The legendary Juventus keeper has reached another landmark – off the field this time – and joins an elite group of performers to have belied their age
Gianluigi Buffon
It remains unclear whether the 2017-18 campaign will be his last, but if the the iconic Italian is to bow out then he will do so having played beyond his 40th birthday and with an enviable collection of honours to his name which includes a World Cup triumph and eight Serie A titles with Juventus. Rightly considered to be one of, if not the greatest goalkeeper of all-time.
AdvertisementGettyRyan Giggs
Has recently been handed the reins as Wales manager, but his playing days saw him spend over two decades as a first-team regular with Manchester United. Retired shortly after turning 40 with 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns, an OBE and a record haul of 963 appearances for the Red Devils to his name.
Getty imagesPaolo Maldini
Another one-club man, with 24 years spent as a senior professional at Italian giants AC Milan. Made his debut at the age of 16 and was named Best Defender at the UEFA Club Football Awards at 39. Made over 1,000 appearances for club and country, winning the Serie A title on seven occasions and the European Cup/Champions League five times.
Getty ImagesJavier Zanetti
The fourth player on this list to have made over 1,000 senior appearances, with 143 of those coming for Argentina and 858 for Inter during an iconic 19-year spell at the San Siro. Retired at the age of 40 in 2014 with a standing among the all-time greats safely secured, and is now working as vice-president with the Nerazzurri.