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Recoleta President, 51, Sets Paraguayan Top-Flight Age Record With Stoppage-Time Cameo

Recoleta’s breakthrough campaign also secured a first-ever Copa Sudamericana berth.

Overview

  • Luis Vidal entered around the 91st minute of a 0-0 draw with Nacional, replacing Facundo Echeguren, and logged minutes at 51 years, 11 months and 20 days.
  • The cameo surpassed the Paraguayan first-division longevity mark previously held by Nelson Bernal, who played at age 49 in 2021 for 12 de Octubre.
  • Vidal defended the move as legal, saying he has been continuously registered with the APF since 2019 and had his paperwork in order.
  • Reaction on social media and from some within Paraguayan football criticized the appearance as disrespectful to professionals.
  • Recoleta closed the season with 59 points to clinch its debut in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana, and no formal disciplinary measures have been reported.