Meazza resumed playing around the 2nd of the 2nd World War when he was 33-36 years old. I'm erring a bit on the positive side because of the circumstances (otherwise I'd maybe placed a question mark too). The Holt book is a bit implicit/suggestive about this. Of course we don't have videos of him around the time, match ratings or other statistical evidence (other than his goals). There wasn't a Ballon d'Or or World Soccer vote either and France Football was established 8 January 1946. Meazza was/is sort of a national hero but I've seen enough from non-Italian views that he might get the benefit of doubt, also given the circumstances but I can't say I'm really sure no. His goalscoring stats are OK. That are good teams you made. I'll try to fit those into the right periods then. Ofc of later years we have the videos as back-up; such as you mentioning Baggio vs AC Milan near the end of his career; Bergkamp vs Celta de Vigo in the UCL KO stages; Hagi vs Real Madrid in 2000; Cruijff vs Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool, AS Roma, Standard Liege, Torino in his final year. Some of those more recent players have specific compilations made for their Indian Summer:
@PDG1978 Does this look like a good format? If yes then I'll try to work on from there. 2015 - 2017: Ibrahimovic (b. 1981) 2010 - 2015: Totti (b. 1976), Pirlo (b. 1979), G. Buffon (b. 1978) 2005 - 2010: Giggs (b. 1973), Zanetti (b. 1973) 2000 - 2005: P. Maldini (b.1968), Baggio (b. 1967), Bergkamp (b. 1969), Zola (b. 1966), Cafu (b. 1970) 1995 - 2000: Matthaus (b. 1961). Gheorghe Hagi (b. 1965), Bergomi (b. 1963), M. Laudrup (b. 1964), P. Schmeichel (b. 1963) 1990 - 1995: McGrath (b. 1959), Baresi (b. 1960), Preudhomme (b. 1959), Schuster (b. 1959) 1985 - 1990: Roger Milla (b. 1952), Shilton (b. 1949), A. Mühren (b. 1951), E. Gerets (b. 1954) 1980 - 1985: M. Olsen (b. 1949), Cruijff (b. 1947) 1975 - 1980: Zoff (b. 1942), Fachetti (b. 1942), Martin Peters (b. 1943), Alan Ball (b. 1945) Cases where input would be appreciated (with regards to form around mid-30s): Luis Monti (b. 1901) ? Sindelar (b. 1903) ? Djalma Santos (b. 1929) ? Also other names are fine, esp. the ones who are unnamed yet.
Here's some names from my lifetime I haven't seen listed (or maybe I missed them) ... Pietro Vierchowod - He was 35 in his last season at Sampdoria where he won the Coppa Italia. The following year he was brought in by Juventus and at 37 he started in the Champions League final victory over Ajax. He had one season after that at Milan. And even after that he had an additional 3 seasons at Piacenza as a regular starter, amassing another 79 Serie A appearances. Alessandro Costacurta - He made a remarkable 100 appearances in Serie A after the age of 35 in addition to about 40 CL/EL appearances. The most remarkable was the 2003 CL final which he started and won against Juventus. He added another CL title in 2007, although by this point he was no longer a starter. Juan Sebastian Veron - I know technically this doesn't qualify for 35+, but it's remarkable enough to be mentioned. He was about 34 and a half in 2009 when Estudiantes made their historic run in the Copa Libertadores and was voted as the player of the tournament. He still managed to be a key player at Estudiantes the next 3 seasons Nestor Sensini - He was 35 by the time he ended up at Parma, winning the Coppa Italia in 2002. Following Parma, he still managed another 100 appearances for Udinese as one of the best defenders in the league, and managing to qualify that club to the Champions League David Weir - He was 35 in his last year at Everton and had a fantastic season, including an impressive run in Champions League. The following year he moved to Rangers where he made another 162 appearances in a dominant era where Rangers won 3 league titles in a row. He even got a player of the year award in this period. Romario - He was 34 when he returned to Brazil, and won the Club World Cup in 2000 with Vasco da Gama. He scored twice in the final against Manchester United. He was South American and Brazilian footballer of the year. He led the Brazilian league in scoring in 2000, 2001 and again in 2005 at 39 years old. He scored a total of 66 goals in 83 appearances for Vasco and 34 goals in 60 appearances for Fluminense after 35. Jan Heintze - The Danish left back played in WC 1998, Euro 2000 and WC 2002 after the age of 35. During this time he was a key player for a dominant PSV side that won 3 league titles in a row from 1999 to 2003
Sindelar rejected the invitation to play for Greater Germany after Austria was annexed, and was dead before his 36th birthday. Monti did not play international football after he turned 35. (Neither did Maldini). Djalma Santos was picked for the 1966 World Cup, aged 37. But with Carlos Alberto available, his selection was probably a mistake and he was dropped after the 3-1 defeat to Hungary. Matthews was still a force in his late thirties and early forties but was not always chosen for England. Zoff looks as strong a choice as any. He did tend to get beaten by long shots later in his career. Brandts, Haan, Nelinho and Dirceu at the 1978 World Cup, and Magath in the 1983 European Cup Final, are a few high-profile examples.
Thanks. Yes, I agree Zoff looks as good as anyone. In addition to (still) playing international football (but I don't think he was at his best at the 1982WC and his allegedly sub-par 1982-83 season forced his retirement) and his Ballon d'Or positions in 1980, 1981 and 1982 (11th, 6th and 8th) he was also one of the few to get voted in the top 10 of the World Soccer player of the year at the age of 35 or beyond. Zoff (1982), Cruijff (1982, 1984), Morten Olsen (1984), Shilton (1989), Milla (1990) and Maldini (2003) are the ones who did this. Drogba was also in the top 10 in 2012 and since he's born early 1978 he was therefore an inch away. Pirlo was in 2013 voted 16th and therefore at age 34 not too far away either. Cannavaro almost got voted on top at the age of 33 in 2006 (he won the Ballon d'Or). For 1965 - 1970 I guess Kurt Hamrin is a strong choice? Also for the very top of that era I mean.
Filled in a few more; 2015 - 2017: Ibrahimovic (b. 1981) 2010 - 2015: Totti (b. 1976), Pirlo (b. 1979), G. Buffon (b. 1978) 2005 - 2010: Giggs (b. 1973), Zanetti (b. 1973), Cafu (b. 1970), Weir (b. 1970) 2000 - 2005: P. Maldini (b.1968), Baggio (b. 1967), Bergkamp (b. 1969), Zola (b. 1966), Romario (b. 1966), Costacurta (b. 1966), Sensini (b. 1966), Heintze (b. 1963) 1995 - 2000: Matthaus (b. 1961). Gheorghe Hagi (b. 1965), Bergomi (b. 1963), M. Laudrup (b. 1964), P. Schmeichel (b. 1963), Vierchowod (b. 1959) 1990 - 1995: McGrath (b. 1959), Baresi (b. 1960), Preudhomme (b. 1959), Schuster (b. 1959) 1985 - 1990: Roger Milla (b. 1952), Shilton (b. 1949), A. Mühren (b. 1951), E. Gerets (b. 1954) 1980 - 1985: M. Olsen (b. 1949), Cruijff (b. 1947) 1975 - 1980: Zoff (b. 1942), Fachetti (b. 1942), Martin Peters (b. 1943), Alan Ball (b. 1945) 1970 - 1975: 1965 - 1970: Hamrin (b. 1934) 1960 - 1965: Puskas (b. 1927), Di Stefano (b. 1926), Yashin (b. 1929) 1955 - 1960: Walter (b. 1920), Finney (b. 1922), Nordahl (b. 1921), Liedholm (b. 1922), Zizinho (b. 1922), Labruna (b. 1918), Gren (b. 1920) 1950 - 1955: Matthews (b. 1915) 1945 - 1950: Moreno (b. 1916) Sensini has an interesting profile: http://www.bdfutbol.com/es/j/j96045.html Obviously this is work in progress but it already seems Serie A was quite a good league for this? For defensive players at least, attackers not so much. Maybe perspective changes later on.
Vasco did not win the CWC in 2000. Corinthians did. The final was Vasco x Corinthians and it went to PKs. But Romario I think scored more goals after 30 than before.
@PDG1978 @comme @poetgooner So the past three days I had a look at the 30+ years old players who got selected as 'player of the month' in the Premier League. I think I have them all, but correct me if I'm wrong. Oldest players of the month (30+ years old): Stuart Pearce (West Ham United, England) 38 years and 10 months (February 2001) Mark Schwarzer (Fulham, Australia) 37 years and 4 months (February 2010) Teddy Sheringham (Tottenham Hotspur, England) 37 years and 4 months (August 2003) Gary McAllister (Liverpool, Scotland) 36 years and 4 months (April 2001) Gianfranco Zola (Chelsea, Italy) 36 years and 3 months (October 2002) Paul Scholes (Manchester United, England) 35 years and 9 months (August 2010) Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United, Sweden) 35 years and 2 months (December 2016) Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal, Netherlands) 34 years and 9 months (February 2004) Teddy Sheringham (Manchester United, England) 34 years and 6 months (October 2000) Chris Waddle (Sheffield Wednesday, England) 34 years and 1 month (January 1995) Steven Gerrard (Liverpool, England) 33 years and 10 months (March 2014) Tim Flowers (Leicester City, England) 33 years and 7 months (September 2000) Ryan Giggs (Manchester United, Wales) 33 years and 3 months (February 2007) Ian Wright (Arsenal, England) 33 years and 0 months (November 1996) Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal, Netherlands) 32 years and 10 months (March 2002) Ryan Giggs (Manchester United, Wales) 32 years and 9 months (August 2006) Robbie Earle (Wimbledon, Jamaica) 32 years and 1 month (February 1997) David Ginola (Tottenham Hotspur, France) 31 years and 11 months (December 1998) Paul Merson (Aston Villa, England) 31 years and 11 months (February 2000) Paul Scholes (Manchester United, England) 31 years and 11 months (October 2006) David Seaman (Arsenal, England) 31 years and 7 months (April 1995) Jimmy Bullard (Hull City, England) 31 years and 1 month (November 2009) Scott Parker (Tottenham Hotspur, England) 31 years and 1 month (November 2011) Deco (Chelsea, Portugal) 31 years and 0 months (August 2008) Stuart Pearce is maybe a bit forgotten today as a veteran player (unless I'm wrong) and it helps to have a good overall career and exceed expectations (lower profile seasons by Pearce came before), but as far as I can see he was indeed exceptional around that time for West Ham at the age of 38. The defender was 'Hammer of the Year' and it was a team that included 'talented' players as Joe Cole, Paolo di Canio, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Frederick Kanoute, Rigobert Song. As so many ageing full-backs he had converted himself to a central defender. The OPTA 2001-2002 yearbook, dealing with 2000-01 season, wrote this about him: "Former England skipper Stuart Pearce began the season promoting his autobiography 'Psycho', but after a campaign in which he was named as West Ham supporters' Player of the Year, he may have to make room for a few more chapters. Age was no barrier for the terrace hero who acquitted himself in his usual inspirational style on the pitch and as ever took no prisoners. He made a total of 105 tackles and 345 clearances - more than any other Hammer managed. Pearce, of course, also played a key role in West Ham's famous FA Cup run and helped put Manchester United out of the competition at Old Trafford for the second time in his career. With Pearce now approaching 40, he has made no secret of his desire to move back into management and spent much of the 2000-01 season studying for his FA coaching badges. There are few players in the Premiership who would dare to argue with a gaffer like "Psycho". With selections as this (maybe or maybe not impacted by 'career votes') it is also of note who got included more than once past 30+ years old - highest age first: Teddy Sheringham, Paul Scholes, Dennis Bergkamp and Ryan Giggs.
2020/2021 1335298252078538752 is not a valid tweet id 1313958380076183552 is not a valid tweet id i think these 3 examples(along with the assist vs udinese) are some of the best chances he has created during this first half campaign Hes scoring 1gpg for club and country in 2021 along with 2 dribbles avg per match in Serie A I think it could end up being one of the very best league campaigns in his career never mind that he is 36 years old in 3 weeks As far as this thread is concerned without a shadow of a doubt he is a contender for best veteran player He is on form top 5 in Europe and that is unquestionable I'm unaware of any 35 year old in history who could've ever been top goalscorer in Europes top 5 leagues over a calender year 🗓️ Europe's top five leagues stat leaders for 2020:⚽ Goals - Cristiano Ronaldo (33)🅰️ Assists - Thomas Muller (17)🤤 Dribbles - Leo Messi (171)🎯 Accurate Passes - Rodri (2291)💪 Tackles - Aaron Wan-Bissaka (96)🧤 Clean Sheets - Jan Oblak (18)— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) January 1, 2021
The closest I can think of (to Ronaldo's level at 35) is Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 15/16. 38 goals and 12 assists in 31 league games, 50 goals and 18 assists in 51 games overall: https://www.transfermarkt.com/zlata...sdaten/spieler/3455/saison/2015/wettbewerb/CL Of course Ligue 1 is a much weaker league and he was a bit younger than Ronaldo now, but it's still impressive for a 33-34 year old in a top 5 league.
Let's not forget Joaquin. Yesterday, Real Sociedad beat Betis 2-0 with an insulting superiority. Fekir leaves the field and Joaquín enters, about to turn 40; Not many minutes pass when a center from the right heads him Channels to the meshes. Shortly after, he gets the equalizing goal for Betis. Behind the friendly and humorous side of Joaquín is a professional like few others. Without a doubt, this must be taken into account when establishing a ranking of the best superveterans in history. No nos olvidemos de Joaquín. Ayer, la Real Sociedad ganaba 2 a 0 al Betis con una superioridad insultante. Fekir sale del campo y entra Joaquín, a punto de cumplir 40 años; no pasan muchos minutos cuando un centro desde la derecha lo cabecea Canales a las mallas. Poco después consigue el gol del empate del Betis. Detrás de la faceta simpática y chistosa de Joaquín se encuentra a un profesional como pocos. Sin duda hay que tenerlo en cuenta a la hora de establecer un ránking de los mejores superveteranos de la historia.
Federico Chiesa scores the opener for Juve! ⚫⚪A nice team move picks the Sampdoria defence apart 👏 pic.twitter.com/vbO5GqJKOW— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) January 30, 2021 https://www.juvefc.com/video-ramsey-closes-out-the-result-but-ronaldos-ball-makes-it/amp/
How many of those great passes has he ever actually produced against top tier clubs and/or competitive national sides? Ronaldo played a lot of games vs. Barcelona, and I do not remember one single instance where Ronaldo replicated that brilliant passing form against Barcelona, or for that matter, against any other top tier club; well, to be fair, I can only remember one such example vs. Borussia Dortmund 2013/14 if I'm not mistaken, but that still is a very unimpressive record given the many games that Ronaldo has played vs. the top clubs.
Buffon competing at the level he did this past season at the age of 43 is nothing short of ridiculous. He's currently attracting interest from Benfica, Sevilla and Olympiacos, meaning he'll probably be playing and even possibly be starting GK at an extremely high level all while being a few years away from turning 50.
I forgot a few other names as well. Not sure how I could have overlooked Van der Sar there, who was arguably the best goalkeeper in the world at the age of 40/41 (or very close to it), statistically great in the Champions League (and the best or 2nd best shot stopper in the Premier League; this season Lloris was the best, not for the first time), several ESM team of the month selections at the business end of the season (typically though, it didn't register at FIFA and Ballon d'Or). I have posted all the factual evidence before and it is pretty obvious. It doesn't compute among the usual suspects and the professors (who clearly don't rate our players of the last 25 years) but he is one of the few veterans to retire at the right moment when still at or near the top (as oldest ever Premier League winner and oldest in a CL final). Some go on for longer, which is fair if they have it hard to let their profession go. That being said, some periods are clearly more favorable than other decades. Shilton who I listed (and didn't overlook) had it harder, I am sure.
He was excellent as 35-36 years old (in combined league goals and assists #3 behind Henry and Lampard, per the PL website, without penalties), and even made his tackles, but a problem is the relatively low amount of playing time. Had to be carefully managed and used, famously subbed out after the 70 minutes mark when appropriate/possible. This was his last proper season as starter and also the last of Arsenal as top two finisher (which they did in each year between 1997 and 2005). In that period there are also a few more great/greater veteran players. 'One of the best technical players that's ever played in the Premier League'👋 Welcome to the #PLHallOfFame, Dennis Bergkamp pic.twitter.com/3BpKw29JqS— Premier League (@premierleague) May 19, 2021
Roberto Baggio at 37 (born 18.02.1967) in 2003-2004 was the top rated player of the Serie A by Gazzetta dello Sport Baggio won the ranking with a 6.72 average, 2nd was Totti (6.67), then Chevanton (6.65), Nesta (6.60) and De Rossi (6.56).
I think it could well be fair to suggest I could even have included Van der Sar instead of another goalkeeper on the voting shortlist actually Puck, now I think about it. Maybe I focused more on those sometimes cited as best GK ever historically, and each one of them did have some merits at the right sort of age, but whether they were really better veteran goalkeepers than him I'm not sure. He might have been closer to his peak at 35+ I'd suspect, though Schmeichel did still have some spectacular stand-out moments, Zoff played his part in a World Cup winning team etc....
A few Irish names. Goalkeepers - Elisha Scott, Pat Jennings, Shay Given, Roy Carroll Others - Archie Goodall, Bill Lacey, Patsy Gallacher
35 years old MOTM performance https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1415859/LiveStatistics/Italy-Serie-A-2019-2020-Sampdoria-Juventus