Soccer players reach their peak in their mid-20s and start declining in their early 30s. Often though, goalkeepers tend to last longer.
But advancement in sports science, nutrition, and training regimes has been helping footballers to extend their playing careers in modern times.
In fact, some even get better with age — using their experience to further improve their game and even surpass younger players.
In this article, TOP SOCCER BLOG presents you with the top 10 best soccer players that are over 35 years old but still playing.
1. Lionel Messi (36 years old)
Widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi has won a record 8 Ballon d’Or awards.
The Argentine won an unprecedented 8th Ballon d’Or after leading Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup — at the grand age of 35.
At the tournament, Messi won the Golden Ball for a record second time and also broke the record for most appearances in World Cup tournaments (26 matches).
The 35-year-old is also the footballer with the most individual awards, and might also become the most decorated soccer player before he retires.
Now at the MLS with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi is not just one of the best soccer players aged over 35, but also among the top MLS players at the moment.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (38 years old)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo has won 5 Ballon d’Or awards and 4 European Golden Shoes, the most by a European player.
The Portuguese is undoubtedly among the best soccer players of all time.
He has won 32 trophies in his career so far — including 7 league titles, 5 UEFA Champions Leagues, the UEFA European Championship, and the UEFA Nations League.
Having starred for the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian football club, Al-Nassr, last year at the grand age of 37.
The move made CR7 the highest-paid footballer in the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo ended 2023 as the top scorer in the world with 54 goals, marking an impressive achievement in his career.
3. Luka Modrić (38 years old)
The greatest ever Croatian footballer, Luka Modric, is also regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time.
He has won 21 major trophies at Real Madrid, including 5 UEFA Champions League titles, 3 La Liga titles, 1 Copa del Rey, and 4 FIFA Club World Cup titles.
In 2018, Modrić became the first Croatian player to win the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award after sensationally leading Croatia to the FIFA World Cup final.
Furthermore, he won the FIFA Best Player and Ballon d’Or awards that same year — becoming the first player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to claim the awards in more than a decade.
At 38, Luka Modric is still excelling at the highest level, and is said to be one of the best midfielders in the world right now.
4. Thiago Silva (39 years old)
Considered one of the best defenders of his generation, Thiago Silva is known for his defensive prowess, discipline, and leadership.
There were huge doubts about his adaptation to the Premier League when he signed for Chelsea on a free transfer in 2020, aged 36.
But the Brazilian helped the Blues win the UEFA Champions League in his first season at the club.
Now 39, he is still an integral member of the Chelsea first team.
And even among the talented crop of players in the Brazilian national team, Thiago Silva is also one of the best Brazilian soccer players at the moment.
5. Manuel Neuer (37 years old)
Manuel Neuer is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of soccer.
He is famous as a “sweeper-keeper” because of his playing style and speed when rushing off his line to anticipate opponents, and going out of the goalkeeper box.
The German was named the best goalkeeper of the decade from 2011 to 2020 by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS).
He joined Bayern Munich in 2011 and has since won 28 trophies, including 10 Bundesliga titles and 2 UEFA Champions League titles (2013 and 2020) — both as part of Trebles.
Neuer won the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany as well as the Golden Glove award for being the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
That same year, he finished third in the Ballon d’Or award race — behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Now 37, Neuer is the captain of both Bayern Munich and the German national team.
And despite being one of the soccer players over 35, he is still one of the best goalkeepers in the German Bundesliga.
6. Sergio Ramos (36 years old)
Sergio Ramos is regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time and is one of the most decorated active footballers in the world — having won over 30 trophies in his career so far.
The Spaniard has scored over 100 career goals and more than 800 appearances, and has been active of at least decades.
At 36, Sergio Ramos moved to boyhood club Sevilla last year.
Sergio Ramos is incredibly among the oldest soccer players still playing soccer.
7. James Milner (38 years old)
James Milner career at Leeds United, showcasing his versatility and work ethic early on. His consistent performances earned him moves to Newcastle United and then Aston Villa, where he continued to impress.
Milner is regarded as one of best soccer players who can play multiple positions.
A significant chapter in Milner’s career unfolded when he joined Manchester City in 2010, contributing to their Premier League triumphs with his stamina and tactical acumen.
In 2015, Milner signed with Liverpool, where he became an integral part of Jürgen Klopp’s squad. His ability to adapt to various positions on the pitch, including midfield and fullback, along with his experience, has been invaluable.
His role in Liverpool’s Champions League victory in 2019 cemented his status as a key player.
Despite advancing into his late 30s, Milner’s professionalism and fitness have kept him at the top of the game, now playing for Brighton & Hove Albion.
On January 22, 2024, James Milner made his 633rd Premier League appearance in a 0-0 draw at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
This milestone placed him second on the list of all-time Premier League appearances, surpassing Ryan Giggs and trailing only behind Gareth Barry, who holds the record with 653 appearances.
8. Karim Benzema (36 years old)
Karim Benzema is Real Madrid’s all-time 2nd-highest goalscorer and top assist provider.
The French striker has won 23 trophies with Madrid — including 4 La Liga, 2 Copa del Rey, and 5 UEFA Champions League titles.
His exceptional performances in 2021/22 saw him win the UEFA Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or.
At 36 years and 302 days old, Benzema became the 2nd-oldest player to win the Ballon d’Or — after Stanley Matthews.
9. Luis Suarez (36 years old)
Luis Suarez is regarded as one of the best players of his generation and one of the greatest strikers of all time.
The Uruguayan won 2 European Golden Shoes, an Eredivisie Golden Boot, a Premier League Golden Boot, and a La Liga Golden Boot.
Now 36, the January-born Suarez currently plays for Brazilian side Gremio.
He has already cemented his status as one of the greatest Uruguayan soccer players of all-time, and one best-evers finishers in history.
10. Olivier Giroud (37 years old)
A late bloomer, Oliver Giroud only started playing top-flight football at the age of 24.
He has since excelled at Montpellier, Arsenal, Chelsea, and now AC Milan.
Moreso, Giroud only made his senior international debut for France when he was 25 years old.
But has since earned 120 caps, including appearing in 6 major tournaments — winning the FIFA World Cup in 2018.
Olivier Giroud is France’s all-time top goalscorer, and currently one of the best French soccer players.
Now 36, he is currently the captain of the national team after Hugo Lloris’ retirement from international football.
Honourable Mentions:
- Hugo Lloris (36 years)
- Dimitri Payet (35 years)
- Jamie Vardy (36 years)
- Álvaro Negredo (37 years)
- Radamel Falcao (36 years)
- Edinson Cavani (35 years)
- Andres Iniesta (38 years)
- Dimitri Payet (35 years)
- Giorgio Chiellini (38 years)
- Ashley Young (37 years)
