Football fans and media often focus on young players and the next new talent, but the veterans of the game still have a lot to offer. Particularly in FIFA 23, as this could be the last game they are in, as many of them are close to retirement. Note that this list only includes active players and not Icons and FUT Heroes in Ultimate Team.

7 Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva is the definition of a legendary center-back. The 38-year-old Brazilian has won 32 trophies and 35 individual honors, making him one of the most decorated players of all time. He has played all over the world and is now commanding the Chelsea defense in the Premier League.

Despite his limited pace, his 86-rated FIFA 23 card boasts incredible defensive stats. An anchor chemistry style brings him to 53 pace, 54 shooting, 73 passing, 72 dribbling, 93 defending, and 81 physical. The 6ft Brazilian is a rock at the back, nothing will get past him despite his age.

6 Hugo Lloris

World Cup winner and Tottenham Hotspur legend Hugo Lloris has been one of the best keepers in the world for many years. He may not be the most decorated goalkeeper of his generation, but that’s understandable after playing for Tottenham for so many years. Despite this, his quality and leadership have always been recognized over his 800-plus career appearances. He was even awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honour which is France’s highest military and civil honor.

With a basic chemistry style, the 6ft2 Frenchman has 92 diving, 87 handling, 78 kicking, 92 reflexes, 64 speed, and 88 positioning. His 87-rated card plays brilliantly in-game, the 35-year-old is one of the best goalkeepers in FIFA 23.

5 Keylor Navas

Keylor Navas is one of the best South American goalkeepers of all time. The 35-year-old Costa Rican international has won 26 trophies and 24 individual honors. He has been part of many incredible teams including the Real Madrid team that won the Champions League 3 times in a row. The 6ft1 goalkeeper was also named the best player of the 2011-2020 decade by IFFHS CONCACAF.

In FIFA 23, he has an 88-rated card with the cautious with crosses and GK long throw traits. A basic chemistry style takes the Costa Rican up to 93 diving, 88 handling, 79 kicking, 93 reflexes, 56 speed, and 91 positioning. The Paris Saint-Germain player is the joint-best goalkeeper in Ligue 1 and an incredible player in FIFA 23.

4 Luka Modric

It’s no surprise that former Balon D’or winner and Real Madrid legend Luka Modric is on this list. Over his 20-year career, there aren’t many midfielders that come close to the Croatian international. More than 900 career appearances, 27 trophies including 5 Champions League titles, and an unprecedented 77 individual awards are just some highlights of his astonishing career.

The 5ft8 central midfielder is an explosive player with 4-star skills and a 4-star weak foot. With a basic chemistry style, the 37-year-old has 75 pace, 78 shooting, 92 passing, 91 dribbling, 75 defending, and 68 physical. He is an incredible playmaker with amazing dribbling that reflects his unbelievable career.

3 Manuel Neuer

World Cup winner Manuel Neuer has often been hailed as the best goalkeeper in the world during his outstanding 18-year career. He defined what it means to be a modern keeper. His playmaking ability, sweeper-keeper style, and shot-stopping prowess make him the complete keeper. More than 800 appearances, 31 trophies including 10 Bundesliga titles for Bayern Munich, and 53 individual honors make him a true legend of German goalkeeping.

The 6ft4 German has a 4-star weak foot as well as the comes for crosses, rushes out of goal, gk long throw, and leadership traits. A basic chemistry style almost maxes out his stats at 91 diving, 92 handling, 95 kicking, 92 reflexes, 59 speed, and 95 positioning. He is the joint highest-rated goalkeeper in the game and a true footballing legend.

2 Cristiano Ronaldo

The man that needs no introduction, arguably the greatest player of all time Cristiano Ronaldo is still scoring goals for fun in FIFA 23. Despite his recent struggles at Manchester United, the Portuguese international has broken every record in the book. An all-time high of 700 career goals, 32 trophies, and 30 individual honors including 5 Balon D’ors don’t do justice to his contribution to football.

The 90-rated, 6ft2, 37-year-old legend has 5-star skills, a 4-star weak foot, as well as the outside foot shot, flair, and power-free kick traits. A hunter chemistry style takes him to 89 pace, 97 shooting, 78 passing, 85 dribbling, 34 defending, and 75 physical. He has always been an incredible player in FIFA and this year is no different.

1 Lionel Messi

7 time Balon D’or winner Lionel Messi is the best player over 35 years old on FIFA 23. The Barcelona and Argentina legend is the most talented player to ever grace a football pitch. He made Barcelona the club they are and brought unparalleled success to the Catalan giants. 808 career goals, 39 trophies, and 47 individual honors are just some of his phenomenal career highlights. He set a new world record in 2012 for most goals in a calendar year at a ridiculous 91 goals.

In FIFA 23, now playing for Paris Saint-Germain, he is the ultimate explosive tricky winger, at 5ft7 with 4-star skills and weak foot. His finesse shot trait combined with his 89 pace, 94 shooting, 90 passing, 94 dribbling, 34 defending, and 64 physical with a hunter chemistry style make him the ultimate forward. Lionel Messi plays brilliantly in-game but that’s nothing close to his exceptional career.

FIFA 23 is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, and PC.