Many top athletes defy age expectations, continuing to perform at high levels long after others have retired. In Portugal, José Fonte of Casa Pia and Nenê of Aves SAD are great examples – both are still going strong at 41.
Some standout players still active despite their advanced years include James Milner, who at 39 is playing his 23rd season as a pro with Brighton. He’s one of the all-time leaders in Premier League appearances. Lukas Podolski, also 39, initially retired in the summer of 2024 but then changed his mind and rejoined Gornik Zabrze. Ashley Young, another 39-year-old, played 31 games for Everton in the 2024-25 season.
Exceptional Athletes
Other notable players still in the game include:
- Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to impress despite approaching 40.
- Two Premier League veterans, James Milner and Ashley Young, who remain key players.
- Lukas Podolski, a German international with 130 caps, who unretired after initially hanging up his boots.
Some teams even boast remarkably aged squads. In Paraguay, an attacking duo totaling 84 years between them is still making waves.
These players are a testament to the fact that age is just a number, and many athletes can continue to contribute to their teams’ success well into their 30s and even 40s.