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Standing out in a sea of talented footballers is easier said than done. One needs steely determination, world-class skills, and loads of luck only to announce himself to the world. But to maintain that stature, one needs to have an insatiable desire for self-improvement and glory.
Checking the aforementioned boxes in your early 20’s is relatively easier. Doing the same in late 20’s or early 30’s takes nothing short of a herculean effort. The footballers on our list today are well above 28, yet they continue to play like there’s no tomorrow.
Here are five 28-year-olds or above who are dominating the sport right now:
#5 Cristiano Ronaldo (36) - Portugal and Manchester United
Many believe Manchester United no.7 Cristiano Ronaldo is at the twilight of his illustrious career. His output in front of goal has taken a significant dip and he is often seen flailing his arms about in frustration.
However, the player himself remains as confident as ever, claiming he still has plenty left to offer.
Cristiano Ronaldo is not as quick as he used to be and rarely makes an impact outside of the opposition box. However, when push comes to shove, it is the battle-scarred Portugal ace everyone tends to fall back upon.
He has saved United’s blushes quite a few times already this season, both in the Premier League and the Champions League. Ronaldo can still put the opposition under pressure with his workrate and his off-the-ball movement remains as unpredictable as ever.
The 36-year-old may not be a favorite in the Ballon d’Or race anymore, but a remarkable performance in the World Cup play-offs could turn the tide.
A Cristiano Ronaldo show is all that Portugal need to book themselves a place in the grand event in Qatar. They simply need to make sure their talisman is getting the service he craves.
#4 Lionel Messi (34) - Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain
Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is one of the best footballers the world has ever seen. He shattered numerous records during his spell at Barcelona and is determined to work his magic for his new employers in Paris.
From scoring goals to providing match-winning assists, there’s nothing Messi can't do, and he continues to reign supreme even on the wrong side of 30.
After leading Argentina to the Copa America title last summer, the forward joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer from Barcelona. He has had a hard time adjusting to new surroundings in Paris, which has taken a massive toll on his performances in Ligue 1.
Fortunately, the unsettling feeling has not kept him from scoring for fun in the Champions League. The 34-year-old has already scored five goals in the premium continental competition, and we won’t bet against him adding a few more to his tally.
#3 Karim Benzema (34) - France and Real Madrid
Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Juventus in the summer of 2018, Karim Benzema has been Real Madrid’s undisputed frontman.
The Frenchman, who often played second fiddle to the Portuguese, has gracefully embraced the spotlight, producing one match-winning performance after another.
Benzema, who joined Real Madrid from Lyon back in 2009, was not always known for his top-drawer finishing. While playing alongside Ronaldo, the forward missed his fair share of chances, often drawing serious flak from Real Madrid supporters.
But over the last three-and-a-half years, Madridistas have seen him evolve into a new man, one capable of scoring at will.
The 34-year-old has also been an exceptional mentor to the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Eduardo Camavinga. He has formed an enviable partnership with Vinicius, helping the Brazilian youngster be more productive in front of the goal.
Benzema is the leading goalscorer and the second-leading assist-provider in La Liga this season. The France international has 17 goals and seven assists to his name in the Spanish league and is the joint-third in the European Golden Shoe race.
#2 Mohamed Salah (29) - Egypt and Liverpool
Liverpool right-winger Mohamed Salah is the most prolific player in the Premier League right now. The Egypt international has used his pace, ankle-breaking feints and incisive finishing to emerge as the English top-flight’s top scorer with 16 strikes.
Since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2017, he has won a Champions League and a Premier League title amongst other honors with the Reds.
He netted 32 times in the league in his debut season for the Merseysiders, winning the Premier League Golden Boot in the process. The following season, he scored 22 times in the English top-flight and won the Golden Boot for the second successive time.
Salah, who recently inspired Egypt to a place in the AFCON semi-finals, is yet to win the Ballon d’Or. However, if he keeps up the good work, we won’t be surprised to see him up there on the podium soon.
#1 Robert Lewandowski (33) - Poland and Bayern Munich
Arguably the best player in the world, Robert Lewandowski has been at the top of his game over the last three seasons. Much like his Bayern Munich team, Lewandowski is all about efficiency.
He doesn't showboat as the Pole simply slides silently behind enemy lines and hits the back of the net with authority.
In the 2019-20 season, Lewandowski scored a whopping 55 goals in 47 games in all competitions, helping the Bavarians to a record-breaking treble. Courtesy of COVID-19, the Ballon d’Or gala was canceled, and the striker missed out on the opportunity to win his first Golden Ball.
He continued his onslaught last season, but controversially finished behind Lionel Messi in the Ballon d’Or race. FIFA, fortunately, had his back and honored him with The Best Men’s Player award for the second time running in 2022.
Lewandowski has netted 23 times in the Bundesliga this season and is currently leading the European Golden Shoe race with 46 points.
