In the past, turning 35 often marked the twilight of a footballer’s career. Today, however, modern sports science, fitness regimes, and smarter recovery methods have allowed stars to extend their prime years well beyond that milestone. The 10 Best Footballers Aged Over 35 in World Football (2025) prove that age is no longer a barrier to greatness.
Legends like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, and Robert Lewandowski continue to prove that age is no barrier to greatness. Alongside them, stars such as Karim Benzema, Manuel Neuer, Ángel Di María, and Francesco Acerbi remain vital for their clubs, showing that experience, resilience, and professionalism can extend a career far beyond what was once thought possible.
Table of Contents
Here we take a look at the 10 Best Footballers Aged Over 35 who are still inspiring fans around the globe.
10.Francesco Acerbi – Inter Milan (Age 37)
Francesco Acerbi is one of football’s true late bloomers. After starting his career in Italy’s lower leagues, he steadily rose through the ranks before finding his peak with Inter Milan. Since his move in 2023, Acerbi has become an irreplaceable figure in Simone Inzaghi’s backline, guiding Inter to a Serie A title and two Champions League finals in just three seasons. Known for his composure under pressure and his leadership qualities, Acerbi has managed to extend his career by staying remarkably consistent at an age when most defenders slow down. His ability to read the game and organize the defense ensures his place among the Best Footballers Aged Over 35.
Quick Stats
| Serie A Titles | Champions League Finals | Regular Starter |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (with Inter) | 2 in 3 seasons | Yes, at 37 |
9. Ángel Di María – Benfica (Age 37)
Ángel Di María has enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in modern football, and his return to Benfica has been nothing short of spectacular. At 37, the Argentine winger continues to terrorize defenses with his dribbling, vision, and set-piece delivery. In the 2023/24 season, he racked up 17 goals and 14 assists, proving that age has not slowed his creativity. His performances earned him a spot among the top players in Portugal’s Liga, where his ability to change matches single-handedly has been invaluable. Di María has shown that even in the twilight of his career, his class is permanent, cementing his place among the Best Footballers Aged Over 35.
Quick Stats
| Goals (2023/24) | Assists (2023/24) | League Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | 14 | Top 15 player |
8. Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Inter Milan (Age 36)
Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s career has been filled with highs and lows, but his move to Inter Milan gave him the platform to rediscover his best form. After stints in England that failed to live up to expectations, the Armenian international has flourished in Serie A. At 36, he is still starting regularly in a highly competitive Inter midfield, offering creativity, vision, and an eye for goal. In the 2023/24 season, he contributed 8 assists and was crucial in Inter’s domestic and European success. Mkhitaryan’s longevity is a testament to his professionalism and work ethic, making him one of the Best Footballers Aged Over 35.
Quick Stats
| Serie A Titles | Assists (2023/24) | Champions League Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (with Inter) | 8 | Semi-final goal vs Milan |
7. Yann Sommer – Inter Milan (Age 36)
Yann Sommer continues to prove that goalkeepers often age more gracefully than outfield players. The Swiss shot-stopper is remembered for his extraordinary 19-save performance against Bayern Munich in 2022, a Bundesliga record, and since then he has become the main man between the posts for Inter Milan. At 36, Sommer remains agile, consistent, and highly reliable, qualities that have made him indispensable for both club and country. His leadership at the back and ability to organize the defense ensure that he belongs firmly among the Best Footballers Aged Over 35 in 2025.
Quick Stats
| Record Saves | Current Club | National Team |
|---|---|---|
| 19 in one game (Bundesliga) | Inter Milan No.1 | Switzerland’s No.1 |
6. Karim Benzema – Al-Ittihad (Age 37)
Karim Benzema’s legacy was already secured after winning the 2022 Ballon d’Or, but even at 37, he continues to perform at a world-class level. Following his departure from Real Madrid, Benzema initially struggled in Saudi Arabia, but he soon adapted and returned to form with 25 goals in 36 matches for Al-Ittihad in 2024/25. His ability to find space, link up play, and score crucial goals highlights why he is still one of the most feared strikers in football. Benzema’s professionalism and clinical finishing place him firmly among the Best Footballers Aged Over 35.
Quick Stats
| Goals (2024/25) | Ballon d’Or | Career Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 25 in 36 games | 2022 Winner | 400+ |
5. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al-Nassr (Age 40)
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy the odds at 40 years old. Once a skillful winger, he reinvented himself as a prolific forward and still scores at an elite rate. In the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League season, he netted 35 goals in 31 games, winning the Golden Boot. With over 900 career goals across 1,200+ matches, Ronaldo has proven that his hunger and fitness levels remain unmatched. His longevity, records, and ability to deliver in every league he has played in make him the ultimate example of the Best Footballers Aged Over 35.
Quick Stats
| Goals (2023/24) | Top Scorer In | Career Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 35 in 31 games | 4 leagues (ENG, SPA, ITA, KSA) | 900+ |
4. Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich (Age 39)
Manuel Neuer is regarded as one of the most influential goalkeepers of all time, and at 39 he continues to show why. Known for revolutionizing the role of the “sweeper-keeper,” Neuer has been Bayern Munich’s captain and Germany’s first choice for more than a decade. Despite injuries in recent years, his resilience and commitment to recovery have allowed him to return to the top level. With over 550 appearances for Bayern and 250+ clean sheets across his career, Neuer has maintained standards few can match. His commanding presence, distribution skills, and leadership qualities make him one of the Best Footballers Aged Over 35, and one of the rare goalkeepers who has defined an entire era of the sport.
Quick Stats
| World Cup | Club Appearances | Career Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| Winner (2014) | 550+ with Bayern | 250+ |
3. Luka Modrić – Real Madrid (Age 39)
Luka Modrić has aged like fine wine, continuing to dictate games for Real Madrid well into his 39th year. After joining from Tottenham in 2012, the Croatian midfielder became a crucial part of Madrid’s dominance in Europe, winning five Champions League titles alongside Toni Kroos and Casemiro. His crowning moment came in 2018 when he broke the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly to win the Ballon d’Or, recognition for leading Croatia to a World Cup final and excelling at club level. Even today, Modrić’s intelligence, composure, and ability to control tempo stand out. Few midfielders in history have displayed such longevity at the elite level, and his place among the Best Footballers Aged Over 35 is unquestionable.
Quick Stats
| Champions League Titles | Ballon d’Or | International Caps |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2018 Winner | 150+ for Croatia |
2. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami (Age 38)
Lionel Messi’s career has been defined by records, trophies, and moments of pure magic, and even at 38, he is still producing brilliance. After finally capturing the World Cup in 2022 with Argentina, Messi moved to MLS in 2023 and transformed Inter Miami overnight, leading them to their first-ever trophy. His vision, dribbling, and passing remain unmatched, while his leadership has elevated the standards of the entire league. With 8 Ballon d’Ors, over 800 career goals, and countless assists, Messi’s legacy is untouchable. His inclusion among the Best Footballers Aged Over 35 is not just because of longevity but also his ability to remain decisive on the pitch long after most players would have retired.
Quick Stats
| World Cup | Ballon d’Ors | Club Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Winner (2022) | 8 | Led Inter Miami to first trophy |
1. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona (Age 36)
Robert Lewandowski has set the standard for professionalism and consistency, making him the leading name among the Best Footballers Aged Over 35 in 2025. After dominating in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, he joined Barcelona and continued to score relentlessly. In the 2024/25 season alone, Lewandowski netted 27 goals in 34 La Liga appearances, proving he remains one of the most lethal strikers in world football. With 600+ career goals, numerous Bundesliga titles, and now key contributions in Spain, Lewandowski embodies what it means to age gracefully in modern football. His fitness regime, discipline, and clinical finishing ensure he will be remembered as one of the greatest forwards in football history.
Quick Stats
| Goals (2024/25) | Career Goals | Major Titles |
|---|---|---|
| 27 in 34 games | 600+ | Bundesliga & La Liga |
Best Footballers Aged Over 35 in 2025 – Summary Table
| Rank | Player | Club | Nation | Age | Key Highlight (2024/25) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robert Lewandowski | Barcelona | Poland | 36 | 27 La Liga goals in 34 games |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | Argentina | 38 | Led Miami to first trophy |
| 3 | Luka Modrić | Real Madrid | Croatia | 39 | Still controlling Madrid’s midfield |
| 4 | Manuel Neuer | Bayern Munich | Germany | 39 | 250+ career clean sheets |
| 5 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Al-Nassr | Portugal | 40 | 35 goals in Saudi League |
| 6 | Karim Benzema | Al-Ittihad | France | 37 | 25 goals in 36 matches |
| 7 | Yann Sommer | Inter Milan | Switzerland | 36 | Inter Milan’s first-choice GK |
| 8 | Henrikh Mkhitaryan | Inter Milan | Armenia | 36 | 8 Serie A assists, key UCL goal |
| 9 | Ángel Di María | Benfica | Argentina | 37 | 17 goals, 14 assists in 2023/24 |
| 10 | Francesco Acerbi | Inter Milan | Italy | 37 | Defensive leader, 2 UCL finals |
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FAQs – Best Footballers Aged Over 35 in 2025
1.Who is the best footballer aged over 35 right now?
In 2025, Robert Lewandowski leads the way among the Best Footballers Aged Over 35, scoring 27 goals in La Liga at the age of 36. His consistency and professionalism keep him at the very top.
2.Is Lionel Messi still one of the Best Footballers Aged Over 35?
Yes. At 38, Lionel Messi remains one of the Best Footballers Aged Over 35, guiding Inter Miami to their first trophy while still delivering goals, assists, and magical performances.
3.Can goalkeepers be among the Best Footballers Aged Over 35?
Absolutely. Goalkeepers often extend their careers, and Manuel Neuer at 39 is proof. With 250+ clean sheets, he is still considered one of the Best Footballers Aged Over 35 in the world.
