For some age is just a number. Like wine, they get better with age. Years ago, it was a rarity to see a footballer battle it out on the pitch well into his mid-30s. But times have changed, with better medical facilities, diets and training programs, footballers playing at the highest level in their mid-30 is no more a myth.
Sports Social takes a look at the top five veterans of European football, a list dominated by players from the Serie A and none from England.
Darijo Srna (36) - Cagliari
Darijo Srna had been at Shakhtar Donetsk since 2003. At 36, while most players contemplate retirement, Srna had other ideas as he decided to head to Italy for a new challenge with Cagliari.
With four assists in 21 games in Serie A, the Croatian right-back has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
Daniele De Rossi (35) - Roma
Another Roma legend. Plenty of players have come and gone, but De Rossi remains the beating heart of Roma. He is no more a regular starter in the squad, which is understandable considering his age and the recent signings by Roma.
The 35-year-old retired from the Italy national side in 2017 and continues to be one of the best defensive midfielders in Serie A.
Joaquin (37) - Real Betis
It’s been more than 11 years since Joaquin won his last cap for Spain, but incredibly, aged 37, he is still going strong at Real Betis. He may have only a couple of Copa del Rey’s in his trophy cabinet, but Joaquin is one of the most decorated players in Spanish football.
Since the turn of the century, no La Liga player has played more league matches than Joaquin, and he remains effective with four goals in 21 league appearances this season.
Gianluigi Buffon (41) - Paris Saint-Germain
One of the finest goalkeepers of all time.
Why would a player who has won the World Cup, nine Serie A titles and numerous domestic cups still be playing at 41? It's simple, he wants to win the one title that has haunted him for several years - The UEFA Champions League, which is why he decided to leave Juventus for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
Things haven't gone according to plan after PSG surrendered a two goal to Manchester United in the round of 16. Some may claim that Buffon was at fault for conceding the second goal, which may be true but that takes nothing away from the legendary goalkeeper. With no signs of retirement, it looks Buffon is starting a new career in Paris at 41.
Fabio Quagliarella (36) - Sampdoria
Before the Serie A season got underway, most people would have placed their bets on Cristiano Ronaldo or Mauro Icardi to top the goalscoring charts.
Fast-forward 28 games into the season and it is 36-year-old Sampdoria striker Fabio Quagliarella leading the pack with 21 goals to his name, two more than second-placed Ronaldo and AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek. With 10 games to go, Quagliarella will fancy his chances of claiming his first Capocannoniere.
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