TOP 5: World's Best Footballing Veterans (Age: 35+)
A footballers career is often short; in most cases players enjoy their best days during their twenties, before declining in performance when they enter their thirties. Football is undoubtedly a young man's game.
Unfortunately for some players, their decline is both plain and sad to see. Footballers that have suffered such a decline include Fernando Torres and Michael Owen; both of which were forced to endure a number of injuries which depleted their footballing ability.
But some footballers don't follow this trend. A number of players can actually be considered 'late bloomers': Those that aren't very good in their youth but thrive later on in their careers.
This article will therefore consider the very best players currently playing in world football over the age of 35. Which two Spaniards make the list? Which Italian defender is rated at number 4? And is Zlatan Ibrahimovic ranked the best footballing veteran in the world? Find out the answer to all these questions later on in this article.
5) Aritz Aduriz - Age: 36
Aritz Aduriz was never considered one of the world's elite strikers during his twenties, but as he has edged towards the latter stages of his career the Spaniard has blossomed.
Known primarily for his physical presence and eye for goal, the striker is continuing to defy his age as he consistently scores goals year after year in the Spanish top flight.
In all competitions, the target man has scored over 25 goals in each of his last three seasons. This included a career best last season, where he scored a very impressive 36 goals.
Despite having only received one cap for Spain prior to his 35th birthday, his scintillating form has earned him ten caps since 2016; where he has scored on two occasions.
He has continued his form this campaign, having netted 24 times in his 39 appearances to date. This includes scoring all five of Bilbao's goals against Genk in a Champions League tie in November.
A man who seems to get better with age, the Atletico Bilbao talisman's goal-scoring prowess is showing no signs of stopping despite being in the latter stages of his thirties.
4) Andrea Barzagli - Age: 35
The acquisition of Medhi Benatia in the summer, as well as the rise of academy graduate Daniele Rugani to the first team, mean that Andrea Barzagli is no longer first choice at the back for Juventus. But the experience and reliability that the veteran still provides is vital for the Italian giants.
Although Barzagli turns 36 at the start of May, he is another that could be considered as a 'late bloomer'. Although he was regarded as a solid defender throughout his whole career, he only got a move to one of the world's biggest clubs when he signed for Juventus in 2010; at the age of 29.
Nevertheless, he has enjoyed a remarkable period at the Italian giants, where he has won five Serie A titles and been named in the Serie A Team of the Year on four occasions.
This season, Barzagli continues to be an integral figure in defence. He has appeared in 32 contests in all competitions; helping his team to a nine point lead at the top of the table and a Champions League Semi-Final berth.
Juventus are renowned for having one of the strongest defences in world football, and despite his age Andrea Barzagli is still a major reason why they concede so few goals.
3) Xabi Alonso - Age: 35
Xabi Alonso has done it all. His highly successful stints at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich mean he can be considered to be a legend at all three clubs.
Despite his age, Alonso's footballing ability shows no signs of waning. Never someone that relied heavily on the physical side of the game, the Spaniard was always someone whose technical ability and reading of the game set him apart from the rest.
Since arriving at Bayern in 2014, his presence in midfield has helped the German side consolidate their status as one of the giants of world football. Going into his third season at the German club, he has been a major component in a team that have dominated their domestic league and have been perennial challengers year after year in the Champions League.
This season, the former Liverpool man has continued to be a mainstay in the Bayern midfield. He has so far made 35 appearances in all competitions, contributing three goals. He still performs to a very high level, with Whoscored.com rating Alonso 7.26 for his performances this season: the 8th highest at Bayern.
Unfortunately, Xabi Alonso has announced that this season will be his last in professional football. Nevertheless, the pass-master has had a glittering career and is set to operate at an extremely high level until his retirement.
2) Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Age: 35
Number 2 on my list of the world's best footballing veterans is none other than Zlatan Ibrahimovic. A goal-scoring machine throughout his career, the Swedish maverick continues to defy his age as his knack for finding the net shows no signs of stopping.
When you look at Zlatan's accomplishments, you begin to appreciate what an extraordinary talent he is. He has played in Sweden, Holland, Italy, Spain, France and England and has been successful in all. Amazingly, he has beaten the 20 goal tally in every season from 2007/2008. That's ten consecutive seasons.
Now 35 years of age, Ibrahimovic moved to United last season with the intention of conquering the Premier League. Although proceedings have not gone quite as hoped for United, Zlatan has thrived individually; netting 28 times in 46 appearances. His performances saw him nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Season award, where he lost out to N'Golo Kante.
Although his season was cut short by injury, Zlatan's first season in England has been a huge success. Many doubted that he would be able to cut it in the Premier League, but the striker has answered those critics by finding the net on a regular basis.
Despite being an extraordinary footballer, there is one player over the age of 35 that in my opinion plays to a higher standard than Zlatan himself...
1) Gianluigi Buffon - Age: 39
There is only one word that perfectly encapsulates the career of the great Italian goalkeeper. Legendary.
Since making his debut in 1995 at the age of 17, Buffon has developed into one of the world's greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport.
In the 22 seasons he has appeared in, he has taken the field in 837 club games, as well as 168 International ties. His incredible appearance tally for Italy currently makes him the joint 5th most capped male International footballer of all time.
And the record-breaking goalkeeper is still going strong.
Despite now being 39 years of age, Buffon's goalkeeping skills have not deteriorated at all. He now plays a crucial role in arguably the world's best defences, having appeared 38 times for Juventus this season. His immaculate performances in goal has helped guide his team to the Champions League Semi-Finals. Along the way, Buffon secured back-to-back clean sheets against one of the best attacks of all time in the shape of Barcelona.
The legendary Italian goalkeeper also looks set to win his 10th Serie A title this year, with his team currently occupying 1st place and a considerable lead at the top of the table.
It had to take some player to be even greater than Zlatan. Gianluigi Buffon is that man. Not only is he the world's best veteran in world football, but he is also one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.
Unfortunately for some players, their decline is both plain and sad to see. Footballers that have suffered such a decline include Fernando Torres and Michael Owen; both of which were forced to endure a number of injuries which depleted their footballing ability.
But some footballers don't follow this trend. A number of players can actually be considered 'late bloomers': Those that aren't very good in their youth but thrive later on in their careers.
This article will therefore consider the very best players currently playing in world football over the age of 35. Which two Spaniards make the list? Which Italian defender is rated at number 4? And is Zlatan Ibrahimovic ranked the best footballing veteran in the world? Find out the answer to all these questions later on in this article.
5) Aritz Aduriz - Age: 36
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| 5) Aritz Aduriz is continuing to score goals late on in his career |
Aritz Aduriz was never considered one of the world's elite strikers during his twenties, but as he has edged towards the latter stages of his career the Spaniard has blossomed.
Known primarily for his physical presence and eye for goal, the striker is continuing to defy his age as he consistently scores goals year after year in the Spanish top flight.
In all competitions, the target man has scored over 25 goals in each of his last three seasons. This included a career best last season, where he scored a very impressive 36 goals.
Despite having only received one cap for Spain prior to his 35th birthday, his scintillating form has earned him ten caps since 2016; where he has scored on two occasions.
He has continued his form this campaign, having netted 24 times in his 39 appearances to date. This includes scoring all five of Bilbao's goals against Genk in a Champions League tie in November.
A man who seems to get better with age, the Atletico Bilbao talisman's goal-scoring prowess is showing no signs of stopping despite being in the latter stages of his thirties.
4) Andrea Barzagli - Age: 35
 |
| 4) Barzagli is still an important figure in a strong Juventus back line |
The acquisition of Medhi Benatia in the summer, as well as the rise of academy graduate Daniele Rugani to the first team, mean that Andrea Barzagli is no longer first choice at the back for Juventus. But the experience and reliability that the veteran still provides is vital for the Italian giants.
Although Barzagli turns 36 at the start of May, he is another that could be considered as a 'late bloomer'. Although he was regarded as a solid defender throughout his whole career, he only got a move to one of the world's biggest clubs when he signed for Juventus in 2010; at the age of 29.
Nevertheless, he has enjoyed a remarkable period at the Italian giants, where he has won five Serie A titles and been named in the Serie A Team of the Year on four occasions.
This season, Barzagli continues to be an integral figure in defence. He has appeared in 32 contests in all competitions; helping his team to a nine point lead at the top of the table and a Champions League Semi-Final berth.
Juventus are renowned for having one of the strongest defences in world football, and despite his age Andrea Barzagli is still a major reason why they concede so few goals.
3) Xabi Alonso - Age: 35
 |
| 3) Xabi Alonso may be retiring at the end of this year but he is still playing to a very high level |
Xabi Alonso has done it all. His highly successful stints at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich mean he can be considered to be a legend at all three clubs.
Despite his age, Alonso's footballing ability shows no signs of waning. Never someone that relied heavily on the physical side of the game, the Spaniard was always someone whose technical ability and reading of the game set him apart from the rest.
Since arriving at Bayern in 2014, his presence in midfield has helped the German side consolidate their status as one of the giants of world football. Going into his third season at the German club, he has been a major component in a team that have dominated their domestic league and have been perennial challengers year after year in the Champions League.
This season, the former Liverpool man has continued to be a mainstay in the Bayern midfield. He has so far made 35 appearances in all competitions, contributing three goals. He still performs to a very high level, with Whoscored.com rating Alonso 7.26 for his performances this season: the 8th highest at Bayern.
Unfortunately, Xabi Alonso has announced that this season will be his last in professional football. Nevertheless, the pass-master has had a glittering career and is set to operate at an extremely high level until his retirement.
2) Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Age: 35
 |
| 2) Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still one of the world's best strikers at the age of 35 |
Number 2 on my list of the world's best footballing veterans is none other than Zlatan Ibrahimovic. A goal-scoring machine throughout his career, the Swedish maverick continues to defy his age as his knack for finding the net shows no signs of stopping.
When you look at Zlatan's accomplishments, you begin to appreciate what an extraordinary talent he is. He has played in Sweden, Holland, Italy, Spain, France and England and has been successful in all. Amazingly, he has beaten the 20 goal tally in every season from 2007/2008. That's ten consecutive seasons.
Now 35 years of age, Ibrahimovic moved to United last season with the intention of conquering the Premier League. Although proceedings have not gone quite as hoped for United, Zlatan has thrived individually; netting 28 times in 46 appearances. His performances saw him nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Season award, where he lost out to N'Golo Kante.
Although his season was cut short by injury, Zlatan's first season in England has been a huge success. Many doubted that he would be able to cut it in the Premier League, but the striker has answered those critics by finding the net on a regular basis.
Despite being an extraordinary footballer, there is one player over the age of 35 that in my opinion plays to a higher standard than Zlatan himself...
1) Gianluigi Buffon - Age: 39
 |
| 1) Gianluigi Buffon is considered as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation and is still going strong as he approaches his forties |
There is only one word that perfectly encapsulates the career of the great Italian goalkeeper. Legendary.
Since making his debut in 1995 at the age of 17, Buffon has developed into one of the world's greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport.
In the 22 seasons he has appeared in, he has taken the field in 837 club games, as well as 168 International ties. His incredible appearance tally for Italy currently makes him the joint 5th most capped male International footballer of all time.
And the record-breaking goalkeeper is still going strong.
Despite now being 39 years of age, Buffon's goalkeeping skills have not deteriorated at all. He now plays a crucial role in arguably the world's best defences, having appeared 38 times for Juventus this season. His immaculate performances in goal has helped guide his team to the Champions League Semi-Finals. Along the way, Buffon secured back-to-back clean sheets against one of the best attacks of all time in the shape of Barcelona.
The legendary Italian goalkeeper also looks set to win his 10th Serie A title this year, with his team currently occupying 1st place and a considerable lead at the top of the table.
It had to take some player to be even greater than Zlatan. Gianluigi Buffon is that man. Not only is he the world's best veteran in world football, but he is also one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.
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