Chelsea's Thiago Silva turns 38 years old today and the centre-back continues to have an impact at the highest level of football.
Since joining the Blues in the summer of 2020, the Brazilian has exceeded all expectations in terms of playing time. Many were expecting him to be added as excellent cover as well as bringing the qualities of a leader in the dressing room, but he has been a first-team regular going on to make 89 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions.
He is the current oldest outfield player in the Premier League who continues to play frequently. With that in mind, we take a look at the other outfield stars in the top flight who are continuing to gain regular minutes despite their veteran status.
*Matches played since the start of 2020-21 season in all competitions
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) - 37 years 229 days (115 matches)
The multi-record-breaking Portuguese star has been another pioneer in football for players in their 30s, constantly proving that your career can be prolonged if you have the skill as well as an intense fitness routine and strict diet.
Ashley Young (Aston Villa) - 37 years 75 days (63 matches)
Young has had an interesting career that saw him rise to stardom at Villa after coming through at Watford. He then spent nine years with Manchester United and slowly transitioned from a winger into a full-back. He spent a season with Inter Milan under Antonio Conte, winning Serie A before making his return to Villa Park last year.
James Milner (Liverpool) - 36 years 261 days (84 matches)
The stalwart figure has become part of the furniture of the Premier League over the last 20 years and he has had an action-packed career. Like Young, he has seen his position change over the years as he has moved from central midfield to playing on the left and right side of the defences.
Joao Moutinho (Wolverhampton Wanderers) - 36 years nine days (106 matches)
The Portuguese midfielder has been a key figure for Wolves upon their return to the Premier League and their memorable Europa League campaign in 2018-19. Like the other players in this list, he has been proving that age is just a number as he continues to be selected to pull on the Old Gold.
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) - 35 years 254 days (82 matches)
The man famous for having a party has seen his rise in football synonymous with Leicester City as they won the Premier League and later added an FA Cup to their trophy cabinet. Despite making his Premier League debut at 27, he has over 100 goals in the division to his name and has continued to be a source of goals for the Foxes when fit.
Tim Ream (Fulham) - 34 years 352 days (69 matches)
The American defender has had a long association with English football having joined Bolton Wanderers in 2012. Since joining Fulham, he has been a key figure in the heart of the back line.
Jonny Evans (Leicester City) - 34 years 262 days (86 matches)
The Northern Ireland centre-back has largely been a dependable figure at the King Power Stadium, but like his teammates, the standard has dropped over the last 12 months. Nonetheless, he continues to show he has what it takes at this level as he is regularly thrown into battle by Brendan Rodgers.
Have a great day, Jonny! 🎂
Angelo Ogbonna (West Ham United) - 34 years 122 days (46 matches)
West Ham were hit hard by the Italian defender’s injury suffered in 2021-22 as he had been their most consistent performer in the back line. Since his return he has been put back into action by David Moyes as he knows how much he can depend on Ogbonna’s experience.
