In professional soccer, a player's career tends to end very early. It is a profession with little time for development. If someone starts playing at the age of 15, he does not have an expectation of more than 20 years of activity, because the physical effort starts to take its toll very soon. In other professions not associated with sports, a professional career can easily last 40 years.

However, renowned players have extended their careers beyond the usual retirement age. Sergio Ramos, 38, is close to signing for a Mexican club, proving that he is still a key player in the defense. Radamel Falcao García, also 38, renewed his contract with Millonarios, a team from his native Colombia. Cristiano Ronaldo, nearing his 40th birthday, continues to compete with Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr with outstanding performances. Lionel Messi, although he has changed leagues, maintains a high level with Inter Miami of the MLS. Other players such as Tacuara Cardozo continue to prove his relevance despite he is 41 years old.

Modern football is evolving to accommodate more experienced players. Teams have begun to value not only physical condition but also the leadership and tactical intelligence that veteran players bring to the field. This trend has also been influenced by advancements in physical preparation, nutrition, and sports medicine, which have enabled footballers to extend their careers.

The concept of seniority in football has become crucial for teams seeking a balance between youth and experience. The presence of veteran players in competitive squads not only impacts team performance but also helps shape new generations of footballers.

This lesson can be extended to many aspects of life, organizations, and society. Experience and the knowledge gained from it are valuable assets that today could be under threat from digital disruption. Soccer leaves important lessons on this front because it is clear that if seniority continues to have value in an activity that demands a lot of physical capacity, it must be the same on many other fronts of life.

Longevity in Football

Throughout football history, there have been emblematic cases of sports longevity. Colombian goalkeeper Farid Mondragón holds the record as the oldest player to participate in a World Cup match, doing so at 43 years old in the 2014 Brazil World Cup.

Another exceptional case is that of Japanese player Kazuyoshi Miura, who, at 56, remains active in professional football. Miura, known as "King Kazu," has played in various leagues worldwide and maintains a physical condition that allows him to compete with much younger players.

The continued presence of veteran players in professional football is changing perceptions about age in the sport. Clubs and coaches are reconsidering age as a determining factor for retirement, instead evaluating players based on performance and tactical contribution.

This trend also sends a message about the importance of experience in various areas of life. Just as football acknowledges the value of seniority, in other professional fields, the combination of experience and knowledge remains a key factor for success.

Football is evolving, and with it, the definition of when a player should retire. As long as footballers continue to challenge age limits, the discussion about longevity in the sport will remain open, influencing future generations of players and fans.