Atiba Hutchinson
Canadian midfielder who held the record as the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match until Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed it in 2026.
Last refreshed: 18 June 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
How did Atiba Hutchinson shape Canadian football before Ronaldo broke his record?
Timeline for Atiba Hutchinson
Ronaldo at 41 is oldest WC starter
2026 FIFA World CupBackground
Atiba Hutchinson is the most-capped male player in Canadian football history and one of the country's greatest sporting figures. Born on 8 February 1983 in Brampton, Ontario, he played the majority of his club career in Europe, spending most of it at Villarreal and Besiktas. He captained Canada for ten years and helped guide the side to their first World Cup in 36 years in 2022.
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Hutchinson became the oldest outfield player to start a tournament match, taking the field against Belgium at 39 years and 288 days. He also became the second-oldest outfield player ever to appear at a World Cup (behind Roger Milla of Cameroon). He retired from international football in June 2023 after earning his record 104th cap during the CONCACAF Nations League. His record was later surpassed by Son Heung-min of South Korea in 2025.
At the 2026 World Cup, Hutchinson's record as oldest outfield starter was broken by Cristiano Ronaldo (41 years and 132 days) in Portugal's match against DR Congo. Hutchinson remains a touchstone for Canadian football's rise and was working as a television pundit at the 2026 tournament.
Who is Atiba Hutchinson and why does he matter to Canadian football?
When did Atiba Hutchinson retire from football?
What World Cup record did Atiba Hutchinson hold?
