Top 12 oldest players in the EFL Championship in 2026/27 | OneFootball

FLW ranks the 12 oldest players to feature in the EFL Championship 2026/27 season.

The 2026/27 Championship season has begun, and the first round of matches produced plenty of drama.

Wolves and Blackburn kicked things off with an entertaining 2-2 draw at Molineux, which saw Raul Jimenez scoring a stoppage-time equaliser from the penalty spot.

There was late drama in the last game of the first matchday as well, with Rubin Colwill’s stunning free-kick rescuing a point for Cardiff against Welsh rivals Wrexham.

Obviously, it’s far too soon to jump to conclusions in terms of what that means for how the campaign will play out, but it has given fans a glimpse of their team after pre-season.

And, here at FLW we look at the 12 oldest players who featured in the opening weekend of the Championship, with the ages provided by Transfermarkt…

12 ? ? Joel Veltman - 34 years, 7 months, 1 day

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West Ham signed the experienced defender from Brighton, and it was seen as a real coup, as Veltman was a reliable performer in the Premier League over the years.

But, his late substitute appearance didn’t have the impact Nuno Espírito Santo wanted, as Burnley equalised in stoppage time, after Veltman had replaced Manor Solomon in the 89th minute.

11 ? ? Kenny McLean - 34 years, 7 months, 7 days

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McLean is a key figure for Norwich, so he was always going to play in the opener against West Brom, as the Canaries fell to a 2-1 defeat.

Even though Norwich lost, McLean helped the hosts control the midfield, and he will continue to be a huge player throughout the season, despite his age.

10 ? ? Tendayi Darikwa - 34 years, 8 months, 2 days

Lincoln were back in the second tier of English football for the first time since the 60s, and it was nearly a great day for the club.

However, a Will Lankshear double, including a 90th-minute winner, condemned them to defeat, but the defence impressed, with Darikwa a part of that. His experience at this level will be crucial to an Imps side that are hoping to defy the odds by surviving this season.

9 ? ? Adam Forshaw - 34 years, 10 months, 6 days

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Blackburn put in a very good performance at Molineux, and Forshaw played his part in that display, bringing experience and composure in the middle of the park.

Tony Mowbray will no doubt value what he brings to the side, and Forshaw will be hoping to play a big role for Rovers this season.

8 ? ? Sam Morsy - 34 years, 11 months, 4 days

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Morsy replaced Forshaw at Wolves, and he was superb considering he had only joined Rovers a matter of days before the game.

As you would expect, he got about the pitch quickly, he was aggressive in the tackle, and he kept it simple. It was his debut in a Blackburn shirt, but it’s exactly what the fans would’ve wanted to see from the new recruit, as Morsy demonstrated he can add a lot to the side even as he approaches his 35th birthday.

7 ? ? Luke Ayling - 34 years, 11 months, 21 days

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The final 34-year-old on the list, Ayling has been a regular for Kim Hellberg since he was appointed, and he was in the XI against Lincoln.

It remains to be seen if he will continue to feature after Ashley Phillips’ arrival, but, even if he doesn’t, Ayling’s influence in the dressing room will be massive as Boro look to win promotion.

6 ? ? Matty Godden - 35 years, 17 days

Charlton enjoyed the perfect start to the season as they came from behind to beat Derby, and Godden was the oldest Addicks’ player on the pitch.

The striker lasted an hour, and during that period he put himself about and occupied the defenders, even if he didn’t have much joy in terms of getting clear opportunities.

5 ? ? Matty James - 35 years, 26 days

Wrexham had looked comfortable and assured for most of their game against Cardiff, but they had to settle for a point after Colwill’s goal.

James started for Phil Parkinson’s side, and he was a steady figure in the middle of the park as Wrexham dealt with the hosts very well. But, he was replaced with 15 minutes to go after suffering an injury.

4 ? ? Raul Jimenez - 35 years, 3 months, 9 days

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The striker returned to Wolves in the summer, and he received a brilliant reception from the fans, after giving supporters in the South Bank at Molineux a free scarf.

Even though it wasn’t the result Jimenez wanted, he did get the late equaliser, and, having built up his fitness over the past few weeks, he will be expecting to start moving forward.

3 ? ? Kieran Trippier - 35 years, 10 months, 26 days

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The second Wolves player on the list was another summer signing, and, like Jimenez, Trippier will be a key figure on-and-off the pitch this season.

He had a steady debut, and Wolves will be hoping there’s more to come from the right-back once he has fully settled in.