It’s a young man’s game – or so they say – but not if this lot have anything to do with it.
Despite ever increasing fitness demands at elite level, players are reaping the benefits of that increased personal preparation by staying in the game longer than ever.
With age should come maturity, game understanding and experience – potentially vital skills for any side, highlighting the importance of our golden oldies!
1 / 10
Cedric Carrasso - Into his seventh season with Bordeaux, the single-capped France keeper turns 35 next month.
2 / 10
Ruben Castro - 35-year-old Real Betis man has been central to their attacking exploits this season.
3 / 10
Andrea Barzagli - One third of Juve’s illustrious “B-B-C” and the elder statesmen of the trio (Bonucci and Chiellini) at 35.
4 / 10
Aritz Aduriz - The 35-year-old Athletic Bilbao striker has scored five goals in nine La Liga games, level with Ronaldo.
5 / 10
Marco Storari - The former Juve and AC Milan stopper is still going strong with Cagliari even with his 40th in January.
6 / 10
Joaquin - Once Spain’s golden boy, the 35-year-old winger is still in form, scoring three for Real Betis this term.
7 / 10
Gareth Barry - One of three players to reach 600 EPL games and he’s still going, controlling Everton’s midfield at 35.
8 / 10
Gianluigi Buffon - The greatest contemporary example of a keeper getting better with age at 38.
9 / 10
Francesco Totti - No longer a feared trequartista but the 40-year-old has reinvented himself as a super sub.
10 / 10
Dirk Kuyt - At 36, the Dutchman is still on top of his game, contributing six goals in 11 games for Feyenoord.
