Aubameyang, Herrera, and other former EPL stars who have opted against retirement
By Luke Oluoch, September 2, 2026The 2026/27 campaign stands as a tribute to football’s enduring veterans.
While the 2026 World Cup served as a farewell for several iconic figures, a select group of world-class veterans are defying time, choosing to delay retirement for one final chapter.
From South America to Europe’s third tier, these icons are adapting their playstyles and leveraging their experience to extend their legendary careers.
Ander Herrera’s return to Spain
Perhaps no journey this season is as poignant as that of Ander Herrera. After competing on football’s most glamorous stages—from Manchester United’s Old Trafford to Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera—the 37-year-old former Spain international has opted to ply his trade in the Spanish third division.
In August 2026, Herrera signed for his boyhood club, Real Zaragoza, on a free transfer.
It is a dramatic shift to perform in front of 6,500 fans, but for Herrera, the move transcends status. Real Zaragoza was relegated from La Liga in the 2012/13 season—two years after Herrera’s initial departure for Athletic Bilbao—and subsequently drifted into the notoriously tough third tier.
“This is probably the last dream that I wanted to make come true,” Herrera told BBC Sport. “To come back home, to the place where I grew up, that gave me the opportunity to be a professional—not only in football, but also as a human being. I still have the passion, the desire, and the love for football,”
Elsewhere, elite modern forwards are proving that age is merely a statistic, adjusting their movement, tactical roles, and physical conditioning to remain lethal inside the box.
- Olivier Giroud (39): Now leading the line for Lille in Ligue 1 following spells at AC Milan and Los Angeles FC, the French striker made an immediate splash. He scored on his debut and delivered a sublime assist during a 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in matchday two.
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (37): Returning to European football after a stint in the Saudi Pro League, Aubameyang joined Deportivo La Coruña and hit the ground running. He registered three goals in his first three 2026/27 La Liga outings—scoring on his August 17 debut against Elche, following up in a second consecutive match, and netting again versus Valencia on August 30.
Thiago Silva
At 41, Thiago Silva continues to set the benchmark for defensive longevity.
After departing Chelsea, the Brazilian center-back completed a brief return to Brazil before spending time with FC Porto on a short-term contract.
In August 2026, Silva rejoined Fluminense, over two decades after his initial stint, where he will continue playing at the highest level in his homeland while simultaneously completing his UEFA coaching credentials.