5 players who peaked after turning 30

Football is a profession which exerts tremendous strain on an individual's body, especially on those who play at an elite level. Players often find their careers punctuated or ended by injuries.

Very rarely, if at all, does a player venture into his late thirties playing at the highest level. More often than not players descend into the lower leagues or retire at this age. However, some players have not followed this norm.

Aided by awareness and physical care, numerous players have raised their level after turning thirty, a number which is dreaded by most of their counterparts. Naturally, they had to undergo tweaks in position and playing style. But they can assert with ample evidence that the changes were for the better.

Such players are quite rare and their elongated levels of excellence are a testament to their fitness ethic and mental fortitude. On that note, here are 5 players who peaked after turning 30.

#5 Xavi

One of the finest midfielders ever to grace the football pitch, Xavi had a hugely successful career for Spain and Barcelona. Blessed with tremendous vision and innate composure, he translated that on the pitch to give way to pleasurable football.

Don't get me wrong, Xavi was terrific in his twenties, but he arguably bettered that in the latter part of his career. The Spaniard turned thirty in January 2010 and had already won four league titles and two Champions League titles by then.

He won the World Cup and the league in 2010 and his midfield magic propelled him to third place in the Ballon d'Or rankings. 2011 saw five more trophies and another third-place individual finish, playing a crucial role as Barcelona played out one of the most exhilarating seasons in recent history.

More international success was to come for Xavi as Spain triumphed at Euro 2012 to complete three consecutive major titles. He would go on to win another treble in 2015 to round off a glittering career at the Camp Nou.

Xavi provided us with uncountable magical moments throughout his career, but arguably his greatest act came near the curtain.

#4 Antonio Di Natale

Di Natale's goal tallies skyrocketed after he turned thirty

In Di Natale's case, the numbers are hard to argue against. Looking at the forward's goalscoring exploits, it is clear that he hit his peak after turning thirty.

He used to play for Empoli until 2004 when they got relegated following which Udinese signed him. The Italian found his feet slowly in Udine, scoring about 14 goals per season for the first five campaigns. But then he exploded.

Di Natale was aged 32 going into the 2009-10 season, and he hit top form. He netted 29 goals to finish as the top scorer in the Serie A, a total which was more than half of his side's goals. He was voted as the best player in Italy that year.

In the season that followed, he scored 28 goals, finishing as the top scorer in Serie A again. His exploits led Udinese to the Champions League. The following three seasons saw him score 29, 26 and 20 goals respectively. Certainly a commendable tally.

Aged 37, he overtook Roberto Baggio in 2015 as the sixth highest scorer in Serie A history with 206 goals.

As the numbers tell us comprehensively, Antonio Di Natale definitely liked twilight better than dawn.

#3 Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Ibrahimovic posted incredible numbers while he was at PSG

Zlatan has been a heavily followed figure throughout his career, for his goalscoring prowess and irrepressible self-esteem. Now in the MLS with LA Galaxy, the Swede has plied his trade at various high-profile clubs.

He was at AC Milan when he turned thirty, boasting a resume which included stints at Ajax, Juventus, Inter and Barcelona. In the 2011-12 season, he netted 28 goals in 32 league games and clinched the top-scorer award in Serie A.

PSG signed him the following season and he took his scoring exploits to the next level in Paris. Zlatan plundered 30 goals in each of his four seasons at the club, scoring 156 in total. His staggering totals propelled PSG to four consecutive league titles and a host of other trophies.

Ibrahimovic signed for English giants Manchester United in 2016, and he lit up Old Trafford as well. His 28 goals in his first season lifted his side to the Europa League and League Cup triumphs.

Zlatan's body is a work of art which is seemingly getting better with age. As of now, he is playing in Los Angeles, but watch out for the highlights.

#2 Andrea Barzagli

Barzagli revived his career with Juventus

Barzagli played for a host of second-string teams early in his career which never helped him realise his full potential. He had a productive spell at Palermo, but his transfer in 2010 belatedly kick-started his career.

He was snapped up by Italian behemoth Juventus when he was a few months short of his thirtieth birthday. The Italian has enjoyed a hugely fruitful spell at the Old Lady and he is still going strong aged 37.

Juve have won the league in all but one of the seasons he has been there and it has been no coincidence. Barzagli was first thrust into the first-team by Antonio Conte in 2011. That season Juventus had the best defence in Europe and went unbeaten in the league, owing to Barzagli and co.

Barzagli formed a formidable defensive trio alongside Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, a core which was broken only last season. He also reached two Champions League finals, defeated by Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid in the showpiece event.

#1 Andrea Pirlo

Pirlo reached new levels with Juventus

Pirlo was one of the finest midfielders of his generation and his smooth and seductive playmaking has enthralled us all. Before turning thirty he had played the majority of his career in Milan, with both the clubs.

He began his fourth decade by winning the Serie A in Milan in 2011. Pirlo decided against extending his contract, however, making him a huge free agent. Juventus landed him in what was arguably one of the best bargains ever.

"When Andrea told me that he was joining us, the first thing I thought was: "God exists". A player of his level and ability, not to mention that he was free, I think it was the signing of the century!", said Gianluigi Buffon on Pirlo's arrival.

Pirlo hit new levels in Turin, guiding Juve to four titles in four years. He played in a deeper role compared to previous seasons, but was arguably more effective at the base of the midfield.

The European Championships in 2012 saw him hit his peak, as he led a less favoured Italy side to the final. Pirlo was majestic in the tournament, dictating play at will throughout.

The Italian was voted as the Serie A Player of the Year in three consecutive years from 2012 to 2014. He left Juventus for New York City in 2015, even when many thought he could have carried on for at least one more year.

Andrea Pirlo was a master technician who got better with age, a boon for millennials like myself.