The Ageless XI: Meet The Oldest Soccer Players Still Playing Professionally In 2025 (Ages 49 To 59)

The pursuit of the world's oldest active professional footballer in 2025 has a surprising new leader, overshadowing the legendary 'King Kazu.' As of this current date in late 2025, the title belongs not to a global superstar in a major European league, but to a Ukrainian veteran who continues to defy age in his late 50s. This list celebrates the extraordinary careers of these age-defying footballers who refuse to hang up their boots, proving that passion and dedication can sustain a professional career for over four decades.

The 2024/2025 season has seen a remarkable cohort of veteran players continue to compete, with several stars in their late 30s—like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, and Thiago Silva—making headlines. However, the true masters of longevity are those approaching or surpassing 50, playing in leagues across the globe. Their stories of resilience, rigorous training, and unwavering commitment offer a unique perspective on the physical and mental demands of the beautiful game.

The Undisputed King of Longevity: Mykola Lykhovydov (Age 59)

While Kazuyoshi Miura has long been the face of professional footballing longevity, the current title of the world's oldest active professional player belongs to Ukrainian forward and coach, Mykola Lykhovydov. His story is one of quiet determination, operating outside the global spotlight but maintaining a verified professional status well into his sixth decade.

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• Full Name: Mykola Ivanovych Lykhovydov (Микола Іванович Лиховидов)
• Date of Birth: January 26, 1966
• Age in Late 2025: 59
• Nationality: Ukrainian
• Position: Forward/Midfielder
• Current Club (2025): FC Real Pharma Odesa (Ukrainian Second League)
• Career Highlight: Playing and coaching simultaneously in a professional environment, demonstrating a commitment to the game that spans over 40 years.

Lykhovydov, who also serves as a coach, has continued to make appearances for FC Real Pharma Odesa, a club competing in the Ukrainian Second League, which is officially recognized as a professional tier. His involvement in the 2024-2025 season, even in a limited capacity, cements his status as the oldest active player. His presence on the pitch is a testament to the enduring spirit of football, especially in a region facing significant challenges.

The International Icon: Kazuyoshi Miura (Age 58)

For decades, "King Kazu" has been the gold standard for footballing longevity. His career is so long that it began before many of his current teammates were born. Miura remains the most famous and internationally recognized name on this list, with a career that has spanned five separate decades, starting in Brazil in the 1980s.

• Full Name: Kazuyoshi Miura (三浦知良)
• Date of Birth: February 26, 1967
• Age in Late 2025: 58
• Nationality: Japanese
• Position: Centre-Forward
• Current Club (2025): Atletico Suzuka Club (Japan Football League - JFL)
• Career Highlight: First Japanese player to play in Italy's Serie A (with Genoa); holds the Guinness World Record for the longest professional football career.

In 2025, Miura is still on the books and actively playing for Atletico Suzuka Club in the Japan Football League (JFL), Japan's fourth-highest tier, which is classified as a professional league. His continued dedication to playing competitive football, even in his late 50s, is a global inspiration and a powerful symbol of the "King Kazu" brand. His journey from the Brazilian leagues to the J-League and now the JFL is a story of incredible physical and mental discipline.

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The European Top-Tier Veterans (Ages 49 and Up)

While Lykhovydov and Miura hold the absolute records, the list of players over 45 who are still active in professional leagues is a short, elite group. These individuals showcase remarkable physical conditioning, particularly the goalkeepers who often benefit from a less physically taxing role, allowing for extended careers.

The Oldest Player in a European Top Flight: Georgi Petkov (Age 49)

Bulgarian goalkeeper Georgi Petkov stands out as the oldest player actively competing in a major European top-tier league in 2025. His consistency at the highest level is a rare achievement for any outfield player, let alone a goalkeeper.

• Full Name: Georgi Stoyanov Petkov
• Date of Birth: March 14, 1976
• Age in Late 2025: 49
• Nationality: Bulgarian
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Current Club (2025): Slavia Sofia (Bulgarian Parva Liga)

The Bosnian Bulldog: Dragan Jolovic (Age 49)

Just weeks younger than Petkov, Bosnian centre-back Dragan Jolovic continues to anchor the defense for his club in Bosnia’s second tier. His role as a central defender requires immense tactical awareness and physical strength, proving that experience can trump youthful exuberance in the backline.

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• Full Name: Dragan Jolovic
• Date of Birth: March 30, 1976
• Age in Late 2025: 49
• Nationality: Bosnian
• Position: Centre-Back
• Current Club (2025): FK Alfa Modrica (Prva Liga RS - Bosnian Second Tier)

Why These Veterans Defy the Retirement Clock

The careers of these age-defying footballers offer invaluable lessons in sports science, mental toughness, and the sheer love of the game. While the average retirement age for a professional footballer is around 35, these players have found the formula for extended longevity.

The Goalkeeper Advantage

It is no coincidence that many of the oldest players are goalkeepers, such as Georgi Petkov. The position is less demanding in terms of running and high-intensity sprints, relying more on reaction time, positioning, and tactical command. This allows the mental sharpness and experience of a veteran to outweigh any minor decline in physical speed.

The Power of Lower Leagues

Players like Lykhovydov and Miura often extend their careers by playing in lower-tier professional leagues. While still requiring a high level of fitness, the intensity of the schedule and the speed of the game are often lower than in the world's top divisions. This strategic career management allows them to continue playing professionally without the grueling demands of a Champions League or Premier League schedule.

The Distinction of "Professional" Status

It is important to note the distinction of "professional" status. While names like Uruguayan Robert Carmona (who is 63 in 2025) are often mentioned as the world's oldest active player, his status in a globally recognized professional league is often debated. The players listed above are confirmed to be registered and making appearances for clubs in leagues classified as professional tiers by their respective national football associations, which is the standard benchmark for this record.

The 'Young' Veterans: The Oldest in Major Leagues

While the 50-plus club is a league of its own, the top-tier European and global leagues also feature a collection of legendary veterans who are still performing at the highest level in 2025. These players, though a decade younger than the top record holders, are the oldest active players in the world's most competitive environments.

• Luka Modric: The Croatian maestro continues to pull the strings for Real Madrid in La Liga, still performing at an elite level well past his 40th birthday in 2025.
• Cristiano Ronaldo: At 40, the Portuguese superstar is still a dominant force in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, maintaining his incredible goal-scoring records.
• Thiago Silva: The Brazilian defender, having returned to Fluminense, remains a world-class centre-back, demonstrating incredible defensive acumen and fitness in his early 40s.
• Ashley Young & Łukasz Fabiański: These two were tied for the oldest players in the English Premier League in the 2024-25 season, both at 39 years old, showcasing longevity in the world's most physically demanding league.

These veterans, along with others like Santi Cazorla and Karim Benzema, are the final generation of players who started their careers in the 20th century and continue to compete in the 21st. Their presence on the pitch in 2025 is a powerful reminder that while the game evolves, the fundamental qualities of passion, discipline, and tactical intelligence remain timeless.

The stories of Mykola Lykhovydov, Kazuyoshi Miura, and Georgi Petkov are not just records of age; they are powerful narratives about the human capacity for sustained excellence. They inspire millions by redefining the limits of a professional sports career and proving that age is truly just a number when the love for football is strong enough.