Top 10 Oldest Football Players Still Going Strong in 2025

September 2, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

Football is often seen as a young man’s game—but some legends rewrite that script entirely. In 2025, several players have defied time, proving that intelligence, discipline, and experience can keep you at the top long after others have retired. From Ballon d’Or winners to World Cup champions, these ten veterans are still lacing up their boots and showing the world how it’s done. Here are the Top 10 Oldest Footballers Still Active in 2025, and why age really is just a number.

#10: Karim Benzema – 37 Years Old

Club: Al-Ittihad | Position: Forward
Key Achievements: Ballon d'Or, multiple Champions League titles

Still deadly in front of goal, Benzema’s move to the Saudi Pro League hasn’t dulled his edge. His sharp vision and silky first touch continue to make him a nightmare for defenders. At 37, his ability to link play and create space shows that football intelligence never ages. Al-Ittihad rely on his experience to anchor their attack.

#9: Robert Lewandowski – 37 Years Old

Club: FC Barcelona | Position: Forward
Key Achievements: Bundesliga top scorer, numerous domestic titles

Lewandowski remains a goal machine in La Liga. Even at 37, his movement, timing, and finishing instinct are world-class. Beyond scoring, he's become a mentor to Barcelona's younger talents, sharing his knowledge and setting a standard of excellence. Fitness and professionalism keep him at the top.

#8: Luis Suárez – 38 Years Old

Club: Inter Miami | Position: Forward
Key Achievements: Golden Boot, Champions League winner

Back on the pitch with Inter Miami, Suárez continues to show why he's one of the best strikers of his generation. His anticipation and clever movement still leave defenders scrambling. At 38, he brings South American grit and European pedigree to MLS, not just as a player—but as a mentor and leader.

#7: Lionel Messi – 38 Years Old

Club: Inter Miami | Position: Forward
Key Achievements: 7 Ballon d’Ors, World Cup winner

Even at 38, Messi continues to dazzle fans. His vision, playmaking, and technical wizardry remain unmatched. More than just statistics, Messi brings rhythm, calm, and leadership to every match. He’s not just aging gracefully—he’s redefining what longevity looks like in elite football.

#6: Luka Modrić – 39 Years Old

Luka Modric — Alizada Studios / Shutterstock.com

Club: AC Milan | Position: Midfielder
Key Achievements: Ballon d’Or, Champions League titles, World Cup finalist

Now with AC Milan, Modrić remains the midfield maestro. His precision passing and awareness allow him to control games with ease. At nearly 40, his legs might not move like they used to, but his brain remains the sharpest on the pitch. He’s the heartbeat of every midfield he joins.

#5: Sergio Ramos – 39 Years Old

Club: CF Monterrey | Position: Defender
Key Achievements: World Cup winner, multiple Champions League titles

Still commanding defenses in Mexico, Ramos is more than a physical presence—he’s a leader of men. His timing, aerial strength, and tactical nous are undiminished by age. Whether it’s stopping goals or scoring them on set-pieces, Ramos proves that warriors don’t fade—they adapt.

#4: Manuel Neuer – 39 Years Old

Club: Bayern Munich | Position: Goalkeeper
Key Achievements: World Cup winner, Bundesliga legend

The original sweeper-keeper, Neuer is still guarding Bayern Munich’s goal with authority. His reflexes, positioning, and calm under pressure remain elite. He continues to evolve, mentoring future goalkeepers and maintaining world-class form, even as the years tick by.

#3: Santi Cazorla – 40 Years Old

Club: Real Oviedo | Position: Midfielder
Key Achievements: La Liga standout, Arsenal icon

At 40, Cazorla’s creativity and touch are as magical as ever. Now playing for his boyhood club Real Oviedo, he’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and effectiveness. Injuries once threatened to end his career—but his comeback is a masterclass in resilience and love for the game.

#2: Thiago Silva – 40 Years Old

Club: Fluminense | Position: Defender
Key Achievements: Champions League winner, Ligue 1 dominance

Back in Brazil with Fluminense, Thiago Silva continues to read the game like few others. His leadership and calm under pressure keep him relevant at 40. He’s the kind of defender who doesn't need pace when he’s always in the right place at the right time.

#1: Cristiano Ronaldo – 40 Years Old

Club: Al Nassr | Position: Forward
Key Achievements: 5 Ballon d'Ors, all-time international top scorer

Still a global phenomenon, Ronaldo defies expectations at every turn. At 40, he’s scoring, sprinting, and competing at the highest level in Saudi Arabia. His physical preparation, relentless mentality, and hunger for goals make him a once-in-a-generation athlete—and a living blueprint for longevity in football.