In mainstream football discourse, there’s a tendency to equate media visibility with relevance. When a player exits Europe’s top five leagues or no longer trends on social platforms, we often assume the curtain has fallen. Yet, the global game stretches far beyond headline moments and transfer windows. In 2025, a select group of seasoned professionals continues to compete, not for spectacle, but for substance.

Still on the pitch, still in the game

Roque Santa Cruz, at 43, exemplifies career longevity grounded in resilience and purpose. Once a striking presence in the Bundesliga and Premier League, he now leads Club Libertad in Paraguay. The same poise that carried him through Bayern Munich and Manchester City remains evident, but what distinguishes him now is his dual role: competitor and mentor.

Santi Cazorla‘s presence in the Segunda División at age 40 speaks to the intersection of talent, perseverance, and cultural loyalty. Multiple surgeries nearly ended his playing days, yet he returned to Real Oviedo not for ease, but as a gesture of reciprocal gratitude. His technical quality persists, and his choice to compete where his journey began reinforces football’s emotional geometry.

Andre Pierre Gignac, now 39, has become an institution at Tigres UANL in Monterrey. After departing European football, Gignac authored a rare second act, one in which his impact arguably exceeds that of his prime years in . For nearly a decade, he has embodied continuity in Liga MX, offering tactical stability and a strong connection with fans.

For others, continuation means recalibration. Shinji Kagawa, 36, plies his trade at Cerezo Osaka. Though his stints with Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United are distant memories, his creative instincts remain sharp. In Japan, his presence carries both symbolic and technical significance.

Andy Carroll‘s trajectory defies conventional arcs. At 36, he plays in Ligue 2 with Bordeaux. Once a record signing for Liverpool, Carroll now operates in a quieter register. What remains is his aerial strength and commitment to physical football, fundamentals often sidelined in modern systems.

Lukas Podolski, aged 35, has returned to Poland with Górnik Zabrze. A former champion, Podolski now foregrounds identity over accolades. His move was as much about cultural return as it was about athletic output. In Górnik, he has integrated as both a local ambassador and a functioning squad member.

Miralem Pjanic, also 35, has found competitive rhythm in Russia with CSKA Moscow. Known for his metronomic passing and positional intelligence, Pjanic continues to influence matches despite the absence of widespread visibility. His career, spanning Lyon, Roma, Juventus, and Barcelona, now enters a phase defined by stability.

Douglas Costa, 34, has brought his explosive skill set to Sydney FC. Once a dynamic winger in elite European clubs, Costa has adapted to the A-League’s tempo. Injuries derailed earlier phases of his career, but his technical quality allows for continued contribution in Australia.

Oscar, at 33, has resurfaced in with São Paulo FC. Once considered a cornerstone at Chelsea, Oscar’s trajectory diverged from conventional narratives. Rather than fade entirely, he has re-engaged with South American football, demonstrating how personal values can reorient professional choices.

This cohort illustrates that retirement isn’t a singular endpoint, but a fluid decision shaped by health, context, and motivation. Footballers can reframe relevance by embracing non-linear pathways. Their stories are not defined by the absence of spotlight, but by the presence of intention.

They are not relics, nor are they aging like wine in Messi and Ronaldo. Still, they are reminders that the game extends beyond the top tier.