On Sunday, Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon celebrated his 40th birthday, and while he may already be going down as one of the best goalkeepers in history, he recently joined a new club…. A club of players who have played beyond their 40th birthday. Can you guess who else joins him? Hint, there are two iconic South Africans in the list!
Since making his professional debut in 1997, the shot-stopper has gone on to enjoy a highly-decorated career, which has seen him win every domestic title in Italy and a FIFA World Cup.
It has been speculated that he is likely to retire at the end of the current season, a fate which will only be delayed should Juventus manage to win the UEFA Champions League. Thus, allowing him to compete for the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
If Buffon turns out for Juventus against Atalanta in the Coppa Italia this evening, it will officially mark his first game as a 40-year-old, meaning he has joined a list of elite footballers.
Fellow countrymen Paolo Maldini and Francesco both retired after celebrating the big four zero, along with Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs and Brazilian legend Romario.
Eager to see which players have played beyond 40? Browse the gallery above!
In South Africa, meanwhile, the late John 'Shoes' Moshoeu was playing up until the age of 42, while his fellow countryman Siyabong Nomvethe can still be found plying his trade for AmaZulu.
"Bhele" is currently the oldest player in the league, and not only holds the record for the most goals scored in the Absa Premiership, but he is also the oldest goalscorer too.
Which player do you think was the greatest to play beyond 40?