A-Leagues legend extends national record with latest appearance

Melissa Barbieri extended her record in Melbourne City’s Liberty A-League clash with Canberra United on Sunday.

The legendary A-Leagues goalkeeper made her first appearance of the season as league-leading City were upstaged by bottom side Canberra United 3-1 at McKellar Park.

After being named in Dario Vidosic’s starting XI, Barbieri created further distance as the oldest Australian national leagues player – male or female – aged 44 years and 15 days, according to Andrew Howe.

The evergreen keeper and former Matildas star is ahead of England and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton (42y 150d in 1980) – who represented Blacktown City.

With her 1st @aleaguewomen game for the season Barbieri the oldest Aus national leagues player by far! 💪
Oldest:
44y 15d MELISSA BARBIERI #CBRvMCY
42y 150d Bobby Charlton 09-Mar-1980
41y 146d Liam Reddy 02-Jan-2023
40y 320d Romario 15-Dec-2006
40y 309d Ante Covic 17-Apr-2016
— andrew howe (@AndyHowe_statto) February 4, 2024

The list also includes Liam Reddy (41y 146d in 2023) and Brazilian great Romario (40y 320d for Adelaide United in 2006).

Barbieri has been playing at the top level for more than 25 years.

She previously captained the Matildas at Olympic Games and FIFA Women’s World Cup campaigns alongside incredible domestic success – which includes winning two Liberty A-League Goalkeeper of the Year awards.

Barbieri’s contribution to Australian football was recognised when she was awarded with the PFA’s highest individual honours – the Alex Tobin OAM Medal, becoming only the second female to be recognised with the award.

A-League Women