5 outfield players who have played beyond the age of 40

#1 Sir Stanley Matthews

Matthews played for English clubs Stoke City and Blackpool

Nicknamed “The Wizard of Dribbles,” Sir Stabley Matthews remains the only player to have been knighted during his playing career. Born on 1^st February 1915, Matthews began and ended his footballing journey at his home club Stoke City.

Though a number of his footballing years were lost owing to the World War, Matthews established himself as one of the best players on the planet with his great close control, incredible dribbling ability as well as pace.

While a number of footballers can succumb to success, Matthews’ disciplined lifestyle ensured that he remained fit for top flight football until his 50s. He was conscious about what he ate, trained rigorously on a daily basis and avoided tobacco and alcohol to prolong his playing career well beyond the average tenure of a footballer.

He made 783 appearances in total for Stoke City and Blackpool during his unbelievably long career that stretched 33 seasons and had a healthy goal scoring record, having found the back of the net on 80 occasions.

His record with the England national team was not bad either, as he featured on 54 occasions for the Three Lions, with his last appearance coming at the age of 42, which serves as a reminder of his abilities as a top class footballer.