Luka Modric: Football GOATs Over 35 Still Dominating

Real Madrid captain, Luka Modric on Thursday, 22nd of May, revealed he will leave the Spanish giants after the end of their Fifa Club World Cup hub campaign this summer.

The 39-year-old Croatia midfielder, and 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, will play his last match at Real’s Bernabeu home when they welcome Real Sociedad on Saturday in their final La Liga game of the season.

“The moment has arrived. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end,” Modric said on Instagram.

Modric’s Football Achievements

Modric has won 28 trophies, including six Champions Leagues and four domestic titles, since joining Madrid from Spurs in 2012.

“I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn’t have imagined what came next,” he said.

“Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person.

“I’m proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.”

Real will open their Club World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal on 18 June and will also face Mexico’s Pachuca and RB Salzburg of Austria in the group stage.

Modric bagged two goals and six assists in 34 appearances in the Spanish top flight this season as Real were pipped to the title by Barcelona.

He also featured in every game as Carlo Ancelotti’s side reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, where they were beaten 5-1 on aggregate by Arsenal.

Modric signed a one-year contract extension last year, which expires at the end of this campaign.

Saturday’s game will also be Ancelotti’s last in charge of Real, with Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso reportedly set to succeed the Italian.

Although he has been largely limited to substitute appearances this season, Modric will leave Real as its most decorated player after 590 appearances, 43 goals and 95 assists.

“Modric will forever remain in the hearts of all Madridistas as a unique and exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid,” added club president Florentino Perez in a statement.

But not only Modric is in the league of players over 35, defying the age.
There are some others you may not be aware of. Let’s check them out.

5 top football stars excelling beyond 35

Lionel Messi (37 years old)

Universally acclaimed as the greatest player in history, Messi has secured a record eight Ballon d’Or awards. He achieved his latest triumph by leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup at 35, per FIFA. During the tournament, the veteran earned the Golden Ball for the second time and set a new record for the most FIFA World Cup appearances with 26 matches. Holding the most individual awards in football, he is on track to become the most decorated player ever. Currently playing for Inter Miami in MLS, Messi continues to shine as one of the league’s top performers.

Cristiano Ronaldo (39 years old)

Recognised as one of the greatest players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or awards and four European Golden Shoes, the most by any European player, per GOAL.

Throughout his illustrious career, he has amassed 32 trophies, including seven league titles, five UEFA Champions Leagues, the UEFA European Championship, and the UEFA Nations League.

After successful stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia at 37, becoming the highest-paid footballer globally. He concluded 2023 as the world’s top scorer with 54 goals, underscoring his enduring prowess.

CR7 ended 2023 as the top scorer in the world with 54 goals, marking an impressive achievement in his career.

Thiago Silva (40 years old)

Renowned as one of the best defenders of his generation, Thiago Silva is celebrated for his defensive skill, discipline, and leadership.

When he joined Chelsea on a free transfer in 2020 at 36, many doubted his ability to adapt to the Premier League.

However, Silva proved his critics wrong by helping Chelsea win the 2020/2021 UEFA Champions League in his debut season.

At 39, the Brazilian has signed for his boyhood club, Fluminense.

Karim Benzema (37 years old)

Real Madrid’s second-highest all-time goal-scorer and top assist provider has won 23 trophies with the club, including four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and five UEFA Champions League titles.

His stellar performances in the 2021/22 season earned him the UEFA Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or.

At 36 years and 302 days old, Benzema became the second-oldest player to win the coveted Golden Ball, following Stanley Matthews.

Luis Suarez (37 years old)

Regarded as one of the greatest strikers of his generation, Luis Suarez has won numerous accolades, including two European Golden Shoes, an Eredivisie Golden Boot, a Premier League Golden Boot, and a La Liga Golden Boot.

At 36, Suarez currently plays for the Brazilian side, Gremio, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest Uruguayan soccer players and one of the best finishers in history.

Luka Modric captained Real to two trophies in his final season to take his haul to 28 titles, overtaking Nacho Fernandez as the club’s most successful player.