10 Best Veterans over 35 in World Football

Some call them survivors. Some call them veterans. Many even call them soldiers.

The players making this list truly are rarities in the modern era. Given the amount of injuries the average player suffers throughout his career playing in the top flight, it's not often that you'll get to see a footballer fighting it out well into his mid-30s.

Yet there have been and continue to be players seemingly heading into the twilight of their careers that surprise us with their abilities, sheer athleticism and natural fitness. A tough breed of no-nonsense battlers, some may say, whatever the case is, these players often don't ask to be respected. They always get it any way.

Check out the slideshow to see a list comprising 10 of the best veterans in world football.

Go crazy!

Brad Friedel

Brad Friedel is 41 years old. He's also a starter in the English Premier League, where he occupies the No. 1 jersey with Tottenham Hotspur.

Already regarded as one of the Premier League's greatest foreign goalies, Friedel became his former club's (Aston Villa) oldest-ever player in February last year.

Clarence Seedorf

Though now seemingly approaching the end of a highly celebrated career, Clarence Seedorf can still be seen taking his trademark long-range shots for current club AC Milan.

Clarence Seedorf's long career has seen him have stints with numerous European powerhouses—Ajax, Real Madrid and current club AC Milan—making him the first player to win the UEFA Champions League with three different clubs.

Though it seems the Dutchman may be gradually making his way into the media side of the sport, Seedorf is still considered an important and influential figure in the Milan team.

Ivan Cordoba

When one remembers Ivan Cordoba, they normally think of one thing: speed.

And despite now seemingly approaching the twilight of his career, Cordoba shows little signs of slowing down. At 35, Ivan Cordoba is now the vice-captain of Inter Milan, as well as a very important component of a well-organized defense.

Javier Zanetti

Javier Zanetti is one of those enigmas of world football.

Despite just being two years off 40 years of age, the Argentine still marshals Inter Milan's wings in the same manner as he did when joining the club 16 years ago. What's shocking is that he seems to have barely lost, if at all, any of acceleration or agility that made him so famous in his earlier years in Italy.

Inter Milan's captain has won every single honour with his time at the club. Internationally, he's also recognized as Argentina's most-capped player ever.

Roberto Carlos

It's hard not to remember incredible long-range, seemingly impossible goals when thinking of legendary Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos. Especially that "banana free kick" versus France in a 1997 friendly match.

A player that made his name playing during the time of the "Galacticos" of Real Madrid, Roberto Carlos now plays for Russian side Anzi Mahkachkala, where he is the club captain at the age of 38.

Francesco Totti

Another inspirational captain, also of an Italian club (Roma CF), Francesco Totti is a household name all over world.

Blessed with unmatched natural ability and a clean eye for goal, it's rare to see players at Totti's age still fighting it out at the highest level. The Italian legend, who leads his club's all-time scoring and appearances chart, has won virtually every individual honour with his time at the club. Aside from setting a Serie A record for Italian Footballer of the Year awards, Francesco Totti was also named on Pele's list of 125 greatest players.

Though injuries have continued to hamper his playing time as of late, Totti is still a player highly regarded in the football world.

Alessandro Del Piero

There's not much to say about Juventus' iconic captain that hasn't already been said.

A player that's literally won every achievable honour throughout his career, Del Piero continues to impress the Turin faithful by way of some very sublime performances.

The "trequartista" position—one where the advanced player alternates between playing as a attacking midfielder and a striker—was essentially made for him, as he perfected the art of balancing assists with goals.

Also voted into the list of the top European players of the last 50 years, Del Piero, at age 35, can still be found harassing opposition defenses in the Serie A.

Filippo Inzaghi

Filippo Inzaghi, more affectionately known as "Pippo," is arguably one of the greatest "poachers" to have every played on European soil.

A player who is currently the second all-time most prolific goal scorer in European club competitions with 70 goals, Inzaghi is a player who made his name for sniffing out opportunities and being in the right place at the right time.

And though not considered an automatic starter nowadays, Inzaghi, at 38 years of age, is still released now and again to wreak havoc amongst opposition defenses, as he's still considered a viable outlet for goals.

Rivaldo

Brazilian playmaker Rivaldo was one of those midfielders that made a name for themselves by simply scoring way too many goals. His 86 goals in 157 matches during his tenure with Barcelona not only signals that, but also proves he's a player of immense quality.

Despite just being a year off 40, Rivaldo still currently plays in the Brazilian League for Sao Paulo, where he's considered an important first-team player.

Ryan Giggs

I'm not even going to bother explaining his inclusion in this list.

Just sit back and enjoy five minutes of the Welshman's abundant skills in the above video.

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