Football is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world, yet some players seem to defy age and time with sheer passion and perseverance. Among them, Kazuyoshi Miura stands as a living legend. Born in 1967, the Japanese striker is now over 50 years old and still actively playing professional football. While his peers have either gained weight, taken up managerial roles, or retired completely, Miura continues to chase the ball with unwavering determination.

In March, during a J2 League match between Yokohama FC and Thespakusatsu Gunma, Miura scored the only goal of the game in the 40th minute. At 50 years and 14 days old, he became the oldest player to ever score in a professional match—an achievement that rewrites football history. His story reminds many sports fans of the enduring power of dedication, much like the growing popularity of BD Cricket, where seasoned players also continue to shine.

Similarly, Brazilian star Zé Roberto, once a marquee name at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Bayer Leverkusen, continues to play in Brazil’s top-tier league. After a stint in the Middle East, he returned to Brazil with Grêmio and later signed with Palmeiras in 2015. Even as he aged, Zé Roberto remained a key player, displaying energy and agility that defy his years. Watching him dash across the pitch, it’s hard to believe he’s anywhere near retirement.

Then there’s Rafael Márquez, the former Barcelona defender who continues to fight hard on the field at age 38. After leaving Europe, Márquez returned to Mexico and signed with Atlas. Not only is he still a regular starter at the club level, but he also continues to be a central figure for the Mexican national team. In the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, he played a pivotal role in helping Mexico secure early qualification. If all goes according to plan, he’ll captain his country in the World Cup for the fifth time—a feat few can match.

Another example is Lucio, the formidable Brazilian center-back who found success at Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, and later Inter Milan. At Inter, Lucio led a rock-solid defense and helped the club win the historic treble during the 2009–2010 season. Although his form dipped in the following years, leading him through various clubs in Brazil and even India, Lucio surprised many by announcing his return to Europe and joining a fourth-division German club. Even now, he’s relishing every moment the sport offers.

And we can’t forget Diego Forlán, once the face of Uruguayan football before the rise of Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani. After a frustrating stint at Manchester United, Forlán moved to Spain where he flourished at Villarreal and Atlético Madrid, winning two La Liga Golden Boots and the European Golden Shoe. He stole the show at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, leading Uruguay to the semifinals and claiming the tournament’s Golden Ball. Even as his form declined with age, Forlán didn’t quit. In fact, at 39, he began a new chapter in the Indian Super League.

These players have proven that age is just a number. Their stories resonate not only with football fans but also with supporters of BD Cricket, where veteran talent continues to capture the hearts of millions. Whether it’s a last-minute goal or a perfectly timed pass, legends like these remind us that passion for the game never truly fades. Just as BD Cricket thrives on grit and legacy, so too do these football warriors whose careers defy all odds.