Soccer is both a physically and mentally demanding game. It takes immense dedication and mental fortitude to be one of the leading men in this sport. More so when Father Time is not in your corner. By 35, most players either hang up their boots or go to an easier league, possibly in a lower division.
However, there are a few exceptions, players who not only continue to compete in a prominent league but also maintain their market value by producing impressive performances match after match.
In the list below, we will tip our hat to them, checking out the five most valuable players aged 35 and over.
#5 Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich): €8 million ($8.4 million)
Kicking off the list is everyone’s beloved “Raumdeuter”, Bayern Munich stalwart, Thomas Muller. With a market valuation of €8 million ($8.4 million), the self-proclaimed “interpreter of space” is the most valuable 35-year-old in the Bundesliga at the moment.
Muller, who sees his Bayern Munich contract run out on June 30, 2025, has struggled for minutes this season, with Vincent Kompany giving opportunities to younger players. So far, the 12-time Bundesliga winner has played just 635 minutes across 18 games, chipping in with three goals and three assists.
#4 Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad): €10 million ($10.5 million)
Al-Ittihad poster boy Karim Benzema is the fourth name on the list, with the 36-year-old’s market value sitting at a respectable $10.5 million. The Real Madrid legend, who moved to the desert in the summer of 2023, sees his current deal expire on June 30, 2026.
Benzema, who won the 2022 Ballon d’Or after guiding Los Blancos to the Champions League, La Liga, and Supercopa de Espana in the 2021-22 season, had a difficult first season for Al-Ittihad. With injuries impacting his flow, Benzema only managed to score nine goals and provide seven assists in 21 Saudi Pro League matches.
Fortunately for Al-Ittihad, the Frenchman has managed to stay fit this season. As a result, he has already matched his league goal tally from last season in just nine matches, propelling Al-Ittihad to the top of the Saudi Pro League rankings.
#3 Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona): €15 million ($15.7 million)
The most valuable player over the age of 35 in Europe, Barcelona ace Robert Lewandowski is worth a cool €15 million ($15.7 million), according to Transfermarkt. The 36-year-old striker, who is the leading active scorer — third overall — in the UEFA Champions League (101 goals), is contractually tied to the Blaugrana until June 2026.
Lewandowski helped Barcelona to the La Liga title in his debut season, chipping in with a Pichichi-winning 23 strikes in 34 games. He could only manage 19 strikes in 2023-24 as Real Madrid beat Barca in the title race.
Under Hansi Flick, Lewandowski has been in a league of his own this season. He has scored 15 goals in as many matches in La Liga, emerging as the frontrunner in the Pichichi race.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr): €15 million ($15.7 million)
By far the oldest player on this list, 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is currently worth a handsome €15 million ($15.7 million). The fact that he is not only thriving for Al-Nassr but is also the second-most valuable player over the age of 34 — ahead of Manchester City pair Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gundogan — is a testament to his longevity.
Ronaldo, who moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in January 2023, had an explosive 2023-24 campaign. He played 31 Saudi Pro League matches, scoring 35 times and providing 11 assists. However, despite his best efforts, Al-Nassr could not secure the Saudi top-flight title.
Ronaldo has carried his fine form over to the 2024-25 season, emerging as one of the best players in the division. He has scored nine goals and provided two assists in 11 league games so far.
#1 Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): €25 million ($26.2 million)
Out of Europe and comfortably past his prime, Lionel Messi is still making waves in soccer. According to Transfermarkt, the 37-year-old is worth €25 million ($26.2 million) at the moment, which makes him the most valuable player over the age of 35.
Messi, who won his second consecutive Copa America with Argentine over the summer, enjoyed a blistering 2024 MLS season with Inter Miami. Due to injuries and fitness concerns, Messi only played 19 matches across the regular season in MLS. However, he more than lived up to expectations in those games, scoring 20 goals and providing 10 assists, helping the Herons to the Supporters’ Shield. Unfortunately for Miami, their talisman could not carry his form over to the MLS Cup Playoffs as they exited in the first round after losing to Atlanta United.
