With the introduction of improved performance training, recovery techniques, and strict diet regimens, footballers have achieved higher levels of fitness. As a result, many modern players are now able to play well into their late thirties.
In this article, we take a look at the ten oldest players that have featured in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season.
Note: The ages mentioned in the headings below have been taken from Transfermarkt at the time of writing.
10. Neto | Arsenal FC | 35 years, 203 days
Neto plays as a second-choice goalkeeper for the Gunners. The 35-year-old joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Bournemouth in August 2024.
Before joining Arsenal, Neto played two Premier League games for the Cherries, against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, before moving on deadline day. Both games ended in a 1-1 draw.
Neto hasn’t been able to get much game time at Arsenal, with David Raya firmly in place as their first-choice keeper. He recently made his debut for Arsenal in the Champions League in a 2-1 win over Girona.
9. Martin Dúbravka | Newcastle United FC | 36 years, 18 days
Martin Dúbravka is a Slovakian footballer who is currently a second-choice goalkeeper at Newcastle United—behind Nick Pope. Dúbravka joined Newcastle in January 2018 from Sparta Prague initially on a season-long loan move before moving for good the following summer.
Dúbravka has appeared in a total of 14 games for the Magpies this season across all competitions, keeping eight clean sheets and helping them make the EFL Cup final.
There are rumours that the veteran Slovak wants a move away from St James’ Park after this season for more playing time. It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will oblige.
8. Séamus Coleman | Everton FC | 36 years, 119 days
Séamus Coleman is an Irish right-back who has been playing for the Toffees since 2009. After returning from a short-term loan to Blackpool in March 2010, Coleman has been one of the most influential players for the Merseyside Blues. Club captain since 2019, Coleman signed a one-year extension in May 2024 to remain at Goodison Park till the end of June 2025.
Coleman has been limited to four appearances for Everton this season, three league games and one League Cup game, due to recurrent injury issues. Upon the sacking of Sean Dyche, he was handed the interim charge of the team alongside Leighton Baines for Everton’s FA Cup game against Peterborough United.
With Nathan Patterson getting more game time, and given his own injury issues, it remains to be seen if Everton offer Coleman another year on his playing contract.
7. Adam Lallana | Southampton FC | 36 years, 273 days
A former Southampton academy player who joined the club as a 12-year-old in 2000, Adam Lallana returned to St Mary’s Stadium in June 2024 on a one-year deal after leaving Brighton.
The English attacking midfielder has played 17 games for the Saints this season, including 13 PL, one FA Cup, and three EFL Cup appearances.
A talented operator, Lallana’s career has been marred with serious injuries, preventing him from showing his true potential. However, he has still managed to win major honours and can impact games with his creativity.
6. Fraser Forster | Tottenham Hotspur FC | 36 years, 327 days
Fraser Forster is an English goalkeeper currently playing his trade for Tottenham Hotspur. Forster is a veteran of English football, having also represented the likes of Newcastle United, Norwich City, and Southampton before joining Spurs in July 2022.
Due to a long-term injury to Spurs’ first-choice keeper, Gugliemlo Vicario, Forster has had ample opportunities between the sticks this season. The 36-year-old has featured in a total of 13 appearances for the North London outfit, including seven PL games, four Europa League, and two EFL Cup games, in which he has only managed two clean sheets.
Since the arrival of Antonín Kinský in January and Vicario’s return from injury, chances of Forster getting more game time this season look bleak.
5. Jonny Evans | Manchester United FC | 37 years, 35 days
Northern Irish defender Jonny Evans came through the academy ranks of Man United, making his senior debut for them back in 2007 against Coventry City in the League Cup. After making 131 appearances for United, he moved away in 2015, playing for West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City before returning to Old Trafford in 2023.
This season, Evans has made 12 appearances for the Red Devils, including six PL, three EFL Cup, and two Europa League appearances, having also featured in the Community Shield. He also scored a goal during United’s EFL Cup quarter-final defeat against Spurs.
The 37-year-old defender has definitely lost pace and is more injury-prone now, but every time he is called upon to perform, he gives it his all for his club.
4. Jamie Vardy | Leicester City FC | 38 years, 27 days
English striker Jamie Vardy is a Leicester City veteran, having been with the Foxes since 2012, contributing with a massive 198 goals in 487 appearances. Vardy has helped Leicester City to Premier League and FA Cup triumphs during his tenure at the King Power Stadium, and even though many offers from top clubs have arrived in that time, he has stayed loyal to the club.
After getting promoted from the EFL Championship last season, Vardy has played in 23 games for Leicester this term, bagging eight goals and three assists.
Vardy may have lost his pace in his advanced age, but he is still a lethal striker with incredible game intelligence and awareness. He could still play a massive role in Leicester’s fight to avoid the drop.
3. James Milner | Brighton & Hove Albion FC | 39 years, 34 days
English midfielder James Milner was one of the top English talents in his early days. Coming through the ranks at Leeds United, the 39-year-old has gone on to represent many top Premier League sides, including Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and now Brighton, whom he joined in 2023 on a free. Thanks to his stints with City and Liverpool, Milner has won most major club honours, including Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Club World Cup titles.
So far this season, the 39-year-old hasn’t featured much, playing only three league games under new Seagulls boss Fabian Hürzeler. His former coach, Roberto De Zerbi, played him more often due to his versatility to play in midfield and defence—both centrally and out wide.
Having made 637 PL appearances, Milner’s longevity is a testament to his skill, fitness, perseverance, professionalism, and discipline. Even on the cusp of retirement, the Englishman remains a tough character who still gets the job done with minimal fuss.
2. Ashley Young | Everton FC | 39 years, 213 days
Ashley Young is yet another Premier League player who has defied age and is still going strong in his late thirties. A winger in his prime, he now plays as a fullback.
The 39-year-old has won major honours over the course of his career, collecting Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and Europa League medals with United before winning the Serie A with Inter Milan. After playing for Aston Villa upon his return to the Premier League, he signed with the Toffees in July 2023.
This season, Young has played a total of 23 games for Everton, registering a goal and three assists. In total, he has made a massive 595 Premier League appearances in his career.
1. Lukasz Fabianski | West Ham United FC | 39 years, 295 days
Lukasz Fabianski is a Polish goalkeeper who has been playing in the Premier League since 2007. He represented Arsenal and Swansea City before joining current club West Ham United in 2018. He lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy with the Hammers in 2023.
In total, Fabianski has made 375 Premier League appearances. He remains a top-class goalkeeper and has played 16 games for West Ham this season, keeping four clean sheets.
With West Ham struggling in the league, Fabianski has made massive saves in important moments. The Polish goalkeeper could still play a role for Graham Potter’s men going forward as they look to return to challenging for the European spots in the league table.
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