15 best footballers aged 35 and over in 2025

November 4, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Experience, leadership, and class—these 15 footballers continue to defy expectations well into their mid-to-late 30s and even 40s. Whether it's at the top level in Europe, or making an impact in new surroundings, each of these players proves that age doesn't mean decline. Here's a look at the top 15 players aged 35 and over, ranked by form, legacy, and current contributions.

15. Thiago Silva – still sharp at 41 with Fluminense

At 41, Thiago Silva remains a pillar of strength in defence for Fluminense. After his long European career with PSG and Chelsea, he returned to Brazil and continues to impress with his positioning and leadership.

14. Jordan Henderson – Premier League return with Brentford

Henderson’s move back to England with Brentford has reignited his career at 35. The former Liverpool captain brings composure and experience to midfield, proving he still belongs in the Premier League.

13. Sergio Ramos – leading from the back in Mexico

Now playing for Monterrey, Ramos remains a fierce competitor at 39. The legendary Spanish defender is still a commanding presence, combining tactical awareness with an unmatched will to win.

12. Ilkay Gündogan – midfield maestro at Galatasaray

Ilkay Gundogan — Oleksandr Osipov / Shutterstock.com

Gündogan may have left Barcelona, but he’s far from winding down. At 35, he continues to dictate games in Turkey with Galatasaray, showing the same intelligence and timing that made him a key figure in the Premier League and La Liga.

11. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – goals still flowing at Marseille

Aubameyang is showing no signs of slowing down in Ligue 1. The 36-year-old Gabonese striker remains a clinical finisher, adding pace and sharpness up front for Marseille.

10. Francesco Acerbi – Inter Milan’s ageless warrior

Acerbi has carved out a late-career renaissance at Inter Milan. At 37, the centre-back is a crucial part of the squad, known for his reliability and defensive awareness in big matches.

9. Ángel Di María – homecoming hero at Rosario

Angel Di Maria — Asatur Yesayants / Shutterstock.com

Di María’s return to Rosario Central has been an emotional one, but also effective. At 37, he’s delivering goals and assists, showing that his creativity and work ethic remain intact.

8. Henrikh Mkhitaryan – reinvented in Serie A

Since joining Inter, Mkhitaryan has added consistency to his game. At 36, the Armenian playmaker continues to be influential in the final third, providing vision and goals when it matters most.

7. Karim Benzema – still scoring for fun at Al-Ittihad

Benzema is adapting well to life in Saudi Arabia. The 37-year-old striker continues to find the net regularly, showing the same composure and technical brilliance that won him the Ballon d'Or in 2022.

6. Yann Sommer – Inter Milan’s safe hands

Sommer is proving that goalkeepers age gracefully. At 36, the Swiss shot-stopper remains sharp and dependable, playing a key role in Inter Milan’s domestic and European success.

5. Manuel Neuer – a legend still at the top

At 39, Neuer is still Bayern Munich’s undisputed number one. The German captain combines shot-stopping with sweeper-keeper instincts, setting the standard for goalkeepers even after two decades at the top.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo – rewriting history at 40

Ronaldo continues to dominate the Saudi Pro League, leading the scoring charts at 40 years old. His unmatched drive, goal-scoring instinct, and physical condition make him one of the most enduring stars in football.

3. Luka Modrić – class is permanent at AC Milan

Modrić remains the heartbeat of midfield, now with AC Milan. Even at 40, his control, vision, and calmness under pressure ensure he’s still one of the most effective playmakers in Europe.

2. Lionel Messi – magic lives on in Miami

Messi may be 38, but he’s still one of the most creative players on the planet. His move to Inter Miami brought instant success, and his left foot continues to deliver moments of brilliance.

1. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona’s goal king

Lewandowski tops the list at 37 with his consistent goal-scoring heroics. Leading Barcelona’s line with intelligence and power, he remains one of the most feared strikers in world football.