It’s not uncommon for modern footballers to keep playing well into their late 30s nowadays – with some still lacing up their boots past the age of 40.
However, some footballers shock fans with how old they really are thanks to the athleticism and ability they continue to show late on in their career. Premier League supporters were staggered earlier this week to discover Ashley Young is 37-years-old after his sublime long range strike against Nottingham Forest on Monday night.
He is not the only player who fans cannot believe are as old as they are, so with that in mind here are some of the most high profile veteran stars still playing today.
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Ashley Young
The inspiration for this list, Young’s goal on Monday was his first since returning to Aston Villa last summer and he is set to remain at the club until at least July next year.
By that point he will be just days short of his 38th birthday. The former England international made his professional debut almost two decades ago in September 2003 for Watford at the age of 18.
Much of his longevity can be attributed to a change in his position during the latter part of his career, having been converted from a winger to a full-back during his time at Manchester United.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Now into his fourth decade as a professional footballer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is currently sidelined until the new year with a knee injury.
However, the 41-year-old has remained adamant that he will return stronger than ever for Italian champions AC Milan having returned to the club in 2020.
The Swedish striker only appears to be getting better with age, having scored 15 goals in 19 league matches in 2020/21 before grabbing another eight to help Milan to the Serie A title last season.
Lukasz Fabianski
Although goalkeepers generally play for longer than outfield players, it comes as a surprise that West Ham United stopper Lukasz Fabianski is already 37-years-old.
Despite the arrival of Alphonse Areola on a permanent deal in the summer, Fabianski remains David Moyes’ first choice between the sticks at the London Stadium.
The Polish keeper was already 22 when he arrived in the Premier League in 2007 and has since become a familiar face in England from his time with Arsenal, Swansea City and the Hammers.
Joaquin
The second player on this list to be over 40, Spanish midfielder Joaquin has appeared ageless since returning to Real Betis for a second spell in 2015.
Now wearing the captain’s armband, the 41-year-old played 36 times for the club last season as they featured in the Europa League and won the Copa del Rey for the first time since 2005.
Joaquin chose not to hang up his boots just yet though after winning silverware and signed another contract extension through to the end of this season.
Claudio Bravo
Claudio Bravo was already considered a veteran by some fans when he joined Manchester City from Barcelona in 2016.
Six years on from that underwhelming Premier League stint, though, the 39-year-old Chilean is still playing, having joined Joaquin at Betis in 2020.
The Chilean goalkeeper is yet to appear in the league this season but remains the club’s cup goalkeeper and has played each of their opening three Europa League matches.
Thiago Silva
Arguably Chelsea’s best player so far this season, Thiago Silva has showed no signs of slowing down since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2020.
The Brazilian defender extended his contract through until the summer of 2023 back in January despite the fact that he turned 38 last month.
Despite his age, though, the former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain star has been a key man this season, missing just one match and playing every minute of the rest of Chelsea’s matches both domestically and in Europe.
Phil Jagielka
Although he no longer plays in the Premier League, former England defender Phil Jagielka is still going strong at the age of 40.
Jagielka joined Stoke City from Derby County in January, signing a short-term deal through to the end of last season, which has since been extended until December this year.
He has played five time for the Potters so far this season and grabbed a goal and an assist in Saturday’s 301 win over former club Sheffield United.
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