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The phenomenon of aging stars is becoming more pronounced
Modern football is witnessing a distinct phenomenon, that of players extending their professional careers to an older age, and after the age of 35, it has become common among stars due to the development of training, sports medicine, nutrition and rehabilitation methods.
Christopher Oyola, Getafe’s director of medical services, explains the reasons for this development, saying in a statement published in a newspaper: “hope” The Spanish player noted that the players have become more concerned about their health and nutrition, adding: “The issue of nutrition was key for the players. It’s hard to see an overweight player today.”
Oyola continued. “Before, Maradona was not a muscular man and he was the best player in the world, but today’s player is an athlete.”
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Oyola points to the tremendous development of medical equipment in clubs, saying: “When I arrived in Getafe in 1998, I only had one masseuse and we traveled together. Today we have 15 people in the medical facility.”
This includes the use of supplements such as magnesium and creatine, regular tests to detect any deficiencies, and thermal imaging techniques to monitor muscle fatigue and measure oxidation rates, as well as physical therapy and rehabilitation including wave therapy, MRI, pressure chambers, hydrotherapy, saunas and jacuzzis.
Oyola confirms that these methods help to reduce oxidation, improve oxygenation and accelerate recovery, allowing players to extend their sporting life and turning the dressing rooms of first and second division clubs into something like a “laboratory”.
the record
These developments are clearly visible in the list of stars over 35, such as Cristiano Ronaldo (41), Luka Modric (40), Lionel Messi (39), Iago Aspas (38), Robert Lewandowski (37) and Kevin De Bruyne (35).
The 2026 World Cup also featured a record number of 8 players aged 40 and over, led by Scotland’s Craig Gordon (43), in addition to Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa, Germany’s Manuel Neuer, Bosnia’s Edin Dzeko, Cape Verde goalkeeper Fosinha Fosinha and his partner Uruna From Musinyan.
By comparison, no player aged 40 or over played in the World Cup between 1930 and 1978.
Despite this, England’s Horace Harry Lowe remains an exceptional case as he played in a Spanish league match with Real Sociedad at the age of 48 in 1935 when he was forced to play as the team traveled with only 11 players and one of them fell ill on the journey.
Joaquin Sanchez, who played his last match at the age of 41, is the oldest player still playing in the Spanish league.
Phenomenon in La Liga
The phenomenon of continuing into old age is still present in Spanish football, with the recent retirements of Santi Cazorla (41) and Adrian (39), while Raul Albiol, who is approaching 41, continues with Pisa, Pijo Cuellar (42) with Mallorca, Cristian Stuani (39) with El.
Jose Luis Morales is also refusing to retire despite not being linked to a club at the moment, while Aspas (38) has extended his contract with Celta and Juan Carlos (38) will continue to play with Girona in the 2026-2027 season.
