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Football is a physical sport, which explains why not many players can sustain a high level of play for too long. But thanks to advancements in sports science and improved training regimens, more and more players are able to extend their careers deep into their 30s.
Since the turn of the century, several world-class players have consistently performed for their clubs and countries. Many have won big titles after turning 30, an age when most footballers begin to decline.
So without further ado, here's a look at the five most consistent footballers of the 21st century who are still going strong:
#5 Gianluigi Buffon
Gianluigi Buffon is widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers to have graced the game.
Now 43, 'Superman' is still going strong, having returned to his boyhood club Parma this summer after an illustrious two-decade stint in the top flight.
The legendary Italian custodian is making his first appearance in Serie B after a lone campaign in the competition with Juventus in 2006-07.
Buffon was a key player in Italy's triumphant 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign. He made a stunning save to deny Zinedine Zidane in the final, which the Azzurri won on penalties.
The 10-time Serie A champion has kept a record 299 clean sheets in over 650 appearances in the Italian top flight. Buffon has no plans to retire just yet. Instead, he is reportedly planning to come out of retirement and make himself available for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
#4 Sergio Ramos
Despite his checkered disciplinary record, Sergio Ramos is one of the best goalscoring defenders since the turn of the century.
During an illustrious career for club and country, the 35-year-old has dazzled at both ends of the turf. Ramos has won big titles galore; he is a two-time European and FIFA World Cup winner with Spain.
With Real Madrid, the veteran defender has won five La Liga and four Champions League titles, among other honors.
He is the joint-most prolific goalscoring centre-back in Champions League history. Despite being a defender, Ramos has amassed an impressive tally of over 100 goals for Real Madrid.
Now at PSG, Ramos will hope to kickstart his career after an injury-plagued 2020-21 campaign that saw him exit Real Madrid.
A prolific scorer with Spain, La Roja's most capped player will look to lead his team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after missing Euro 2020.
#3 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has undoubtedly been one of the most consistent performers in the 21st century.
The much-travelled forward has won league titles in four different countries during a glorious two-decade-long career. Now at AC Milan, the 39-year-old Ibrahimovic inspired the Rossoneri to a second-place finish in Serie A and a return to the Champions League.
Earlier this year, Ibrahimovic scored his 500th goal in club football, with over 150 of his strikes coming for Ligue 1 giants PSG.
Ibrahimovic came out of international retirement this year. But an injury meant he couldn't appear at Euro 2020.
Nevertheless, just weeks shy of his 40th birthday, Ibrahimovic will look to become one of the oldest scorers in the Champions League.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo is still going strong at the age of 36.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is the all-time top scorer for Real Madrid (450 goals) and in the Champions League (134 goals). He is the only player to score for two winning teams in Champions League finals.
He returned to Manchester United this summer after nine prolific seasons at Real Madrid and three modest ones at Juventus. Nevertheless, Ronaldo has arrived at Old Trafford after becoming the first player to score 100 goals for the Bianconeri in their first three seasons at the club.
The 2020-21 Capocannoniere winner (29 goals) has won a record five Champions League titles, three of them after he turned 31. Ronaldo scored on his second debut for United as he looks set for another goal-rich campaign.
Back at his old stomping ground, Ronaldo will hope to resume his stellar exploits in the competition after three modest campaigns with Juventus.
Recently, the Portuguese overtook Ali Daei (109) to become the most prolific scorer in men's international football.
#1 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, like Ronaldo, is arguably one of the finest players to have graced the game.
The 34-year-old Argentine arrived at Ligue 1 giants PSG this summer after an illustrious 17-season stint with Barcelona. Messi tallied a staggering 1072 goal contributions (672 goals, 305 assists), winning 10 La Liga and four Champions League titles.
The six-time Ballon d'Or and eight-time Pichichi winner inspired Argentina to their first international title in nearly three decades. Messi led from the front, scoring four goals and registering five assists as La Albiceleste won Copa America 2021.
He did not score on his PSG debut. But Messi is widely expected to get going in an 'easier' league and help his new club become the newest Champions League winners.
