Carmona dragon

Soccer’s oldest player

Discussing soccer longevity, a few players come to mind. Ryan Giggs played until 41 years old. Francesco Totti played until 40. And then there's Japanese forward Kazuyoshi Miura currently playing at 55.

But one player is often forgotten about: Uruguayan, Robert Carmona.

A part from his immaculate hairline, the 60-year-old boasts a 47-year career starting in 1976 (the same year movies like Rocky came out). Carmona started as a dynamic midfielder but dialed it back to defense once he hit 40.

Carmona’s never played in a first league as most of his career’s been in Uruguay’s lower tiers. And although he isn’t under contract, Carmona is federated and considered a professional.

A doctor once told a 19-year-old Carmona to stop playing because of an injury. He certainly didn’t listen and continued to slide tackle twenty year olds for the next 40 years.

Carmona is at the age where he's older than his coaches…well he probably has been for the past decade. While most 60 years olds are baking in the sun and munching ice cream, Carmona is lacing up and competing.

One does not simply stop Carmona.

And if you aren’t buying it, check out Carmona’s goal from a few months ago.

An unlikely connection

Sir Alex Ferguson and Notre Dame

Sir Alex Ferguson’s is regarded as one of the best managers of all time. Many of Ferguson’s former players have also had successful coaching careers of their own.

Mark Hughes managed multiple Premier League sides. Lauren Leblanc found success coaching in Ligue 1. Heck, even Phil Neville and Wayne Rooney are battling it out in MLS.

But one manager is often forgotten about: Bobby Clark.

Clark head coached Notre Dame’s soccer program between 2001 and 2017. Long before his arrival in South Bend, Clark played under Ferguson for Scottish Aberdeen Club. The two even combined for a Scottish Premier League title in 1980.

In 2013, Notre Dame made it to the College Cup final. Before kickoff, Clark received a text from Ferguson and read it aloud to his players. It said, “Play the game, not the occasion.”

I don’t know about you, but if I was a college junior and Sir Alex Ferguson texted my team before game time, I wouldn’t need any pregame smelling salts.

The Fighting Irish listened to Ferguson’s advice, beating Maryland 2-1 and clinching their first NCAA National Championship.

Adidas almost loses Goal franchise

Muñez to Arsenal?

Original scripted soccer movies are hard to find. Get on that Netflix. But in dusty DVD cabinets lies 2005’s, Goal: The Dream Begins. 

The film follows Santiago Muñez, a Mexican immigrant living in California. He works in landscaping and plays pick-up soccer on weekends. Newcastle United scouts Santiago in the park and he goes on trial.

Damn, I actually just got chills rewatching the trailer.

In real life Newcastle had had a few good seasons prior to filming. And thanks to its Adidas sponsorship, the team was chosen—but they almost weren't.

Nike also wanted to be involved and a different club would’ve been picked. The rumored teams were Arsenal, Barcelona and Brazil.

I don’t how producers planned for Santiago to go from Sunday scrimmages to Brazil national team camps. Imagine using cardboard shin guards one week and you’re clubbing with Ronaldinho the next. But hey, that’s Hollywood baby.

Last year Newcastle signed a real 20 year old from Texas. And you’ll never guess what his name was.

Thank you for reading! Please share Soccer Sandwich

Hope you enjoyed the new newsletter. Stay tuned for next week.

Share Soccer Sandwich through our unique referral program.

Copy the sharing link here or below and send to new readers. Confirm they're subscribed and ask them to email or dm us your first name and email address.

Please do not use fake email addresses — they will not qualify as referrals. Thank you!

Here's a signup link to share:

https://soccersandwich.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Was this forwarded to you? Sign up here

Want to advertise on Soccer Sandwich? Email us here

Have an idea or story to share? Submit here