In a sport where most players hang up their boots in their mid-thirties, a rare group of footballers continue to defy time. Through discipline, experience, and exceptional fitness, these veterans are still competing at a professional level—some even at the very top of the game. From legendary figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić to enduring stars such as Manuel Neuer, these players are proving that age is no longer a strict barrier in modern football. According to Planet Football on Friday, here are the 11 football stars still going strong at 40 and beyond:GoalkeeperManuel Neuer (40) – Bayern Munich captain still going strongDefendersAshley Young (40) – Ipswich Town veteran full-backThiago Silva (41) –Porto FC Defensive leaderRaúl Albiol (40) – Former Real Madrid star now with Pisa in ItalyDante (41) – Long-serving Nice captainMidfieldersLuka Modrić (40) – Ballon d’Or winner with AC MilanJames Milner (40) – Premier League veteran with BrightonSanti Cazorla (41) – Back in La Liga with OviedoForwardsLukas Podolski (40) – Still playing with Gornik Zabrze in PolandCristiano Ronaldo (41) – Chasing 1,000 career goals with Al Nassr in Saudi ArabiaEdin Džeko (40) – Still active and currently playing with Schalke 04 in Germany

Source: Punch April 03, 2026 13:50 UTC