10 greatest late bloomers in football history

#8 Miroslav Klose

Miroslav Klose

Unlike most on this list, Miroslav Klose's stage was the World Cup, not the club game, despite enjoying quite a bit of success at Bayern Munich, a club he joined at the age of 29. He even made his Germany debut at the age of 24.

However, that didn't stop Klose from becoming the highest-ever scorer in World Cup history; he scored on his way to becoming a world champion in 2014 at the age of 36.

#7 Ian Wright

Ian Wright

It might be a bit inconceivable for many that Arsenal legend and for a time their all-time top goalscorer had given up on a professional career and was playing non-league football in his early 20s before being spotted by a scout from Crystal Palace.

The rest, as they say, is history as Ian Wright moved from Palace to Arsenal, playing for the first time in the Premier League at the age of 26. That did not stop him from being a prolific striker for the club, a streak that continued well into his 30s as Ian Wright netted 188 times for the Gunners.

#6 Ciro Immobile

Ciro Immobile

Another striker who seems to be getting better with age is Ciro Immobile. The Italian international failed to fulfill his potential despite several chances in his early 20s.

All that changed when he moved to Lazio in 2016 aged 26. He is still with the club for whom he has scored more than 100 goals and is showing no signs of stopping as he enters his fourth decade.

#5 Papu Gomez

Papu Gomez

Alejandro Dario (Papu) Gomez is one of the highest-rated attackers in world football now. The versatile and creative 32-year-old Argentine can play both as a second striker as well as in midfield and has been the catalyst in the renaissance of Atalanta.

Gomez signed for Atalanta in 2014 and now captains the club, gradually helping them become a heavyweight of Italian football while also becoming a better footballer with passing time.

In 2019-20, he set a Serie A record for most assists with 16. He also played in the Champions League last season and is showing no signs of stopping any time soon.