Midlife Soccer Stars Are Shaping the 2026 World Cup

From Messi and Ronaldo to Cape Verde’s history-making goalkeeper, older players have been central to their national teams

Donna Freydkin,

Updated June 22, 2026

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Updated June 22, 2026

lionel messi smiling and spreading his arms in celebration while running on a soccer field

Lionel Messi, who turns 39 during the World Cup, scored three goals in Argentina's opener against Algeria.

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Key takeaways

FIFA says a record eight players age 40 or older are part of the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi became the oldest player to notch a World Cup hat trick in Argentina’s opening match.
Several older players remain central figures on their national teams, including Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Croatia’s Luka Modrić and Germany’s Manuel Neuer.

Lionel Messi has not eased into his sixth World Cup.

On June 22, two days shy of his 39th birthday, the captain of the defending champion Argentina team scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Austria that clinched his squad’s place in the knockout round. Six days earlier, in his 200th appearance for Argentina, he became the oldest player to record a hat trick in the World Cup, and he now stands as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

“I still feel like I’m in good shape,” Messi said after that three-goal game against Algeria on June 16, according to ESPN. “Fortunately, I’m doing well, and today we managed to win a tough match. It’s important to start the tournament with a victory in the first game, as that’s never easy in a World Cup.”

Across the tournament, older players are playing key positions on the field. FIFA, soccer’s worldwide governing body, says eight players age 40 or older are part of this World Cup, more than in any previous tournament. Craig Gordon, 43, is Scotland’s goalkeeper. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, remains Portugal’s forward. Guillermo Ochoa, 40, is back in the net for Mexico. Luka Modrić, 40, still organizes Croatia’s midfield. Edin Džeko, 40, leads Bosnia and Herzegovina’s attack. Manuel Neuer, 40, is Germany’s goalie.

Vozinha, the Cape Verde goalkeeper who’s become a global sensation as his tiny country earned draws against soccer powerhouses Spain and Uruguay, is 40, too.

Essam El Hadary is the oldest player ever to appear in a men’s World Cup match. The goalie was 45 when he played for Egypt against Saudi Arabia on June 25, 2018, according to the BBC.

‘I still feel quick and sharp’

cristiano ronaldo controlling the ball on a soccer field, with a serious expression

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, has said this will be his last World Cup, but Portugal still looks to him for goals.

Molly Darlington/Getty Images

Ronaldo is the clearest example of the tension running through this group: old enough to talk openly about the end of his career but still good enough to score goals and defend. In November, he told CNN that the 2026 World Cup would be his last.

“Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old,” Ronaldo said.

He also made clear that he did not see his presence on the Portugal squad as ceremonial, “I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp, I’m enjoying my game in the national team.”

As to anyone questioning his fitness, Ronaldo was direct. “Physically? I’m fine — have you not seen my matches?” he asked reporters on June 12, according to ESPN.

Neuer, Germany’s goalkeeper, said age should not decide a roster spot.

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“I believe that in the end, what matters is not age, birth date or playing time, but whether you bring quality to the pitch,” Neuer told USA Today in June, as the World Cup was about to start. “And that’s what coaches are there for; they decide on the squad and the team.”

manuel neuer raising his arms on a soccer field, with a serious expression

Manuel Neuer, 40, remains Germany’s goalkeeper and says the standard is not age, but whether a player can still help the team win.

Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Neuer was asking to be judged by the same standard as everyone else: whether he could help Germany win. He did just that in Germany’s opening match, a 7-1 win over Curaçao on June 14.

“If you can help the team, and those in charge believe that these players can fill the roles and actually help the squad, then it’s always the right decision,” Neuer said. “And I believe that’s exactly the case for us.”

At this level of competition, longevity often comes down to small changes in how a player works. Messi’s recalibration has been visible for years. He does not press like a younger winger. He walks, watches and waits, then appears in the one place the defense forgot to lock down. His play can seem quiet, reserved — until it changes the game.

Venus, Serena and LeBron still going strong

The same late-career recalibration is showing up in other sports. LeBron James is a free agent at 41 after finishing his 23rd NBA season. Serena Williams, 44, and Venus Williams, 46, are set to reunite in doubles at Wimbledon in July, their first major tournament together since the 2022 U.S. Open.

For Serena Williams, the return is not about proving she can still handle pressure. She has done that.

“I’ve had enough pressure. It’s really about my kids getting to see me play,” Williams told the BBC in June. “It’s also that being an athlete is the best thing that you can be in the highest place.”

She added, “Having an opportunity to still be able to possibly do that one last time is kind of cool and exciting.”

Messi turns 39 on June 24, during the World Cup. After the win over Algeria, he did not dwell on making or breaking records. He talked about his team and the joy of still playing at this level.

“What I’m living through now is the cherry on top,” he said, per ESPN. “I’m very happy and grateful for this wonderful group. I enjoy it so much.”

As the World Cup’s veteran stars show, staying fit in midlife takes more than talent. Explore AARP’s fitness resources for simple strength, balance, cardio and mobility ideas to help you keep moving at every age.

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The key takeaways were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

Donna Freydkin has spent 10-plus years interviewing celebrities for major publications, and has written for a variety of outlets such as USA Today, Allure, Yahoo! and CNN covering topics such as films, family and favorite meals.