Thanks to advances in nutrition and training methods, top-level footballers seem to be stretching their careers out longer and longer. Indeed, there are a number of iconic players that are approaching 40 – or are even beyond it – and still plying their trade at the top level of European football.
We’re getting used to the sight of veteran players extending their careers, using their many years of experience to school younger and more sprightly opponents.
We’ve put together this full XI of European football’s golden oldies, arranged in a 5-3-2 formation. To put their longevity in context, all of these players made their debuts before Arsenal’s Invincibles won the Premier League.
GK: Pepe Reina (40)
The former Spain international left Liverpool eight years ago and has done a European tour of glamour cubs since, representing Bayern Munich, Napoli and AC Milan in his twilight years.
Reina is now back at Villarreal, who Liverpool signed him from way back in 2005. He’s made 10 appearances for the Yellow Submarine this season and has featured between the sticks in victories over Valencia, Real Madrid and Getafe.
RWB: Jesus Navas (37)
Navas has eternally been about 25 in our heads, but apparently he ages at the same rate as the rest of us. Who’d have thought it?
Having returned to Sevilla from Man City way back in 2017, Navas has gone on to add more than 200 appearances for his hometown club in his second stint. In that time he’s lifted the Europa League to add to the two UEFA Cups he won the first time around.
Navas is still contracted at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan until 2024. Jorge Sampaoli’s Rojiblancos are currently fighting against the drop – turning out in the Segunda would be a sad way for the all-time club legend’s career to end.
CB: Dante (39)
Mention Dante and, unfairly, most may immediately think back to the role he played in Brazil’s 7-1 embarassment at the hands of Germany at the 2014 World Cup. But the fact the centre-back continues to play in one of Europe’s major leagues aged 39 might tell you he deserves a bit more respect than that.
Indeed, Dante won three successive titles in his time with Bayern Munich and is now into his seventh successive season with campaign with Nice.
He’s a regular for the Ligue 1 club and features alongside the likes of Kasper Schmeichel, Ross Barkley, Aaron Ramsey and Nicolas Pepe. An eclectic mix.
CB: Thiago Silva (38)
Still a Rolls Royce of a defender, as we find ourselves obliged to…
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