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They say the prime years of a footballer is the silver line between 26 and 29 years of age. This is the time when the players have the perfect mix of youth and experience to make their mark on the game. Statistically, it is also the age where most players peak and are the most effective on the field.
Yet like in every phase of life, Football too is blessed with exceptions. As such, we have veterans and players reaching the twilight of their career who are still in their finest form and continue to make a mark in the world of football.
Today, we take a look at the best footballers in the world this season, who are over the age of 32 years. For the record, Lionel Messi is still 31 years old and as such, has not been considered for this list.
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#10 James Milner (England, Manchester City)
James Milner has appeared at right back, central midfield and the left midfield for Liverpool this season so far. He has 33 appearances already and the majority of them have been as the central midfielder. He has also been selected as the right back for quite a few games and has been stellar in both roles.
The Englishman has been great with his defending as well as his attacking play. And he has also contributed for his team in front of goal. The Englishman has already scored 8 goals and has registered 6 assists so far this season.
It is important to note the James Milner turned 33 in January this year. On the field, he has shown no signs of ageing though.
#9 Aleksandar Kolarov (Serbia, AS Roma)
The former Manchester City man has been in crackling form so far. He has mostly appeared as the left back for his team, even though he is versatile enough to play in the midfield too.
The Serbian has been fantastic in the final third, where his excellent crosses have tormented the opposition. Kolarov is also adept at playing the final pass and it is not a wonder that he has 4 assists to his name too.
Kolarov has scored 8 goals from 34 games so far this season and all of them have come when playing as the left back. The Serbian is still quite handy with the ball at his feet. He turned 33 in November last year and has shown no signs of slowing down so far.
#8 Jose Holebas (Greece, Watford)
The 34-year-old has seen a lot of battles in his career and is still going strong. Holebas has been fantastic for his club this season and is one of the reasons why Watford have been performing so well in the league and the FA Cup.
The Greece International is a left back who cultures a lot of attacking desires. Holebas is very strong in his defensive contributions and likes to whip in crosses from the left. He has already scored 3 goals this season from 26 appearances and has 6 assists to his name as well. This is one veteran who still has a lot of fire left within him.
#7 Giorgio Chiellini (Italy, Juventus)
The Italian is another old guard who is still performing at the highest level. Chiellini has consistently been one of the best defenders in the world and has continued that form this season as well.
The Juventus defender is 34 years old now - he shall be 35 come August this year, yet he has brilliantly modified his game to ensure that he does not look out of place. As such, Chiellini continues to be assured at the back for Juventus and has formed a fine partnership with Bonucci at the heart of the defence.
The Italian has also managed a goal and an assist in his 28 appearances for Juventus this season.
#6 Thiago Silva (Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain)
The Brazilian defender is 34 years old now and is an experienced campaigner both for his country and his club. The PSG Skipper has refused to let the years put a dent in his spirit, he continues to dictate the same infamous authority. His leadership qualities have come to the fore once again this season, as he has been vital for his club's success.
PSG might have exited the UEFA Champions League, but they are still favourites to retain the Ligue Un title. Silva has been integral to their style of play and has been pivotal for them at the back. The Brazilian has also scored one goal and registered one assist from his 35 appearances this season.
#5 Sol Bamba (Ivory Coast, Cardiff City)
The Ivorian has been on fine form for Cardiff City this season. Bamba turned 34 this January, yet shows no signs of stopping any time soon now.
The defender has 28 appearances for his club and has scored 4 goals so far. He also has one assist to his name in the league. Bamba is an old fashioned centre-back who loves to tackle and is quite good at it. He is also quite decent with the ball at his feet.
Bamba is another footballer who has proved that age is just a number this season and has been one of the best veterans in the game this season.
#4 Fabio Quagliarella (Italy, Sampdoria)
When Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Italy, he was expected to run away with the Golden Boot. However, a certain Italian Striker playing for Sampdoria had other ideas.
Fabio Quagliarella has 21 goals from 27 games in the Serie A - 2 more than Ronaldo and is leading the race to the Serie A Golden Boot this season. The Italian has also registered 7 assists in the Serie A and should give the Portuguese a run for the money. For the record, he turned 36 in January this year!
#3 Fernandinho (Brazil, Manchester City)
The Brazilian is an integral part of Manchester City's tactics and has been phenomenal once again for his club this season. Fernandinho is one of the best passers of the Premier League and he carries out the dirty work for his team with extreme elegance.
Fernandinho is 33 years old now - he turns 34 in May this year. If those legs might get a little tired at the end of the games, it does not show. Because the Brazilian has rarely lost a battle in the midfield this season and is one of the reasons why City have been in devastating form this year.
Despite being on a defensive role, the Brazilian has scored a goal and picked up 3 assists from 34 appearances this season.
#2 Lukasz Piszczek (Poland, Borussia Dortmund)
The Borussia Dortmund defender has been a fine servant of the game over the years. Piszczek is now 33 years old and shall be 34 in June, yet the marauding left-back has not held back his game this season.
The Polish International has been fantastic for his club so far, and his zeal and tremendous desire has been admirable this season. Piszczek has already scored 1 goal and registered 6 assists from 23 games this season. He is currently sidelined with a heel injury, but is still one of the best over-32 players in the world right now.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Juventus)
For a man who is one of the best players in the world in every age group, it is little wonder that Cristiano Ronaldo would top this list.
The Portuguese made the jump to Serie A this season, joining Italian Giants and record league winners Juventus over the summer. It was a match made in heaven and Ronaldo has once again been phenomenal for his club.
The former Real Madrid forward has scored 24 goals from 36 games this season. His performance against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 was especially inspiring.
Cristiano Ronaldo turned 34 this February and is the best over-32 Footballer in the world right now.
