Older football stars are proving they are still at their best, despite advancing age. The Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, now in his forties and playing for Al Nassr, is expected to continue his football career for a few more years. However, despite his advancing age, he can draw inspiration from players who are older than him and still playing at the highest level, holding on to their dream of professionalism well into their forties. Among these players who refuse to retire, there are prominent names who once played for clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Marseille, and they continue to challenge time, proving they are still at the top of their game despite aging.
Here are some of the prominent football names in their forties:
Thiago Silva
At the end of last season, we saw a bittersweet farewell as Thiago Silva left Chelsea after four successful seasons with the club. However, the Brazilian defender’s return to his home country marked a new beginning with Fluminense. In September, Thiago Silva turned 40, but he is not the oldest player in his team. The team’s goalkeeper, Fabio, who is 44 years old, is considered one of the most capped players in football history.
Santi Cazorla
It has been nearly seven years since Santi Cazorla left Arsenal due to a serious injury that nearly led to the amputation of his foot. Despite the challenges he faced, the Spanish player made a return to the football scene in Spain’s second division, signing a contract with Real Oviedo at the age of 40. Despite receiving other financial offers, Cazorla chose to return to the club he loves, playing for reasons beyond just money — to help the team and enjoy his comfort.
Mathieu Valbuena
Mathieu Valbuena remains an active player despite more than ten years having passed since his last appearance for the French national team and about eight years since he left Lyon. He currently plays in Greece, continuing his career after stints with Fenerbahçe, Olympiakos, and Apollon Limassol. Now with AEK Athens in the Greek Super League, he has scored two goals and provided three assists this season.
Wagner Love
Despite turning 40 last summer, Brazilian striker Wagner Love is still active on the pitch. After a brief spell with Atlético Goianiense, he joined Brazilian second-division club Avaí, where he continues to shine.
Dante
Brazilian defender Dante, who previously played for Bayern Munich, is another player who has maintained his level despite aging. Dante is the only player in his forties still competing in one of Europe’s top five leagues. He currently plays for OGC Nice in France, alongside Egyptian defender Mohamed Abdel-Moneim.
Pepe Reina
Former Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina is one of the most notable examples of players refusing to retire despite their age. At 42 years old, Reina continues to play in Italy’s Serie B with Como, after years of shining with Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Napoli.
José Fonte
Portuguese defender José Fonte continues to play football at the highest level. Recently, he returned to Casa Pia in the Portuguese league after finishing his time with Braga. As he ages, Fonte has continued to impress with the Portugal national team, particularly during Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence in the 2016 UEFA European Championship final.
Roque Santa Cruz
At 43 years old, Paraguayan player Roque Santa Cruz is one of the oldest players in the Paraguayan Premier League, surprising many by still being active on the field. Since returning to his home country in 2016, Cruz has played over 250 matches, taking on the role of the veteran player who shares his experience with younger players.