‎Top 10 football players proving age is just a number — Who are the most impressive veterans in 2024?

‎In the world of sports, age has long been considered a significant barrier to longevity, particularly in football. Historically, players around the age of 35 were often seen transitioning away from the pitch, with retirement looming. However, in today’s fitness-focused era, many footballers are proving that age is merely a number. Thanks to advancements in training, nutrition, and sports science, several veteran players continue to perform at elite levels well into their late 30s, even 40s. These athletes not only defy conventional expectations but set new standards for longevity and performance in football.

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‎'Karim Benzema.'

‎Getty Images Sport 

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‎Previously, the age of 35 often marked the point where players would begin to fade. Yet, in the modern football landscape, some players seem to possess an ageless quality, maintaining exceptional form and influencing matches in ways that defy their years. SPORTING has compiled a list of the 10 top players who continue to dominate well beyond this milestone, proving that age no longer determines a player’s ability to perform at the highest level.

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‎10. Luis Suárez — Inter Miami (Age: 38)

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‎Luis Suárez, known as “El Pistolero,” is a striker whose prolific career shows no signs of slowing down. Despite being 38, the Uruguayan hit 21 goals and provided 9 assists in 30 MLS appearances in 2024, a remarkable feat. Once considered to be in the twilight of his career, Suárez has helped raise the profile of MLS, much like Saudi Arabia’s league is experiencing now. His transition from Barcelona to Inter Miami has seen him remain one of the most potent forwards in world football.

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‎9. Ángel Di María — Benfica (Age: 37)

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‎Ángel Di María continues to shine in the Portuguese Primeira Liga with Benfica. In the 2023/24 season, the winger scored 17 goals, including five in European competition, and provided 14 assists. Di María's impressive form has kept him among the league’s top performers, and his resilience on the pitch at 37 is a testament to his elite conditioning and skill.

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‎8. Henrikh Mkhitaryan — Inter Milan (Age: 36)

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‎Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s career has been revitalized since joining Inter Milan in 2022. After struggling in the Premier League, the Armenian midfielder has found new life in Serie A, contributing 8 assists and playing a pivotal role in Inter Milan’s success. Mkhitaryan’s ability to perform at a high level even at 36 reflects his adaptability and relentless drive.

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‎7. Yann Sommer — Inter Milan (Age: 36)

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‎Yann Sommer, the Swiss goalkeeper, is another veteran proving age is not an obstacle. At 36, he remains a top-tier shot-stopper for Inter Milan, having recorded a remarkable 19 saves in a single Bundesliga match just two seasons ago. His experience continues to shine through as he leads Switzerland into the 2024 European Championships and plays a crucial role for Inter Milan, currently sitting atop Serie A.

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‎6. Karim Benzema — Al-Ittihad (Age: 37)

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‎Karim Benzema’s Ballon d'Or-winning form in 2022 demonstrated that age was not a limiting factor for the French striker. Since his departure from Real Madrid, Benzema has continued to excel in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League with Al-Ittihad. With 18 goals in 25 matches this season, the 37-year-old continues to impress, proving that his goalscoring instinct is far from diminishing.

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‎5. Cristiano Ronaldo — Al-Nassr (Age: 40)

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‎At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down. The Portuguese legend remains one of the most prolific goal-scorers in history, claiming the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot with 35 goals in 31 games in the 2023/24 season. Ronaldo’s remarkable consistency over a career spanning over 1200 club games is a testament to his unparalleled physical condition and competitive nature.

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‎4. Manuel Neuer — Bayern Munich (Age: 38)

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‎Manuel Neuer is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in football history. At 38, he remains a world-class performer, continuing to lead Bayern Munich and Germany as captain. Known for revolutionizing the sweeper-keeper role, Neuer’s reflexes and decision-making remain sharp, and he is likely to extend his career well into his 40s.

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‎3. Luka Modrić — Real Madrid (Age: 39)

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‎Luka Modrić’s longevity is a testament to his world-class ability. At 39, the Croatian midfielder continues to be a key player for Real Madrid, contributing to their successes in both domestic and European competitions. Modrić’s vision, passing, and stamina have allowed him to remain one of the best midfielders in the world, even as he nears his 40s.

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‎2. Lionel Messi — Inter Miami (Age: 37)

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‎Lionel Messi, who cemented his legacy with a World Cup victory in 2022, continues to mesmerize football fans around the world. At 37, Messi has elevated Inter Miami’s fortunes, leading them to their first-ever trophy. His technical ability, vision, and football IQ allow him to perform at the highest level, maintaining his status as one of the greatest players in football history.

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‎1. Robert Lewandowski — Barcelona (Age: 36)

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‎Robert Lewandowski, one of the best forwards of his generation, has maintained his elite level of performance at Barcelona. With an incredible 25 goals in 28 La Liga matches in the 2023/24 season, Lewandowski’s scoring prowess shows no signs of diminishing. His impeccable positioning, clinical finishing, and leadership on and off the pitch have allowed him to continue performing at an exceptional level, proving that age is no obstacle to greatness.

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‎These 10 football players represent the changing narrative around aging athletes. With advancements in training and sports science, many players are defying the traditional expectations of retirement, continuing to perform at the highest level well beyond the typical age of decline. Their longevity not only highlights the physical demands of football but also their relentless drive and commitment to excellence. Age may be inevitable, but for these footballers, it is certainly not a barrier.