Ángel Mateos González, a retired miner, will play in the fifth-tier Tercera Federación. He last played competitively 27 years ago, according to reports. The club said his selection was not a publicity stunt but a tribute to his lifelong dedication.
"Mateos isn't playing because he's 70 years old. He's playing because he's earned it," the club said in a statement. "If anyone's focusing solely on his age, then they're missing what's important.
" According to The Guardian, Mateos said he did not know if he would play the full match. It is unclear who currently holds the record for oldest player in Spain. The reaction from the local community has not been widely reported.
The club added that Mateos had been helping their goalkeepers all season. "Age is secondary. What matters is attitude, dedication and commitment to the sport," the club said.