Happy Birthday, Hilton!

Former Montpellier and Marseille defender Hilton is the ultimate example of longevity, having played until the age of 43.

A record-breaking stint in France

The centre-back moved over from his native Brazil at a young age, first joining Servette in Switzerland before spending a brief period on loan at Corsican side Bastia in 2004. He would go on to spend the next 18 years of his career playing in France.

Hilton moved to Lens on a free transfer in 2004, and whilst injury hampered his opening months with Les Nordistes, he quickly established himself, and despite their relegation three years later, Hilton had already enhanced his reputation enough to make the move to Ligue 1 McDonald's giants Marseille.

At the Vélodrome, he continued to grow his reputation, earning a place in the UNFP Team of the Season in his debut campaign. However, it was in his second season that his individual performances were rewarded with collective awards.

from one year to ten at Montpellier

Under Didier Deschamps. Hilton won the Ligue 1 McDonald's title and the Coupe de la Ligue in the 2009-10 season, before then making the short trip down the coast to join Montpellier in 2011. He would go on to become a legend at the Mosson.

The defender joined initially on a one-year deal. Having won the Ligue 1 McDonald's title with OM, he wasn't expecting to do the same with Montpellier, but that is exactly what he did with La Paillade. It remains one of the most impressive and surprising feats in recent French football history.

Naturally, Hilton stayed and would go on to become a legend at Montpellier, playing 354 games for the club before his departure in 2021. In his time in Ligue 1 McDonald's, he played 512 games; no foreign player has featured more than the veteran Brazilian.

A role model for Ligue 1 McDonald's latest veteran

Hilton would eventually retire at the age of 43. He has become a role model for those looking to play into their 40s, including for Nice captain and compatriot Dante. The former Bayern Munich defender turns 41 October, but will hang up his boots at the end of this Ligue 1 McDonald's campaign, he has confirmed.

He has never sought to beat Hilton's impressive record, although he will get close to it.

"No, I don't want to go after Hilton's record," he joked. "I want to play as long as possible, but not as much as him. I am too demanding with myself for that and I won't be able to stand myself at one point!"

Hilton's impressive Ligue 1 McDonald's will, therefore, stand, bur regardless, the Brazilian is a veritable legend of the French game.

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