Top 10 Oldest Football Players Still Active in 2025

Football is a sport where youth often dominates, but there are extraordinary players who continue to defy age, proving that experience, skill, and dedication can keep careers alive at the highest level. The Oldest Football Players in 2025 are living examples of longevity, professionalism, and passion for the game. They demonstrate that while physical attributes may naturally decline, intelligence, positioning, leadership, and technical ability can allow players to remain competitive for decades.

The continued presence of these players highlights a remarkable trend in modern football: age is no longer a strict barrier to success. With advancements in sports , nutrition, and training methods, players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Manuel Neuer showcase that elite performance can be maintained well into the late 30s and early 40s. The following list celebrates the top 10 Oldest Football Players still active in 2025, emphasizing their impact on the sport.

10. Karim Benzema – 37 years old

Club: Al-Ittihad
Position: Forward
Achievements: Ballon d’Or winner, multiple Champions League titles

Karim Benzema remains a key attacking force for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. Known for his exceptional technical skills, vision, and finishing, he continues to contribute decisively in every match. Even at 37, Benzema’s intelligence allows him to find scoring opportunities and create chances for teammates.

Beyond scoring, Benzema excels in build-up play, linking midfield and attack effectively. His experience in top European competitions brings a sense of calm and confidence to his team. As one of the Oldest Football Players, he demonstrates that age does not limit the ability to perform at a high level when professionalism and dedication are prioritized.

9. Robert Lewandowski – 37 years old

Club: FC Barcelona
Position: Forward
Achievements: Bundesliga top scorer, multiple domestic league titles

Robert Lewandowski continues to shine at FC Barcelona as one of the world’s most consistent goal scorers. His finishing ability, aerial strength, and positioning remain top-notch despite his age. Lewandowski’s presence on the field ensures that Barcelona maintains a competitive edge in La Liga, with his knack for crucial goals often deciding matches.

Off the pitch, Lewandowski is a mentor to younger players, teaching positioning, decision-making, and professionalism. His focus on fitness and preparation allows him to compete at elite levels, reinforcing his status as one of the Oldest Football Players still performing brilliantly.

8. Luis Suárez – 38 years old

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

Luis Suárez continues to impress at Inter Miami with his exceptional goal-scoring instincts. At 38, he leverages positioning, anticipation, and technical ability to remain a prolific striker. His movement in the box and intelligent positioning make him a constant threat to defenders, contributing to decisive goals.

Suárez’s experience in European football provides leadership both on and off the field. His mentorship and professionalism reinforce his reputation as one of the Oldest Football Players, showing that longevity in football requires discipline, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the game.

7. Lionel Messi – 38 years old

Club: Inter Miami
Position: Forward
Achievements: 7 Ballon d’Or, World Cup winner

Lionel Messi continues to be a game-changer at Inter Miami. Even at 38, his dribbling, vision, and playmaking remain exceptional. Messi contributes to goals and assists consistently, controlling the rhythm of matches and creating opportunities with his creativity and intelligence on the ball.

Beyond statistics, Messi’s professionalism, leadership, and influence inspire his teammates. As one of the most celebrated Oldest Football Players, he demonstrates that experience, vision, and dedication can sustain a player’s impact, even when competing against younger athletes.

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6. Luka Modrić – 39 years old

Club: AC Milan
Position: Midfielder
Achievements: Ballon d’Or winner, Champions League titles, World Cup runner-up

Luka Modrić remains one of football’s most intelligent midfielders, dictating the tempo of matches with precision and vision. At 37, his ability to control play, deliver accurate passes, and maintain positional awareness is unmatched. Modrić continues to contribute goals, assists, and leadership at Real Madrid, influencing every match he plays.

His experience and tactical understanding allow him to compensate for any decline in physical attributes. As one of the Oldest Football Players, Modrić’s longevity is a testament to his dedication, fitness, and professionalism, inspiring both teammates and fans alike.

5. Sergio Ramos – 39 years old

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

Sergio Ramos continues to dominate in defense at CF Monterrey. His leadership, aerial ability, and tactical intelligence allow him to control games effectively. At 39, he remains decisive in high-pressure situations and organizes the backline with authority, providing stability to the team.

Ramos also contributes offensively from set-pieces and penalties. His experience in top European competitions and international tournaments makes him one of the Oldest Football Players, setting an example in resilience, dedication, and professional conduct both on and off the field.

4. Manuel Neuer – 39 years old

Age: 39
Club: Bayern Munich
Position: Goalkeeper
Achievements: World Cup winner, multiple Bundesliga titles

Manuel Neuer continues to redefine goalkeeping with his exceptional reflexes, positioning, and sweeper-keeper style. At 39, he commands Bayern Munich’s defensive line, preventing goals with intelligence and composure. His decision-making in high-pressure moments is unmatched.

Neuer’s leadership extends beyond shot-stopping, organizing the defense and mentoring younger goalkeepers. As one of the most respected Oldest Football Players, his continued success highlights the importance of fitness, awareness, and experience in prolonging a football career.

3. Santi Cazorla – 40 years old

Club: Real Oviedo
Position: Midfielder
Achievements: La Liga star, Arsenal and Villarreal success

Santi Cazorla made history by debuting in La Liga for Real Oviedo at 40. His vision, passing, and technical skills allow him to control matches effectively. Even at 40, he remains a key playmaker and consistently delivers high-quality performances for his team.

Cazorla’s professionalism and adaptability make him a standout example among the Oldest Football Players. His experience provides guidance to teammates, proving that football intelligence and skill can offset age-related physical decline.

2. Thiago Silva – 40 years old

Club: Fluminense
Position: Defender
Achievements: Champions League winner, multiple Ligue 1 titles

Thiago Silva continues to anchor Fluminense’s defense with composure and precision. His aerial dominance, positioning, and tactical awareness allow him to neutralize opposing attacks consistently. At 40, his ability to read the game sets him apart as a defensive leader.

Silva’s professionalism, resilience, and guidance make him one of the most inspiring Oldest Football Players. Young defenders benefit from his mentorship, while his consistency ensures his team remains competitive against top opposition.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 40 years old

Club: Al Nassr
Position: Forward
Achievements: Five Ballon d’Or, multiple Champions League titles

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to deliver world-class performances at Al Nassr. Even at 40, his speed, finishing, and aerial ability remain extraordinary. Ronaldo’s dedication to training and match preparation enables him to maintain top physical condition and effectiveness on the field.

As one of the most famous Oldest Football Players, Ronaldo serves as an inspiration to players and fans globally. His discipline, ambition, and record-breaking achievements underscore the fact that age is no barrier to excellence and impact in professional football.

FAQs: Oldest Football Players Still Active in 2025

Q1: Who is currently the oldest active football player in 2025?

Cristiano Ronaldo is the oldest active football player in 2025 at 40 years old.

Q2: Which player made a La Liga debut at the age of 40?

Santi Cazorla made his remarkable La Liga debut for Real Oviedo at 40.

Q3: Are these oldest football players still performing at top levels?

Yes, all these players remain highly competitive. Despite their age, they consistently contribute goals, assists, defensive stability, and leadership.

Q4: Which of these players are active in Major League Soccer?

Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez play in Major League Soccer for Inter Miami. Both continue to influence matches with goals, creativity, and experience while mentoring teammates and helping grow the league’s global profile.

Q5: How do these players maintain peak performance despite age?

Their longevity is due to disciplined training, nutrition, mental focus, and tactical intelligence. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Manuel Neuer use experience and preparation to offset physical decline, while their professionalism and leadership set examples for the next generation.