The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already moved into the second round of the group stage. The standings are beginning to take shape, the first playoff participants have been determined, but the main focus of fans is currently not on dry statistics, but on a unique phenomenon. On the field, they are proving that there are no limits to the physical development of the human body: one can be a top footballer even at 40 years old.
RBC-Ukraine has compiled an improvised hit parade of the oldest players of the tournament, whose stories have become the main intrigue of this World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Millions invested in his body and controversial decisions
The Portuguese legend recently stated that, by his own feeling, his body is in the shape of a 28-year-old athlete. These are not just words: Ronaldo invests millions in maintaining his physical form, and the result is visible — at 41, he continues to perform at the highest level.
However, not everyone shares the enthusiasm for his game. After the first match of the Portuguese national team against DR Congo, the opinion became popular among fans that Ronaldo hinders his teammates more than he helps them. Nevertheless, his presence on the field remains a fact that cannot be ignored.
Luka Modric: Sixth World Cup and errors in the start
For the Croatian, this is already his sixth World Cup, but it seems this does not bother him. Last season, Modric was one of the best players of AC Milan, playing 37 matches in all tournaments. He has 2 goals and 3 assists to his credit, but the main thing is that his influence on the team's game was significant.
The start of the World Cup 2026 went not the best way for the Croatian. In the match against England, he led to a penalty against his own team as early as the 12th minute, clearing the ball late in front of Madueke. It is expected that Modric will fix the situation in the next games.
Edin Dzeko: Return to the elite and a tough start
Last season, the striker started in Fiorentina, and in the winter he moved to Schalke, where he helped the German team return to the Bundesliga. In 12 matches, Edin scored 6 goals. The result: Schalke is back in the elite, Dzeko is in great form, but the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team is currently having a hard time at the World Cup.
It is worth noting that Edin himself played only 64 minutes, and that in the second match, which speaks to his role in the current tournament.
Manuel Neuer: "Farewell tour" or a new chapter?
The legend of the German national team continues to surprise. His retirement from the "Bundesmannschaft" resembles the farewell tour of the band Scorpions. During Euro 2024, Neuer stated: "That's it, I'm finishing my appearances for the national team after this tournament".
As you can see, the decision was reconsidered. Now the situation is repeating itself: Neuer continues to assure that after the World Cup 2026 he plans to leave the national team. At Euro 2028, if Germany gets there, he will no longer be there. The statistics speak for themselves: at World Cups, Neuer played 21 matches, conceded 17 goals, but kept his goal intact in 7 encounters.
The goalkeeper from Cape Verde: A star from nowhere
The main sensation of this championship. The goalkeeper from Cape Verde arrived at the tournament as an unknown player, but his bright performance in the match against Spain made him a real star.
From 46 thousand followers on Instagram, his popularity grew to 14.6 million in a few days! It is hard to say how this will affect the goalkeeper's future career (40 years is a solid age), but this is already definitely one of the brightest stories of this World Cup.
Fernando Muslera: Nostalgia for 2010
A representative of the Uruguayan generation that remembers the magnificent World Cup of 2010. In addition to Suarez, Forlan, and Godin, Muslera was also a star of that team, who did not concede a single goal in the group stage back then.
Repeating this achievement at the current World Cup, Fernando failed — he conceded a goal to Saudi Arabia.
Galindez and Messi: Two styles, one goal
Another goalkeeper, but with a less star status. This player started playing for the Ecuador national team only in 2021. Galindez spent his entire club career in South American clubs, and debuted at the World Cup in 2022.
And, finally, the legendary Argentine Lionel Messi. He refuses to age: a hat-trick in the first match against Algeria once again made people talk about Messi's greatness. Yes, his style of play has changed: there are no more hurricane runs and dribbling past half of the opponent's team. The current Messi relies on accuracy and long-range shots. And, as the match against Algeria showed, this strategy works perfectly.