Greek TV legend Panos Bletsos brings his expert soccer insight with this deep dive into the footballers defying age and continuing to shine well past 35. As the modern game evolves, many assume that players peak in their late 20s or early 30s, but Bletsos highlights the veterans who are proving that experience, intelligence, and skill can more than compensate for lost speed. From legendary goalkeepers to midfield maestros and prolific forwards who score loads of goals, these footballers continue to dominate at the highest levels of European football.
In this feature, Bletsos examines how stars like Luka Modrić, Robert Lewandowski, Ángel Di María, and Manuel Neuer remain indispensable for their clubs, while others like Edin Džeko and Pedro are enjoying late-career resurgences. Whether between the posts, controlling the midfield, or leading the attack, these players are redefining what it means to have longevity in football. Check out the full piece below for a look at the legends who refuse to fade away.
Footballing Legends Defying Age: The Stars Still Shining at 35 and Beyond
By Panos Bletsos
Footballers may reach their physical peak in their late 20s, but many continue to thrive well into their late 30s, proving that experience and skill often outweigh declining athleticism. While Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the most high-profile examples, they are far from the only veterans still excelling at the highest level of European football.
Across the continent, several players aged 35 and older are not just featuring but leading their teams with standout performances. Unsurprisingly, many of them are goalkeepers, a position where experience and composure are crucial. At 41, Remko Pasveer remains Ajax’s No. 1, keeping 18 clean sheets in 39 appearances this season, including a heroic penalty shootout performance against Panathinaikos in the UEFA Europa League. Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer, who turns 39 next month, continues to be a mainstay for Bayern Munich, recording 16 clean sheets in 30 matches. He’ll soon face off in the UEFA Champions League against Lukáš Hradecký (35), who remains a key figure for Bayer Leverkusen. Yann Sommer (36) has seamlessly transitioned to Inter Milan, keeping 19 clean sheets in 35 games this season after a title-winning campaign in Serie A.
Elsewhere, veterans like Simon Mignolet (36, Club Brugge), Vicente Guaita (38, Celta Vigo), Kasper Schmeichel (38, Celtic), and Fernando Muslera (38, Galatasaray) continue to showcase their reliability between the posts. Remarkably, Craig Gordon (42) remains the first-choice goalkeeper for Hearts and still represents Scotland at the international level, despite enduring multiple career-threatening injuries.
Defenders Holding Strong
While central defenders tend to have greater longevity, only a few remain regular starters beyond 35. Nicolás Otamendi(37), an Argentine legend with 123 caps, continues to marshal Benfica’s defense, making 34 appearances this season and leading them to Taça da Liga glory.
Even more impressive are the full-backs still excelling in one of football’s most physically demanding roles. Óscar de Marcos (35), a club icon for Athletic Bilbao, and Matteo Darmian (35), a versatile option for Inter Milan, remain key contributors in their respective squads.
Midfield Maestros Still Pulling the Strings
Inter Milan also benefit from Henrikh Mkhitaryan (36), widely considered Armenia’s greatest-ever player, who continues to be a vital presence in midfield. At 39, Luka Modrić remains indispensable for Real Madrid, adding three goals and six assists this season as he continues his legendary career. Nemanja Matić (36, Lyon), Dani Rodríguez (36, Mallorca), Dani Parejo (35, Villarreal), and Idrissa Gueye (35, Everton) all remain key figures in their respective teams, demonstrating that midfield intelligence and composure can compensate for lost pace.
Veteran Playmakers and Forwards Defying Time
Curiously, some of the most impactful veterans are attacking midfielders and forwards. Pedro (37) has found new life at Lazio, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in 28 matches. Ángel Di María (36) has rediscovered his best form at Benfica, with 14 goals and eight assists in 32 games. Dries Mertens (37) has assisted his Galatasaray teammates a remarkable 18 times this season, while Dušan Tadić (36) remains a creative force at Fenerbahçe with 10 goals and 15 assists. Thomas Müller (35), Bayern Munich’s all-time appearance leader, continues to deliver for his boyhood club.
At the striker position, Robert Lewandowski (36) is still among the elite, scoring 32 goals in 34 appearances for Barcelona. In Spain, Kike García (35) battles to keep Alavés afloat, much like Jamie Vardy (38) at Leicester City. Meanwhile, Edin Džeko (38) could cap off his career in style, as Fenerbahçe remain in contention for a historic treble.
With so many legendary names still making an impact, the idea that footballers fade after 35 is becoming increasingly outdated. While time eventually catches up with everyone, these veterans continue to prove that class, experience, and an elite mindset can keep them at the top of the game long after their supposed prime.
