Darting between the goal posts with his striking white hair, 73-year-old Israeli Isaak Hayik set a new world record on Friday as the oldest person to play in a professional soccer match.
Hayik, who celebrates his 74th birthday next week, broke the record after playing as a goalkeeper in an afternoon game with Israel's Ironi Or Yehuda soccer club.
The Iraqi-born keeper was officially recognised in an award ceremony attended by representatives from the Guinness World Record organisation.
"I'm ready for another game," said Hayik, who made some good saves in the team's 5-1 defeat to Maccabi Ramat Gan.
"This is not only a source of pride for me but also to Israeli sports in general," added Hayik, who moved to Israel when he was four years old.
The previous record was held by Robert Carmona of Uruguay, who in 2015 played a professional match with Uruguay's Pan de Azucar at the age of 53, an official adjudicator for Guinness World Records said.
Hayik's family were among the tens of thousands of Iraqi Jews who fled to Israel in the mid-20th century, following the country's creation in 1948.
His children spoke of their pride in their father's achievement. One of his sons said he and his father used to play together.
"I used to get tired before he did," Moshe Hayik, 36, said. "He is unbelievable."
Latest Stories
-
Ghanaians need honesty on the part of the government – Alhassan Suhuyini
11 mins -
We cannot compete; we need to collaborate – George Quaye on projecting theatre
24 mins -
GRIDCo to receive 100MW power supply from IPPs in coming days
31 mins -
How technology is weaving African markets into the global fabric
34 mins -
Dr. Ekua Ekumah highlights how to cultivate new theatre audience
45 mins -
Zambian FA president charged with money laundering
1 hour -
Mysstel releases video for ‘Paradise’
1 hour -
We are yet to receive an apology from Ashanti Regional Minister – ECG
1 hour -
UEFA International Tournament: Ernest Ofori scores for Black Starlets in defeat to Russia
1 hour -
Cocoa price surge linked to production decline – COCOBOD CEO
1 hour -
Atarah Praise returns on May 19 at Adenta Barrier
1 hour -
World Robotics Championship: 18 pre-tertiary students poised to win medals for Ghana at global competition
1 hour -
Drowned widow was scammed out of $1.5m on dating app hoax, left note about secret ‘double life’
2 hours -
ECG workers threaten to disconnect power from Ashanti Regional Minister’s home
2 hours -
Brain tumour shatters 20-year-old’s dream of becoming a doctor
2 hours