SUMMARY
- While young energetic players rule the game of soccer, it's experience and resilience that comes with the older player.
- There are still amazing athletes who are playing at ages which most players seem to retire at.
The world of soccer is full of young, energetic athletes pushing the boundaries of the sport. But amidst the whirlwind of speed and agility, there exists a different kind of magic – the magic of experience, and resilience.
While everybody is keen to look for new prodigy incoming, today we will be looking at the players who are still going strong. Playing at ages when most players seem to retire and take some time off from soccer. Here are the 5 oldest soccer players who are still active in 2024.
5. Pepe: 40 years old
Pepe, the Portuguese center-back, is an absolute beast on the field. Even at 40 years old, he’s still one of the best defenders in the world. He’s strong, he’s fast, and he’s got a real mean head on him. Pepe has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Real Madrid and Porto.
At 40 years old, Pepe becomes the oldest player to score in the Champions League 🍷 pic.twitter.com/qmdqm63Y5K
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 7, 2023
He’s won three Champions League titles and two European Championships with Portugal. He’s also been named to the UEFA Team of the Year three times. He’s still playing at the highest level with FC Porto and is one of the first names across the starting XI as well. He’s a testament to hard work, dedication, and a love for the game.
4. Cristian Riveros: 41 years old
Cristian Riveros is a Paraguayan footballer who plays for Libertad in the Paraguayan Primera División. Despite being 41 years old, he is still going strong and is teamed up with his experienced partner, Roque Santa Cruz. Riveros began his professional career in 2003 with Sportivo Luqueño. He has since played for several clubs in Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil, including Libertad, Olimpia, Cruzeiro, and Toluca.
Riveros has also represented Paraguay at the international level, making 100 appearances for the national team. He was part of the Paraguay team that reached the Finals of the 2011 Copa América. Riveros is a versatile player who can play in midfield or attack. He is known for his good passing, dribbling, and shooting skills.
3. Roque Santa Cruz: 42 years old
Roque Santa Cruz is a Paraguayan striker who is proving that age is just a number. At 42 years old, he is still playing professional football and scoring goals. Santa Cruz started his career in Paraguay before moving to Europe, where he played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Blackburn Rovers.
He has also had a successful international career, playing for Paraguay in two World Cups. Now, back in his home country, Santa Cruz is playing for Libertad in the Paraguayan Primera División. Who knows how long Santa Cruz will keep playing, but one thing is for sure: he is an inspiration to young footballers everywhere.
2. Yasuhito Endo: 43 years old
At 43 years old, most professional footballers have long hung up their boots. But not Yasuhito Endo. This Japanese midfielder is still going strong, defying expectations and inspiring a new generation of players. Endo’s career is truly remarkable. He’s played in over 900 professional matches, for clubs in Japan.
He’s also a vital part of the Japanese national team, having represented his country in a staggering four Asian Cups, and 3 FIFA World Cups. Across his four appearances for Asian Cups, he went on to win two of them.
Endo’s longevity is down to his incredible fitness, his technical skill, and his intelligent reading of the game. He’s not the fastest player anymore, but he makes up for it with his experience and composure. Currently playing in the first division of the Japanese J1 League he represents, Jubilo Itawa.
1. Kazuyoshi Miura: 56 years old
Kazuyoshi Miura is a famous name across soccer. Japanese player born in 1967, Miura is a name that shatters all records. Spanning his career across, Brazil, Croatia, Australia, and Japan. Miura has seen the sport evolve throughout his career. He is the only player who has continued to play since the J-League was established.
56-year-old Kazuyoshi Miura has made his official debut for Portuguese second division side Oliveirense.
This is King Kazu’s 38th season as a professional footballer.
Incredible 👏 pic.twitter.com/eZmAFMijGR
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 23, 2023
Making his debut back in 1982, Miura has so far featured across 700+ matches across all competitions for his clubs. Meanwhile, he has also featured 89 times for his country as well wherein he has bagged 55 goals. Being a legend of this sport, Miura is still going strong and is playing across different clubs in his own country.
Performing well at an age when several players seem to be looking for retirement as a manager, Miura has set his dynasty. Taking this legacy forward, Miura is not looking to stop anytime soon as he recently made his debut for the Portuguese second-division club, Oliveirense.