The 15 Best Footballers Over 35 Still Dominating the Game – Ranked

July 2, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

In today’s game, age is no longer the defining hurdle it once was. Many players well into their mid-30s — and even pushing 40 — continue to light up stadiums around the world. Here’s a look at the 15 best footballers aged 35 and older who are still performing at an elite level right now.

15. Edin Džeko

At 39 years old, Edin Džeko remains a clinical striker for Fenerbahçe. The Bosnian forward has spent nearly two decades terrorizing defenses across Europe, from the Bundesliga to Serie A, and now the Turkish Süper Lig. His experience and goal-scoring instincts continue to make him a decisive figure in the box.

14. Sergio Ramos

Still commanding the back line at 39, Sergio Ramos plies his trade with Monterrey in Mexico. Known for his fierce competitiveness and knack for scoring crucial goals, Ramos remains a leader wherever he goes. Even as the years add up, his reading of the game and aerial dominance keep him among the elite defenders.

13. Sergio Busquets

After an illustrious career at Barcelona, Sergio Busquets now partners Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. At 36, he’s still the metronome in midfield, dictating play with unmatched composure. His tactical mind and precise distribution ensure he controls the tempo, proving you don't need speed to stay indispensable.

12. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Aubameyang, 35, has brought his goal-scoring flair to Saudi Arabia with Al-Qadsiah. Though past his blistering prime pace, the Gabon international’s sharp positioning and cool finishing still trouble defenders. His knack for finding space in the box keeps him relevant in any attacking setup.

11. Thomas Müller

Thomas Müller continues to be a vital cog for Bayern Munich at 35. His legendary sense of positioning — what Germans call "Raumdeuter" — allows him to create and finish chances with ease. Even as younger talents rise, Müller’s intelligence and work rate guarantee he remains pivotal in Bayern’s setup.

10. Francesco Acerbi

Acerbi is something of a late bloomer, now thriving with Inter Milan at 37. Rising from Italy’s lower leagues to become a Serie A champion, he’s proven that resilience pays off. His leadership and ability to snuff out attacks have made him a cornerstone in one of Europe’s toughest defenses.

9. Ángel Di María

Angel Di Maria — Asatur Yesayants / Shutterstock.com

At 37, Di María is still dazzling defenders with Benfica. The Argentine winger racked up 17 goals and 14 assists last season across competitions, showcasing that his creativity hasn’t waned. Few can match his combination of vision and technical brilliance, even as he approaches 40.

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8. Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Mkhitaryan reinvented himself at Inter Milan after his Premier League struggles, and at 36, he continues to thrive. Last season he contributed eight assists, driving Inter’s midfield as they clinched the Serie A title. His late-career form proves that some players truly do get better with age.

7. Yann Sommer

Inter Milan seem to have found the fountain of youth, as Yann Sommer, 36, also shines for the Nerazzurri. The Swiss keeper once set a Bundesliga record with 19 saves in a single match and is now a safe pair of hands in Italy. His quick reflexes and composure ensure Inter stay solid at the back.

6. Karim Benzema

Since moving to Al-Ittihad, Karim Benzema, 37, continues to remind fans why he won the Ballon d’Or in 2022. He scored 25 goals in 36 games this season, maintaining his reputation as one of the world’s deadliest finishers. Even outside Europe’s top leagues, Benzema’s class remains undeniable.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40, just keeps breaking records. The Portuguese legend netted 35 league goals in 31 matches for Al-Nassr last season, becoming the first player to win top scorer honors in four different leagues. His relentless drive and evolution into a pure goal machine have kept him elite well into his forties.

4. Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer, 39, still sets the standard for modern goalkeepers. Bayern Munich’s captain and Germany’s World Cup hero revolutionized the sweeper-keeper role. Even now, he’s lightning off his line and as commanding as ever, with over 250 clean sheets for Bayern attesting to his enduring greatness.

3. Luka Modrić

Few midfielders have ever orchestrated games like Luka Modrić, now 39 at Real Madrid. A five-time Champions League winner and Ballon d’Or recipient, his elegance and tactical genius keep Los Blancos ticking. Alongside Toni Kroos, he’s helped shape one of the most dominant eras in European football history.

2. Lionel Messi

At 38, Messi remains a magician with the ball. Since joining Inter Miami, he’s not only delivered the club’s first ever trophy but continues to mesmerize with his unmatched dribbling and playmaking. The 2022 World Cup win cemented his GOAT status, proving that even deep into his 30s, Messi is a game-changer.

1. Robert Lewandowski

Topping the list is Robert Lewandowski, who at 36 shows no signs of slowing down. The Barcelona striker netted 27 goals in 34 La Liga matches this season, demonstrating that world-class finishing doesn’t fade with age. His professionalism and relentless goal hunger keep him among the very best forwards on the planet.