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Israeli goalkeeper, 73, sets world record for oldest player in professional football match

Isaak Hayik called his accomplishment 'not only a source of pride for me but also to Israeli sports in general'

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Israeli goalkeeper Isaak Hayik set a Guinness World Record on Friday when he became the oldest person to play in a professional football match at 73.

He suited up for Ironi Or Yehuda’s home game against Maccabi Ramat Gan and played for the full 90 minutes.

A Guinness World Records official was on hand to issue Hayik a certificate. He is 20 years older than previous record holder, Robert Carmona of Uruguay, was 53 when he broke the record in 2015.

Hayik’s son, Moshe Hayik, 36, watched his father play and called the record an “unbelievable” achievement.

“I used to get tired before he did,” he said of playing football with his father.

Ironi Or Yehuda ultimately lost the match 5-1 but Hayik made several strong saves.

The club plays in Israel’s fourth-tier league, Liga Bet South A.

Isaak Hayik said the accomplishment was “not only a source of pride for me but also to Israeli sports in general.”

Born in Iraq, Hayik and his family fled to Israel in nearly 70 years ago when he was four.

Hayik turns 74 this week, but he shows no signs of slowing down. “I’m ready for another game,” he said.

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