An Interview with Robert Carmona: Football’s Oldest Pro | OneFootball

The Guinness World Record holder for the longest soccer career, 63-year-old Robert Carmona is still going strong.

Robert Carmona is a man who doesn’t give up, a true inspiration for anyone who watches him play or listens to him speak. The 63-year-old defender says he has played for more than 50 professional and semi-professional sides throughout his career, and is currently with fourth division Uruguayan side Liffa Club.

In an interview with Urban Pitch, Carmona shares his hope to inspire people to train well, eat healthy, and avoid drugs. He also reflects on why his career has lasted so long and explains why today’s soccer doesn’t appeal to him as much as the game he played 30 years ago.

Urban Pitch: What’s the biggest secret to keep playing competitively at your age?

Robert Carmona: Honestly, I’m not sure I would call it a secret. Personally, I feel in my heart that I’m chosen by God. My beliefs lead me to think that nothing happens by chance, that everything has a purpose, and that (God) allowed me to be in full physical, mental, and emotional form to pursue a profession as demanding as high-level football.

Beyond that, there are fundamental pillars one must adopt in life. We aren’t born with them; we develop them over time: discipline, professionalism, commitment, seriousness, love, and respect — not just for the club you represent, but for life itself. That also means staying away from drugs and alcohol, leading a full life, and maintaining a healthy diet. Not only to perform on the field but to ensure a dignified life as we age.

There’s no hidden “secret” in football or in my life. It’s about hard work, care, and a professional approach to my body and decisions, as well as commitment to society, family, and the institutions I’ve represented. It’s not just about putting on a jersey and playing; it’s about understanding everything the role entails.

So when people ask me my formula, I say there’s no magic trick. It’s faith, work, and a deep conviction that I was chosen by God to follow this path. And if I’m the only person in the world living this experience today, I have no doubt it’s because God willed it.

What’s your weekly diet like? Are there habits you’ve kept for decades?

I don’t follow a specific plan or need a nutritionist. I take care of myself: no fried food, no unhealthy fats, no sodas, alcohol, or cigarettes, and I don’t add salt or sugar to my meals. Of course, some foods naturally contain these, but I keep them to a minimum.

I’d say 90–95% of my diet is healthy. It’s a strict approach, but it keeps me feeling good and performing at my best.

Have you ever thought, “This is it, I’m done?” What made you keep going?

People often ask about retirement, but I don’t think about it. I don’t live by the clock or my age; my mind isn’t programmed for negativity. I’m 100% positive, and my motivation comes from within, from my heart and mind.

If I’m still here, it’s because God willed it. As long as I have the strength, I’ll stay active. Retirement isn’t my decision. It will be God’s.

How do you handle younger players who might underestimate you before a match?

Some rivals or even fans underestimate, criticize, or insult me, especially in Uruguay. But none of it affects me. I have full control over my mind and emotions and never let anger take over.

In the end, those who doubted me end up asking for photos or congratulating me. I live every day as a test, on and off the field, because being a world record holder isn’t limited to 90 minutes: it requires discipline, conduct, and setting an example 24/7.

Do you have hobbies or passions outside football that keep you active?

Yes. Since I was young, I’ve loved motorcycles and traveling calmly on the road. Today, that passion translates to driving long distances in my trucks. I don’t mind spending hours behind the wheel, I actually enjoy it. For instance, right now I’m driving about 900 kilometers to train with my new team, Liffa Club, my 50th, or maybe 51st club, and I’m thrilled to join.

Since I haven’t moved to Maldonado yet, I travel 450 kilometers each way, about six hours total. I do it with joy because I love being on the road.

Outside the pitch and the road, I enjoy simple pleasures: going to the cinema, dining with my family, watching a movie at home, spending time with my wife and children. That’s the life I lead. Happy, balanced, where football, discipline, and family coexist in harmony.

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How did you first learn you officially set the Guinness World Record as the oldest active professional footballer?

The Guinness record is very special to me. I got involved thanks to my daughter, who, as a little girl, unintentionally sparked the process. She opened the door that led to worldwide recognition.

Until then, I was a normal footballer, like 90–95% of players, competing and thinking my career would end around 30. The Guinness process wasn’t planned. In 2010, when I first broke the record for the oldest active professional player, we began the paperwork: forms, photos, videos, letters, proof… a long and complex process, especially for us South Americans.

It took four years, from 2010 to 2014, until I received my first official recognition. Guinness sent an official judge to Uruguay for the first time, which was historic. The moment I received the award was incredible. I felt like I had touched the sky, like a world champion. Years of perseverance and constant effort finally paid off. Today, with several Guinness awards and global recognition, I still see it as one of the top three highlights of my life.

How has your family reacted to your decision to keep playing? Are they supportive or worried?

My family is my greatest ally. In my inner circle, my wife and children are essential. They support, advise, and take care of me.

They never tell me to stop. Instead, they encourage me while expressing the natural concern for my health or injuries. They ask me to be careful, rest, and not take unnecessary risks. But they are always happy because football is my joy, and if I’m happy, so are they.

How was meeting the President of Uruguay? What did then-President Luis Lacalle Pou say when he greeted you?

RC: I had been in contact with authorities through my project “Un Gol a la Vida,” my association promoting values, education, mental health, healthy living, and reducing violence, alcohol, and drug abuse. Through this work, I engage in social, cultural, and educational activities, and my image is used for campaigns and events.

This allowed me to meet important politicians, not just in Uruguay but abroad. For example, I had the honor of presenting an award to Serbia’s Vice Prime Minister Ivica Dačić here at the Estadio Centenario.

Meeting the president of Uruguay, however, was truly special. We had greeted each other when he was a senator, but meeting him face to face, talking for 15–20 minutes, and giving him a signed ball was unique. I felt a mix of nerves, adrenaline, and joy that doesn’t happen every day. He congratulated me, encouraged me to keep going, and said I was an example for Uruguay and the world.

That moment made me feel fully recognized for my career on the field and my work off it. A pleasure — a truly great president.

Soccer: Yesterday vs. Today

How has football changed the most since your debut?

Football has changed a lot: fans, clubs, players, fields, referees, media, money… everything. And not always for the better.

One major problem is that it’s no longer the football of before. There’s inequality between first-division players and those in lower leagues. Many of us work eight hours a day and then play, we don’t have the same support or opportunities. A closed circle of directors, media, and certain players also limits chances for some to grow.

Today’s football is faster, more physical, more vertical. We miss the creative No. 10 and the slower, strategic style of before. There’s also much more lobbying and business; everything revolves around money, and values can get lost. Modern football feels robotic and less authentic.

Do you think today’s players could benefit from how football was played in your era?

I think today’s players wouldn’t fit in the football of the past, and many players from before might not adapt to today’s game. Each era has its own challenges.

Modern football is very fast and physical, and not everyone could keep up. But players could benefit from the technique, ball control, and understanding of collective play that was valued before.

What I notice now is that many players prioritize moving abroad or personal gain over the club, which isn’t always the best for the game.

You’ve played for over 40 clubs in Uruguay, Canada, the United States, Spain, and Italy. Which foreign experience stands out most and why?

All my foreign experiences were amazing, but I especially highlight the United States, where I played over 10 years, with some periods back in Uruguay.

It was the best time of my career: I played on synthetic and natural fields, was captain and a key player in every team, scored many goals, and earned good money. Those experiences shaped me and changed my life.

What do you hope people remember most about your long career and your record as the oldest active footballer?

I hope they remember everything I’ve lived in football, beyond it being my favorite sport and profession. Football has given me many opportunities: earning money, supporting my family, and being the backbone of my household. I’ve also had hard times — playing without pay, investing in projects, and later enjoying financial rewards.

What matters most is that I’m remembered as a true professional, a man committed to football and its values. That I was a good player, but even more importantly, a good person: a fighter who gave his best on and off the field.

I want to be remembered as a warrior, not just in football, but in life. Someone who worked for society, health, and quality of life through sport. Titles and victories remain, but what truly matters is leaving a legacy of commitment, effort, and solidarity.

Interview edited for clarity and brevity.