Top 10 Veteran Strikers Still Going Strong in 2025

Top 10 Veteran Strikers Still Going Strong in 2025 showcases football’s timeless goal machines who continue to defy age and expectations. In an era dominated by young talent and fast-paced tactics, these seasoned forwards have proven that class, experience, and a striker’s instinct only get sharper with time. From top European leagues to international stages, these players continue to leave fans speechless with their sharp finishing, tactical intelligence, and unshakable presence in front of goal. Whether it’s a last-minute winner, a hat-trick against the odds, or leading a young squad with poise, these veterans bring more than just goals — they bring leadership, legacy, and inspiration.

This list isn’t just a celebration of longevity, but of excellence maintained through years of physical strain, club changes, and evolving football styles. Some of these legends have reinvented their game, others remain powerhouses just as they were a decade ago. Find out which iconic names still haunt defenders and light up stadiums in 2025. From the Premier League to La Liga and beyond, these strikers prove that age is just a number when talent is eternal. Dive into the stories of the warriors who refuse to hang up their boots just yet.

10. Wissam Ben Yedder (AS Monaco / France)

At 34 going on 35, Wissam Ben Yedder continues to shine for AS Monaco in Ligue 1. While some players slow down in their early 30s, Ben Yedder remains a clinical finisher with sharp instincts inside the box. In 2025, he has already notched over a dozen goals in domestic competition, helping Monaco push for a Champions League place. His intelligent runs, composure in front of goal, and ability to operate in tight spaces make him a constant threat. Though less flashy than some of his peers, Ben Yedder’s reliability and sharp timing give him a key role in Monaco’s attack.

What makes Ben Yedder special is his adaptability. He plays equally well as a lone striker or alongside a partner, and his chemistry with Monaco’s younger attackers has brought balance to their forward line. He remains effective due to his low center of gravity, quick feet, and smart shot selection. For France, he’s no longer a regular starter but remains in the conversation due to his consistent Ligue 1 form. In 2025, Ben Yedder is proof that experience, awareness, and technical ability can keep a striker deadly well into their mid-30s.

9. Diego Costa (Atlético Mineiro / Brazil)

Diego Costa, at 35 years old, continues to make waves in the Brazilian Serie A with Atlético Mineiro. Known for his aggressive style, physicality, and instinctive goal-scoring ability, Costa remains a handful for defenders. Despite his fiery temperament and the natural slowing down that comes with age, he’s still finding the back of the net regularly and contributing vital goals for his team. In 2025, Costa has demonstrated his enduring strength in hold-up play and ability to create chances in tight spaces.

His move to Brazil allowed him to reinvent aspects of his game, focusing more on intelligent positioning and leadership on the pitch. Costa’s experience has been invaluable for Atlético Mineiro as they compete for domestic titles and continental honors. Though he’s stepped away from the European stage, his passion and intensity have not diminished. Internationally, he has been less active recently, but his club performances prove that Diego Costa still belongs in conversations about elite veteran forwards. In 2025, he’s a true example of resilience and determination, showing that with grit and heart, age is just a number.

8. Ciro Immobile (Lazio / Italy)

At 35, Ciro Immobile has reasserted himself as Lazio’s talisman in the 2024/25 season. After a slightly quieter period, the Italian forward roared back in 2025 with a flurry of goals that reminded everyone why he’s among Serie A’s top scorers of the last decade. With over 18 goals already this campaign, Immobile has led Lazio’s charge for European qualification, scoring with both precision and passion. His movement inside the box and ability to find space remain among the best in Italy.

Beyond his goals, Immobile has become a mentor for Lazio’s younger players, setting an example with tireless work rate and elite professionalism. He’s adapted his game, relying more on positioning and timing rather than raw speed. For Italy, his experience is still valuable, especially in high-pressure fixtures. Immobile’s dedication to Lazio and consistent performances in one of Europe’s most tactical leagues prove he’s not just coasting on past achievements. In 2025, he’s still delivering when it counts, making him one of the most impactful veterans in world football.

7. Edinson Cavani (Boca Juniors / Uruguay)

Edinson Cavani, now 37, continues to prove his worth as a lethal striker for Valencia in La Liga. Known for his relentless work ethic, sharp finishing, and tactical awareness, Cavani remains a threat to defenses week in, week out. Despite his age, he has maintained impressive fitness levels, helping him stay competitive in one of Europe’s toughest leagues. His knack for being in the right place at the right time means he continues to rack up important goals, often in crucial moments.

Cavani’s experience is invaluable for Valencia’s younger attacking talents, as he often acts as a mentor both on and off the pitch. Internationally, while Uruguay is rebuilding, Cavani’s leadership and occasional goal contributions have been crucial during qualifying campaigns. His style of play may have evolved, focusing more on intelligent positioning than raw speed, but his goal-scoring instincts remain razor-sharp. In 2025, Cavani exemplifies how determination, professionalism, and skill can keep a veteran striker performing at the highest level for many years.

6. Edin Džeko (Fenerbahçe / Bosnia & Herzegovina)

Edin Džeko continues to defy age at 39, leading the line with poise and power for Turkish giants Fenerbahçe. In 2025, the Bosnian forward remains a consistent goal threat, scoring crucial goals in both domestic competition and European qualifiers. While his pace has waned, Džeko’s understanding of the game, movement in the box, and aerial dominance make him a nightmare for defenders. He still manages to pop up in key moments, using his towering presence and sharp instincts to turn half-chances into goals.

More than just a striker, Džeko has become a mentor figure at Fenerbahçe. Young attackers benefit from his experience and calmness under pressure. His ability to hold up the ball and involve teammates adds depth to the team’s attacking patterns. For Bosnia, he remains the national captain and leader, guiding a young squad with dignity and resolve. In 2025, Džeko has shown that with the right mentality, veteran strikers can still be match-winners. His consistency and intelligence have allowed him to extend his career at the top level, making him one of the most respected elder statesmen in the game. His finishing touch may be aged, but it’s still pure class.

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5. Luis Suárez (Inter Miami / Uruguay)

Luis Suárez’s move to Inter Miami alongside Lionel Messi seemed like a nostalgic reunion at first—but in 2025, Suárez is proving it’s much more. At 38, he has been a goal-scoring machine in MLS, combining his fiery competitiveness with clinical finishing. With more than 15 goals in the current season, Suárez is showing that his sharp instincts haven’t dulled. He’s scored from close range, curled them in from distance, and even netted match-winners in dramatic fashion.

His partnership with Messi reignited their Barcelona chemistry, creating magic in Miami’s attack. Suárez plays with wisdom—positioning himself perfectly, drawing defenders away, and making space for his teammates. Off the field, he’s also a valuable figure, bringing grit and leadership to a team aiming to raise the league’s global profile. Even for Uruguay, Suárez still plays a role as a veteran leader and occasional impact sub. His 2025 season is proof that hunger doesn’t age. He’s embraced a new chapter, adapted to a new league, and continues to show why he was once the world’s most feared number 9. Suárez isn’t just surviving—he’s thriving in his own fierce, unforgettable way.

4. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona / Poland)

Even as he nears 37, Robert Lewandowski remains a critical piece of Barcelona’s frontline in 2025. Though his explosive goal-scoring has slightly tapered, his overall impact has evolved. He’s become more of a creative force, linking play and guiding younger attackers like Lamine Yamal and Vitor Roque. Still, Lewandowski has scored over 20 goals across competitions this season, reminding critics he can still finish at the highest level. His technique, movement, and football IQ are as sharp as ever.

What truly sets Lewandowski apart is his adaptability. He’s adjusted his game, dropping deeper when needed and helping orchestrate Barca’s buildup play. He remains lethal from the penalty spot and is still a force in the air. For Poland, he continues to wear the armband with pride, contributing crucial goals in qualifiers. While others from his era have slowed down or stepped away, Lewandowski keeps pushing forward—mentally focused, physically fit, and still deadly when it matters. In 2025, he stands as a symbol of consistency, professionalism, and top-level quality, even in the twilight of his career.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr / Portugal)

Cristiano Ronaldo might be playing in the Saudi Pro League, but his form in 2025 proves he’s far from finished. At 40, he’s defied age by maintaining elite physical condition, netting goals at a remarkable rate for Al-Nassr. With more than 25 goals already this calendar year, Ronaldo has been pivotal in Al-Nassr’s title push, scoring headers, long-range strikes, and trademark penalties. He remains one of the league’s most-watched and feared attackers, blending fitness, ambition, and experience into unstoppable forward play.

Off the pitch, Ronaldo’s leadership continues to inspire both teammates and millions of fans. On the international stage, he remains available for Portugal and even scored in their 2025 UEFA qualifiers. Though his European chapter may have closed, his legacy only grows stronger with every performance. What sets Ronaldo apart isn’t just his numbers—it’s his relentless drive to stay relevant and decisive, regardless of the setting. He has adapted to the demands of the Saudi league and continues to raise the standards for older players. In 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t just playing—he’s winning, scoring, and proving that true legends never fade quietly. His presence still commands respect in every stadium he steps into.

2. Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad / France)

Even at 37, Karim Benzema remains a world-class striker for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. After leaving Real Madrid, many expected his influence to fade—but in 2025, he’s proving that class is permanent. With over 20 goals across competitions this season, Benzema continues to show his remarkable finishing ability, composed decision-making, and elite movement. He scores from tight angles, volleys, and long-range efforts—reminding fans why he won the Ballon d’Or just a few years ago.

What sets Benzema apart is his evolution. He’s transitioned into more of a playmaking forward, assisting teammates and pulling defenders out of position. His vision and passing have added a creative layer to Al-Ittihad’s frontline. Despite playing outside Europe, Benzema’s performances remain at a high level, and his influence on the team is massive—both tactically and mentally. He also keeps himself in prime physical condition, allowing him to compete against younger defenders and lead the line effectively. In 2025, Benzema stands tall as a veteran who never lost his edge. He’s not just still playing—he’s still elite.

1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami / Argentina)

Lionel Messi continues to perform at a world-class level in 2025, even at 38, leading Inter Miami to domestic and continental success. He’s redefined what it means to age gracefully in football. With over 25 goals and 20 assists in the ongoing season, Messi has proven that vision, technique, and intelligence can often outperform youth. His left foot still delivers magic—whether it’s a curling free kick, a precise through ball, or a moment of breathtaking dribbling that leaves defenders frozen.

But Messi’s influence goes beyond numbers. He’s transformed Inter Miami into a global brand, helping raise the standard of MLS and attracting international stars to the league. His connection with Luis Suárez has reignited their famous chemistry, while his leadership inspires the squad around him. For Argentina, he remains the heart of the national team, guiding them in qualifiers and mentoring the next generation. In 2025, Lionel Messi isn’t just a footballer—he’s an icon who continues to shape the game. His ability to impact matches with minimal effort and maximum elegance secures his spot as the greatest veteran striker still dazzling the world.

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