)
10 footballers you will not believe are still playing way beyond the age of 40.
Football as a career often has instances where the spark in certain players often dims out in their early 30th. It could be due to the players taking other professions, injuries altering their their performances, or simply just losing the hunger for the sport.
However, there is a remarkable group of players that stand tall for their enduring commitment and skill. As of 2024, these veterans continue to defy age, showcasing resilience and dedication that inspire fans worldwide:
1. Kazuyoshi Miura (UD Oliveirense) - 57 Years Old
Kazuyoshi Miura, known as "King Kazu," remains a living legend at 57, playing for UD Oliveirense in Portugal's second division. With a career spanning continents and decades, including stints in Japan, Brazil, Italy, and Australia, Miura boasts over 709 appearances and 193 goals. His remarkable international record for Japan further cements his status as a global football icon.
2. Georgi Petkov (Slavia Sofia) - 47 Years Old
Georgi Petkov, a revered Bulgarian goalkeeper, continues to excel at 47 for Slavia Sofia in Bulgaria's top flight. With 400 appearances and 19 caps for Bulgaria, Petkov's experience in top competitions like the UEFA Champions League adds immense value to his club, showcasing his enduring skill and leadership.
3. Dragan Jolovic (FK Alfa Modrica) - 47 Years Old
At 47, Dragan Jolovic anchors FK Alfa Modrica's defense in Bosnia and Herzegovina's second division. With over 300 games under his belt, including appearances in Champions League qualifiers, Jolovic's longevity and commitment on the pitch are a testament to his professionalism and love for the game.
)
14:00 - 23.07.2024
Guardiola comments on Kevin De Bruyne's exit rumours
Kevin De Bruyne joined Man City in 2015 and has won 15 trophies
4. Ahmad Korhani (AC Tripoli) - 45 Years Old
Ahmad Korhani, 45, continues to impress as AC Tripoli's goalkeeper in Lebanon. This season, he has kept three clean sheets in seven appearances, demonstrating his enduring skill and leadership qualities. Korhani's presence is not just about stopping goals but also mentoring younger players in his team.
5. Ferreira Pinto (AC Ponte San Pietro) - 44 Years Old
Ferreira Pinto, 44, contributes actively as a winger for AC Ponte San Pietro in Italy's fourth tier. With a career spanning 686 games, including spells at clubs like Atalanta and Lecce, Pinto's adaptability and experience are invaluable to his team, highlighting his longevity in football.
6. Nasir Chowdhury (Chittagong Abahani) - 44 Years Old
Nasir Chowdhury, aged 44, remains a key player in the Bangladesh Premier League for Chittagong Abahani. A center-back by trade, Chowdhury's enduring commitment is evident in his 132 career appearances and 14 goals, symbolizing his dedication to football in Bangladesh.
)
14:30 - 19.06.2024
UEFA's Hattrick Program: What it is, the billions invested & how it fosters football development across Europe
According to UEFA, this is how the organization reinvests in European football after every European Competition.
7. Rhys Griffiths (Penybont FC) - 44 Years Old
Rhys Griffiths, 44, brings his goal-scoring prowess to Penybont FC in the Welsh Cymru Premier. With an impressive record of 199 goals in 313 games, Griffiths' experience and leadership are invaluable to his team's success, despite not featuring in the current season.
8. Cesar Medina (Alianza FC Panama) - 43 Years Old
Cesar Medina, aged 43, remains a loyal servant to Alianza FC in Panama. With 147 appearances and a goal-scoring record to his name, Medina's dedication to his club, and occasional appearances for Panama, underscores his enduring impact on football in Central America.
9. Joel Pinto (Sport Huancayo) - 43 Years Old
)
17:00 - 23.07.2024
Why Nigerians love the English Premier League
Joel Pinto, 43, continues to excel as Sport Huancayo's goalkeeper in the Peruvian first division. With 412 appearances and 130 clean sheets, Pinto's reliability and experience in crucial matches highlight his enduring influence and contribution to his team.
10. Ilion Lika (KF Tirana) - 43 Years Old
Ilion Lika, aged 43, continues to feature prominently for KF Tirana in Albania. With a career spanning over 342 appearances since the early 2000s, Lika's longevity and dedication serve as an inspiration to younger players in Albanian football.
These players redefine the concept of age in football, demonstrating that with passion, skill, and unwavering dedication, the love for the game knows no boundaries. Their stories inspire admiration and respect, showcasing the enduring power of football to unite and captivate fans around the world.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)