5 oldest players in La Liga right now (October, 2021)

There have been some special breakout stories in La Liga this season from various camps. The likes of Yusuf Demir and Gavi have been under the spotlight at Barcelona, Yeremi Pino for Villarreal has been impressive and there is Miguel Gutierrez from Real Madrid among many others. These youngsters have blended effortlessly with more experienced customers at their respective clubs.

La Liga has some accomplished veterans still playing in the league

A good crop of experienced players are necessary to nourish responsible and aware footballers who are up-and-coming at the biggest level. La Liga is full of many such veterans who have been around in the Spanish division for a long time. They continue to help the young guns settle at the club, in the hope of passing on the baton to them to continue their legacy.

But these oldies in La Liga aren't clinging on to these clubs just to pass on lectures and mentor the kids. They are pretty good at their craft and some of them have tackled the aging process quite effectively.

On that note, here are the five oldest players in La Liga right now:

---

#5 Salva Sevilla (37 years and 206 days)

Villarreal CF v RCD Mallorca - La Liga

His white hair is the probably the only thing that gives away Salva Sevilla's because his performances in La Liga by no means reflect that he's over 37 now. He has been with Real Mallorca since 2017 and has climbed up the Spanish divisions all the way from Segunda B to La Liga Santander.

For the last four years, Mallorca has been yo-yoing between La Liga and Segunda Division, with alternate relegation and promotion. The Spanish midfielder, who is an indispensable figure for his side, has played 35 plus games in all competitions for them in each of the last three seasons.

There are no signs of him slowing down as he has started the season on the same note, playing in five of eight La Liga games for Mallorca this term. In addition, he also provided two assists. Sevilla is a veteran of La Liga in many ways, having played in the Spanish top-flight with Real Betis at the start of the decade and then moving to Espanyol before joining Mallorca.

---

#4 Claudio Bravo (38 Years and 179 Days)

Real Betis v Celtic FC: Group G - UEFA Europa League

After serving Manchester City for four years since 2016, Claudio Bravo joined Real Betis in 2020 and has been guarding the goal for them on a regular basis. Bravo's spell at the Manchester club was nothing short of a tragic comedy. One day he was committing horrific errors costing his side, on another day he was saving penalties like a king in his box.

His form with City was inconsistent, and he also suffered a season-ending injury in 2018, which kept him limited to only 29 league appearances for the club in four years. But Bravo has now returned to familiar territory in the form of La Liga.

Last season he made 20 appearances for Betis and this season he has started for them in goal on four occasions across all competitions. He continues to be the first-choice goalkeeper for Chile's national team.

#3 Jorge Molina (39 years and 170 days)

Getafe CF v Granada CF - La Liga Santander

Currently in his fifth straight season in La Liga, Jorge Molina has finally shown signs of aging this year. While he turned out for Real Betis in the first three of the past five seasons, Molina is now at Granada. It has been difficult for the striker to find the back of the net this season in La Liga and he is yet to get off the mark in the six games he has played.

Granada have six points from eight matches and sit just above the relegation zone in 17th position in La Liga. They are desperately waiting for Molina to come good. His fine form, which included eight goals and two assists in 17 appearances last season, helped Granada finish in the top half of the La Liga table.

Molina has been an effective aerial threat for the better part of his career. Notably, during the away game at Barcelona last season, Molina came on as a substitute and scored a header to hand Granada their first ever win at Camp Nou.

---

#2 Diego Lopez (39 years and 341 days)

CD Mirandes v RCD Espanyol - La Liga Smartbank

When Diego Lopez draws curtains on his career, he would surely retire with a very boastful CV and interesting stories from Spain and Italy to tell his grandchildren. He signed for Real Madrid at the age of 18 and played for their B team. The shot-stopper made two senior appearances for Real Madrid in La Liga between 2005-2007.

Lopez at the time was overshadowed by the legendary Iker Casillas and then moved to Villarreal. He became a strong pillar for the Yellow Submarines and hardly missed a game. Before coming to his current club, Espanyol, Lopez had spells at Sevilla, a comeback at Real Madrid and a spell in Italy with AC Milan.

This season has been no different to his confident showings at Espanyol, he has started all eight games in La Liga and has managed three clean sheets.

---

#1 Joaquín (40 years and 81 days)

Real Betis Balompie v Valencia - Copa del Rey Semi Final

Meet the oldest player in La Liga right now: Real Betis winger Joaquin. He's proved how much he loves the club he started his career at and he's proving it again. Not many can play for a competitive club in La Liga after the age of 35, unless you are Joaquin.

He is known for being a jolly and fun-loving figure in the dressing room who enjoys every moment he spends on the pitch. He definitely does not engage in any Cristiano Ronaldo-like fitness regimes but his high-spirited nature has been highlighted on various occasions as the main reason behind his longevity.

Joaquin has played 21 successive seasons in top-flight football and has represented Valencia, Malaga and Fiorentina in that order between his two spells at Real Betis. He has showcased his class as captain at the club on various occasions and is mentoring the likes of Juanmi, Willian Jose and Aitor Ruebel at Betis. With Joaquin not getting any younger, it doesn't come as a surprise that all five of his appearances in La Liga have been from the bench this season.

---