A 64-year-long career continues — Ancelotti’s former teammate still plays at 82

Lamberto Boranga has stunned the football world by becoming Italy’s oldest player ever after making a surprise return to the pitch with USD Trevana. The veteran goalkeeper, now 82, joined the Italian seventh-tier side despite his last professional appearance being in 2019.

He made his debut against Foligno, but Trevana suffered a heavy 10-0 defeat, with Boranga being substituted after conceding five goals — his 26-year-old replacement, Maurizio Rossi, also struggled. Reflecting on the match, Boranga said: "I made two mistakes. But I made three or four good saves." Highlights showed that, despite his age, he was still alert off the line and capable of several impressive stops.

Boranga’s football journey began in 1961, eventually amassing over 100 Serie A appearances. He played for Fiorentina and Parma but became a fixture at Cesena, featuring 92 times in Serie A between 1973 and 1977.

During his stint at Parma in Serie B, he crossed paths with future Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, who was just starting his own career while Boranga was already 36. Ancelotti has since collected countless honors as both player and manager, while Boranga has carved out a singularly remarkable journey of his own.

He initially retired in 1993 at Bastardo before making comebacks at Ammeto in 2009, Papiano until 2015, and a single season at Marottese after a brief break. Outside football, Boranga also pursued a medical degree, serving as Bastardo’s club physician prior to playing his only match there.

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His athletic feats extend beyond football. Boranga has excelled in master athletics, setting a world record in the triple jump in 2012 with a leap of 10.75m in the M70 category. He also holds the M65 long jump record at 5.47m, showcasing a level of fitness and dedication few could match at any age.