In the Premier League, you’ve got these young players showing off their speed and energy, which is cool.
But there’s something special about the older players in the game.
They’ve been through it all, the highs and lows, and they’re still out there surprising us with their skills, smarts, and love for the game.
Forget getting old – these veterans are proving that age is just a number when it comes to dominating the field in their later years.
In the Premier League, players get injured more often compared to other top leagues in Europe. According to ESPN, there were 1,231 injuries in the league during the 2021/22 season, with the closest being Germany’s Bundesliga with 1,205 injuries. But hey, things have changed a lot in terms of technology and recovery methods in the last 10 to 20 years, making a huge difference in how players bounce back.
These players might seem pretty old for the toughest league out there, but they’re not even close to being the oldest to grace England’s top soccer division. John Burridge takes the crown at an impressive 43 years old. He was in goal for Manchester City during their 3-2 loss to Queens Park Rangers in May 1995, making him the oldest player ever to set foot on a Premier League field.
In Premier League history, the majority of the oldest players to step onto the field for a match happen to be goalkeepers.
In this article, Sport On Point will provide you with the names of 5 oldest players in the Premier League right now and discuss them as well.
(1). Thiago Silva (Chelsea) – 40 Years Old
Thiago Emiliano da Silva, born on September 22, 1984, is a Brazilian footballer known for his role as a centre-back at Chelsea in the Premier League and for Brazil’s national team. He’s hailed as one of the finest defenders of his era, recognized for his defensive skills, discipline, and leadership qualities.
The 40-year-old is the oldest active player in the Premier League. When he arrived in London in August 2020, he would have been old enough to make this list. The Chelsea defender is yet to win any domestic trophies with the London-based club, but he won the Champions League with the residents of Stamford Bridge in May 2021. Outside the Premier League, he won seven league titles in France with PSG and one in Italy with AC Milan.
Thiago Silva stands 183cm tall and weighs 79kg. He has been with Chelsea for four seasons, featuring in 156 matches and scoring 8 goals during this tenure.
(2). Ashley Young (Everton) – 39 Years Old
Ashley Simon Young, born on July 9, 1985, is an English professional footballer known for his versatility as a full-back or winger at Premier League club Everton. He’s spent a significant chunk of his career among England’s top 20 football teams, though not exclusively within the country’s toughest league.
He took a stint abroad with Inter Milan, a powerhouse in Italy, for two seasons – 2019/20 and 2020/21. Despite his time on the continent being brief, he returned to Villa for the 2021/22 campaign. Throughout his journey from the early 2000s till now, he’s played around 541 matches out of his nearly 700 career appearances in the Premier League. He boasts 104 clean sheets in his English first-division career, scoring 57 of his 85 career goals in the top tier of English football.
(3). Łukasz Fabiański (West Ham United) – 39 Years Old
Łukasz Marek Fabiański, born on April 18, 1985, is a Polish professional goalkeeper currently showcasing his skills at Premier League club West Ham United. He was also a key player for the Poland national team from 2006 until he retired from international duties in 2021.
At 39 years old, he celebrated a monumental achievement in 2023 when West Ham secured their inaugural European trophy, the UEFA Conference League title—a historic first for the club. Despite his relatively short five-year tenure with the Hammers, Fabiański made an impact. Before landing in London, he played for Arsenal and Swansea City. Throughout his time in England’s top flight, he’s amassed an impressive tally of 92 clean sheets in the Premier League.
His success isn’t confined to club football; in 2019, Fabiański was honoured as Poland’s Player of the Year, a testament to his prowess and contributions beyond the club scene.
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(4). James Milner (Brighton & Hove Albion) – 38 Years Old
James Philip Milner MBE, born on January 4, 1986, is an English pro footballer currently shining as a midfielder at Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion. Known for his versatility, Milner played in various positions, from the wing to midfield and even full-back.
He stepped onto the scene for the club during the 2002/03 FA Cup campaign and continues to make his mark on the field today. Back in that year, Arsenal had their unbeaten, invincible season. Surprisingly, while most of the players from that era have transitioned into coaching or punditry, Milner’s still out there playing. His endurance and fitness speak volumes about his lasting power. Andy Robertson, a former teammate from his Liverpool days and a Scottish international, once told the Liverpool Echo: “I don’t think I’ll ever see anyone as fit as him.”
https://youtube.com/shorts/_Qp9yvBeqFc?si=suRVhlTzVNARXcHf
This midfield maestro, ranking third for all-time Premier League appearances, once ran a remarkable 8.5 kilometres in just 34 minutes, maintaining an average pace of nearly four minutes per kilometre. That’s a testament to his incredible stamina and dedication on the pitch.
(5). Tim Ream (Fulham) – 37 Years Old
Timothy Michael Ream, born on October 5, 1987, represents American soccer prowess as a centre-back or left-back at Premier League club Fulham, where he also holds the role of vice-captain. He’s a key figure for the United States national team as well.
Adding to Fulham’s roster, Ream stands out, especially considering they boast the oldest squad in the league based on average age. Mark Schwarzer, the former Cottagers’ goalkeeper, holds the distinction of being the fifth-oldest player to ever grace a Premier League match, according to The Analyst.
In a league of seasoned players, Ream is the sole American-born representative among the current oldest players in the Prem. His compatriot, Brad Friedel, claims the fourth spot on the all-time list of oldest players to feature in an English top-flight fixture, as reported by The Analyst. Ream’s loyalty lies with Fulham, where he’s been a stalwart for almost a decade, joining the Cottagers in 2015 and contributing significantly to the club’s promotion to the Premier League on three separate occasions.
SOURCES: ONEFOOTBALL / Wikipedia / The Analyst
Conclusion:
The Premier League is a playground for both youthful dynamism and seasoned experience. While young talents dazzle with their speed and energy, the league also boasts a cadre of veteran players who defy age norms, demonstrating skill, intelligence, and an enduring love for the game.
FAQs:
Q: Are older players in the Premier League primarily goalkeepers?
Ans: Yes, historically, the majority of the oldest players to grace a Premier League match have been goalkeepers.
Q: Who is the oldest active player currently in the Premier League?
Ans: As of now, Thiago Silva from Chelsea holds the title at 40 years old.
Q: Have older players won trophies in the Premier League?
Ans: Yes, despite their age, players like Thiago Silva have secured significant victories, such as winning the Champions League with Chelsea.
Q: Do older players face more injuries in the Premier League compared to other leagues?
Ans: Yes, statistics show that the Premier League tends to witness more injuries than other top European leagues, as reported by ESPN.
Q: How long have some of these older players been with their current clubs?
Ans: Players like Thiago Silva have been with their clubs for several seasons, contributing to their success, while others like James Milner have had extensive careers across various clubs.
Q: Are older players still competitive in terms of physical fitness?
Ans: Absolutely, with examples like James Milner showcasing exceptional fitness and stamina, proving age is not a barrier to performance in the Premier League.