11 Big-Name Footballers Born Before Luka Modric Still Playing Professionally in 2025

 

Luka Modric is still dazzling fans with his footballing brain in 2025, even as he moves into his forties. 

But the Croatian maestro isn’t the only veteran who refuses to hang up his boots. In fact, several football icons born 

before Modric (September 1985) are still playing at a professional level today.

From Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring machine longevity to Thiago Silva’s defensive leadership and Santi Cazorla’s fairytale return, 

here are 11 legends who prove that age is just a number.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia)

Even at 40, Ronaldo is still rewriting history. After hitting the milestone in February 2025, 

he continues to score at a frightening rate for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Retirement? Not in his dictionary.

2. Thiago Silva (Fluminense, Brazil)

After four brilliant seasons at Chelsea, Thiago Silva returned home to Fluminense. 

At 41, he remains a leader and fan favorite, proving Brazilian defenders really do age like fine wine.

3. Santi Cazorla (Real Oviedo, Spain)

From near-retirement due to a horrific injury to playing for his boyhood club Real Oviedo in La Liga—Cazorla’s story is nothing short of inspiring. 

At 40, his passion still shines through every touch.

 4. Lukas Podolski (Górnik Zabrze, Poland)

A World Cup winner and fan favorite, Podolski turned 40 this summer. 

While juggling his kebab shop business empire, he’s still playing for Górnik Zabrze in Poland.

5. Roque Santa Cruz (Olimpia, Paraguay)

At 43, Santa Cruz is the oldest on this list. The former Manchester City and Bayern forward still features for Olimpia in Paraguay, 

offering wisdom and experience to the squad.

6. Ashley Young (Ipswich Town, England)

Once a flying winger at Aston Villa and Manchester United, Young reinvented himself as a reliable full-back. 

At 40, he’s helping Ipswich Town fight for Premier League promotion.

7. Raúl Albiol (Pisa, Italy)

The Spanish World Cup and Euro winner joined Pisa in Serie A in 2025. 

At 40, his defensive intelligence and positioning still make him a valuable asset.

8. Dante (OGC Nice, France)

The evergreen Brazilian is still anchoring Nice’s defense at 41. 

Last season, Dante started 25 Ligue 1 games, guiding the French club into Europe once again.

9. Brad Guzan (Atlanta United, USA)

The American goalkeeper is now 40 and still active in MLS with Atlanta United, the club he’s represented since their founding in 2017.

 His leadership and shot-stopping remain crucial.

10. Vágner Love (Avaí, Brazil)

The Brazilian striker, famous for his iconic hair and journeyman career, is still going strong at 41. 

After spells across the globe, he’s now with Avaí in Brazil’s second tier.

11. José Fonte (Casa Pia, Portugal)

At 41, the former Southampton and Portugal defender continues to play in the Primeira Liga with Casa Pia. His consistency and professionalism are still admired.

Final Thoughts

These 11 veterans show that football isn’t just a young man’s game. With the right mindset, dedication, and love for the sport, 

players can extend their careers far beyond the usual retirement age. Luka Modric might be slowing down, but these legends prove there’s 

still life after 40 in football.

⚽ Who’s your favorite veteran still playing today? Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals? Cazorla’s fairytale? Or Santa Cruz’s timeless cult-hero status?