his seven seasons at the club.Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta made his final Arsenal appearance as a player at 34 years and 348 days. The Spanish midfielder joined from Everton in 2011 and served as club captain from 2014 until his retirement in 2016. Arteta’s intelligence, passing range, and leadership made him an influential figure in the dressing room. He later returned to the club as manager, winning the FA Cup in 2020.Laurent Koscielny
Laurent Koscielny played his last match for Arsenal at 33 years and 299 days. The French centre-back joined from Lorient in 2010 and became one of the club’s most reliable defenders, winning three FA Cups. Koscielny’s reading of the game and ability to play out from the back made him a perfect fit for Arsenal’s style under Wenger.Per Mertesacker
Per Mertesacker made his final Arsenal appearance at 33 years and 273 days. The German centre-back joined from Werder Bremen in 2011 and won three FA Cups. Mertesacker’s leadership and organisational skills were crucial, particularly in his later years when his pace had declined. He famously started the 2017 FA Cup final despite limited game time that season and delivered a man-of-the-match performance.Santi Cazorla
Santi Cazorla played his last match for Arsenal at 33 years and 82 days. The Spanish midfielder joined from Málaga in 2012 and quickly became a fan favourite with his technical brilliance and versatility. Cazorla won two FA Cups and was named Arsenal’s Player of the Season for 2012–13. His career at Arsenal was sadly cut short by a serious Achilles injury, but his legacy remains strong.Robert Pires
Robert Pires made his final Arsenal appearance at 32 years and 349 days. The French winger was a key member of the Invincibles squad and won two league titles and three FA Cups. Pires joined from Marseille in 2000 and formed a devastating attacking partnership with Thierry Henry. His elegant style and eye for goal made him one of the most popular players of the Wenger era.Freddie Ljungberg
Freddie Ljungberg played his last match for Arsenal at 32 years and 145 days. The Swedish winger joined from Halmstads BK in 1998 and became an integral part of the Invincibles team. Ljungberg won two league titles and three FA Cups, and was known for his late runs into the box and ability to score crucial goals.What to Verify
For the most up-to-date information on Arsenal’s oldest players, including any recent additions to this list, consult official club records and reliable statistical databases. The club’s official website and reputable football statistics platforms maintain accurate appearance data. Note that player ages are calculated from their date of birth to the date of their final competitive appearance for the club, and records may vary slightly depending on the source and whether all competitive matches are included.For more Arsenal history and records, explore our guide to Arsenal’s history and records, compare the club’s performances against Chelsea, or read about Arsenal’s most yellow cards.
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