WHY some players never quit

Gigi Buffon is still going at the ripe age of 44. Julia Simic was forced to hang up her boots at just 32. We spoke to both of them to find out the decisive factors. Why are players like Buffon, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic able to defy their age and continue to perform at the top level? While others are forced to give up the game they love early?
Report: Max Merrill
Edit: Joe Wright
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[@deeproy6137]

Shocked to see Paulo Madini not being mentioned in this video. He played against Maradona, Platini, R9 and CR7 until the age of 41 for AC Milan. He was the best defender of all time.

[@Amaking10000]

47? Lol

[@ged-hk2fn]

Why are you shocked exactly? It's serious study, they talk about tiktok gramma and cr7 in the same sentence

[@deeproy6137]

@@ged-hk2fn i'm talking about Paolo Maldini. His name is not mentioned.

[@RaufAbasquliyev]

The purpose of the video is not to mention everyone who played at the later age. That's why they gave just some examples.

[@nathaniel7744]

I actually feel so bad for simic. I have no idea what I would do if that happened to me. You can hear the pain in her voice and you know the passion she has is endless. She just got unlucky.

[@SenseiCum]

Hold up aint u nathaniel b?

[@SamMartinPeakPerformance]

I think we'll see a lot more players staying on till around 40. As long as you're dedicated and lucky with injuries you can keep on that long a lot easier now. When you've got nutritionists, S&C coaches, endless sports scientists and now data analysts at your disposal there's no excuse to call it a day at 33/34

[@mike04574]

Laziness and money will increase

[@felipeoa9474]

Also, football isn't as violent as it used to be. Some things we now see as obvious red cards weren't even worth a yellow one in the 80's.

[@lewisitor]

Hope Brazilian players understand that🥺🥺🥺

[@JohnM-ch4to]

@@lewisitor well some people think football is life and some think life's like football, we all have our own choices on how to live our lives

[@JoseMendoza-hz3bu]

True also they can change their game according to their age. Their experience in can be a huge plus in winning titles and can help shape up a squad.

[@tushyranx5860]

Being overplayed at a young age also takes its toll on a player's longevity at the highest level; case in point being that of Owen and Wazza

[@ggmu4656]

6:46 You can hear the pain in her voice Pity

[@henryreturns1397]

The word to describe is “depends” - CR7 will keep pouring more and more , with probably less numbers but still giving his all - Xabi Alonso retired at the very top , he didnt wanna played for a mid table team or be a sub player , or make money on Asia , he just hang up the boots while he was up there - Other players that could go on but didnt wanna see themselves on other clubs is like Totti , he could have 2-3 more seasons but retired while playing with his beloved Roma - Some are unlucky due to injury , or have health problems like R9 or Mario Gotze. - Then we have players that go to the MLS to make money and retired (retirement home lol), like Thiery Henry or David Beckam - Some players lose motivation to play after they reach a certain benchmark (aka winning everything there is to win), like Ronaldinho , or Phillip Lahm after winning the 2014 WC - Other players retired earlier to protect their legacy and not wanting to add any unnecessary trophylesss seasons such as Zidane after the WC of 2006 - Lastly , some wanna have their career as long as possible , such as Buffon to prove that age is just a number

[@ziyantang6779]

André Schürrle would also be an example that lose the confidence for the career after certain things

[@babangidanzegwu1476]

Dude Lahm did NOT lose motivation. He retired at the top as well. Wtf? I agreed with everything you said until I read that.

[@rtgtx]

The inaccuracies in your statements are too many to finish.

[@thinkerbabam5540]

Lahm was not happy and felt he was not getting respect for his achievments. He should have won the ballon dor that year. Imagine Virgil having 1 but not Lahm.

[@17moaad02]

@@thinkerbabam5540 virgil doesn’t have 1

[@arcticblizzard4584]

Nobody mentionned Antonio Di natale who performed so well in Serie A and in a very late âge in his carrer ,he was an average player in his youth ,but hey the man turn to an outstanding player since his 30 years and continued to do his very best till he retired. He was 2 Times the best serie A scorer in a mid table team like udinisie

[@lwandomadikizela2213]

It's all about conditioning, training, diet and having the mentality to keep going. Look at Zlatan, Ronaldo, Messi and Buffon. Despite in their late 30s or 40s in the case of Zlatan and Buffon, they are better than the players in the prime or reaching their prime.

[@orgildinho]

They forgot to mention the number 1 reason, which is personal training. The reason Michael Jordan lasted longer than the others in the 90s as he had a personal trainer. He was the only one who had; he was way ahead of time. Today more and more stars have personal trainers, you will see this trend more

[@Ercan4]

buffon is an absolute raw model!

[@awemanyfit]

The only thing I hate is Injuries and bad work ethic. It is the one killer of careers.

[@aaronsempa5820]

The opening statement of That lady "it's an addiction" That statement and the video in general reminds me of Sir Matt Busby and Frank O Farrell at Manchester United. Matt Busby retired as a manager and was now supposed to take on an admin/executive role of sorts. Frank O'Farrell was hired as United manager but for some reason Matt Busby couldn't help but interfere with Frank's work as a manager. Busby even went as far as telling Frank's wife that Frank should stop being stubborn and consult Matt Busby on matter's to do with Frank's job as manager. If you have a problem with Frank you don't go to his wife. You tell Frank directly! Sir Matt Busby really suffocated Frank O'Farrell. I think Busby couldn't accept the fact that his time as manager in charge was over. Busby retired physically but mentally it's as though he couldn't let go and let someone else work. The man became a control freak of sorts Edit: People like Paddy Crerand will try and defend Matt Busby's actions but the truth is Matt acted like a dictator of sorts, a control freak who couldn't accept that it was time to let go and focus on his new role. There's even a documentary titled 'Frank O'Farrell the Shadow of Busby

[@wilsonbethlehem3101]

It applied to work as well. Good content.

[@MrReese]

Mentioning R9 as the counter example to CR7 is not fair. R9 had several absolutely horrifying injuries that cut his career short. In addition, he suffers from a condition that makes it more difficult to stay in top shape - and many players put on some weight after their career anyway, it's quite normal.

[@jay-05]

But sir r9 had drinking habit in his carrier.

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@jay-05 not

[@rod6722]

Sure, R9 had some bad luck throughout his career, but so did CR7. His knee injury back in 2014 (that he still suffers from to this day) made him lose a significant amount of speed and agility, but he was smart and dedicated enough to adapt his game. In most other players' case, such a severe injury would've meant the end of their career at the top level.

[@ahmadmuliawan0008]

R9 is Brazilian, that's why.

[@detta4988]

Anything u do for more than half your life it will be hard to walk away from

[@franciscoguevara9727]

I see zlatan in the caption and the image of the video did you actually say anything about him in this video ? lol. I wouldnt call football an addiction, im in line with buffon's way of thinking its a passion, and something fun, and a joy. Ofcourse. When im in a competitive tournament, i think about football more, i log into the table and start calculating how many wins we will need to finish first, and who will we face in the playoff i sit down to talk about it more with friends or teammates, it something really really fun, and enjoyable, and competitive. The element of competition needs to be there, we arguably play to sharpen our skills and be better and win, taking care of one self, and even knowing when to think about other things other than football, needs to be there..... It can be a great compliment to ones life to have fun like this and participate in a competitive tournament that gets you thinking about your passion and things that set your soul or true self on fire more. Its very healthy, to have a passion, and we are born with some of our passions, and things that make us happy and enjoy and have fun, and light us up in positive ways for a reason. To make the most out of our passions, to enjoy them, to become better at them, to shine unapolagetically and take our space, ourselves and our light, and our true selves, to share it with others, and encourage others to also shine. :) ..... Keep shining and taking your space in the world and sharing yourself, unapolagetically and have good boundaries to people who become upset with you taking your space and sharing your true self and gifts and passions and who you are :)

[@codgamer]

no mention of the Milan Lab?

[@txlmu]

Buffon is the best example Or Miura, Zlatan

[@ziyantang6779]

Oh man, Zlatan is still crucial in Milan’s squad

[@txlmu]

@@ziyantang6779 Ik

[@ziyantang6779]

I still think Philip Lahm’s retirement really means he may have a great plan for his future careers, though not clear currently

[@inst4rmin.x4_onYT]

AFAIK it is fairly clear at the moment, although not involved anymore with football 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Oscar-Limo]

Amazing how Thiago Silva was not mentioned even once.

[@fredymendez855]

Mexican legend and ex Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez who retired at 38 is now Barcelona B coach as he rejected a offer from USA/Mexico broadcasting deal as analysts. He was gona make so much more money as they offered him alote of money but now coaches Barcelona b who pay him significantly less. That man is taking a gamble to one day become Mexico coach if he does well

[@luxdavid2.027]

Joaquín!

[@icantthinkofacoolname1308]

When ever they feel like

[@theordinarychannel9334]

DW Kickoff is an interestingly interactive school. Excellent stuff

[@user-ou5fe5ti7l]

Lahm retired so that kimmich wouls get a chnace at bayern He was still the best fullback and cdm in the world when he retired As for international, he retired after winning wc as captain The greatest right back ever along withb cafu and defensively thw greatest fullback ever!

[@Yajna007]

01:54 and 1:55 February the 26ᵗʰ is also my birthday. 26ᵗʰ February 1993.

[@olololololol2452]

Buffon, the player who always forced to retire first at PES and FIFA manager mode, but you see him still playing years after years in real life😂

[@fredymendez855]

Also with lewandoski it does help his wife is fitness trainer herself.

[@apvlogs93]

Ronaldo at 37 playing at PL is insane. He can easily play another 3/4 years.

[@Boredoutofmywits]

This comment aged like milk in te sun.

[@abd-bm3cd]

I believe the Position is a factor that should've been discussed beyond just GKs. Wingers I think have the shortest careers in general. Those whose game is almost entirely based on speed and haven't developed their technical ability, passing or defensive game, usually burn out a lot faster. Giggs/Valencia vs Lennon/Walcott prove this point. High-levels of Technical Ability & Stamina as well as less explosive physical demands are definitely considerable factors in a player's longevity.

[@ziyantang6779]

Definitely, like the case for kaka vs modric, totally different playing style affect their body’s sustainability

[@mattia1026]

Among outfield players, centerbacks and center forwards (particularly poachers) tend to play for longer. Wingers, fullbacks, and physical midfielders tend to play for a shorter time or must adapt their game to play longer. CAMs usually drop off really quickly with age, see Ozil, Isco, James, and back in the days even Platini.

[@dondamon4669]

Giggs played to a good old age?

[@abd-bm3cd]

@@mattia1026 I think it’s because the classic no.10 is extinct in todays game. It requires much more. Fat-fucks cannot hide 😶‍🌫️

[@evenesteven]

could have mentionned Giggs.

[@narasimhapai8014]

Nico rosberg..

[@TirakyneTripleA]

Someone: "Who's your favourite waifu?" Me: "Uhh... I'd rather keep it a secret." My brain: 5:09

[@Boredoutofmywits]

Politics (Club politics and hgiher politics) forced Julen Guerrero to retire ant 32.

[@asadshaikh7860]

The truth is that if footballers were not paid so much we would have a very high % of footballers playing at least up to 40 years of age to make money to retire but because most of players are multi millionaires, they retire sooner then required.

[@jebatman756]

The most important thing? Diet. Proper nutrition will extend your prime way beyond what people think is possible

[@torernning8652]

Men do make a lot more money, so they can afford to play much longer. A pay cut does not affect them as much as most women. Not to forget that mens bodies are stronger and will be able to continue longer. We will soon see most players, men and women, play in their 40s.

[@MrReese]

Those first two sentences do not make any sense. Since men earn more they could retire a lot earlier. Also, it's not that common for players to earn a lot less when they enter their 30s, because that's usually when they are at their most accomplished and cost the most money for the clubs (which is also why it's usually a lot tougher to sell an accomplished player - they won't get any better but they ask for a lot of money). Women earn less in football, but compared to normal jobs good female players still earn a LOT more and it is quite unlikely that they will earn more money per week/month/year in their jobs after their playing career, so it would actually make more sense for women to play longer.

[@georgewcy]

Goalkeepers in every sport that has them are just different in the head lol. Not a bad thing. It’s very interesting though.

[@TMM-N]

If u can get additional $500,000 per year after 35 years old, why not Additional 5-7 years that, $3.5million for your saving retirement Like buffon, given $1.5million contract per year. For 2 years, thats $3million

[@rafsantos01]

The soccer player Formiga played in 7 world cups and 7 olympics games for Brazil. Retired from the national team, but still plays at 44

[@ged-hk2fn]

I like how they bring up women soccer in almost every video.

[@dwkickoff]

...and men's football

[@lowlanz]

I personally found that players that are over 180cm tall, agile and exceptionally fast at the same time often suffer from serious injuries. Ronaldo no.9, Bale, Kaka, Pato to name a few. Human bodies are not fit for such abrupt changes of speed.

[@An_dong_ni_]

We can take CR7 out of future videos already… 😂 15:41

[@dafyduck79]

marta, who the hell is that?!

[@dwkickoff]

ducks are no football buffs

[@jithinn1]

Dani Alves is 39.🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷❤

[@nickfury8973]

Lol soft diss at Bale… retire early without actually retiring… collect checks, play golf, and occasionally score some big goals.

[@jebatman756]

Nice to see the expert is just guessing, lol

[@russianweeb]

f̷̩̜͚̤͇͔̿̋̓̐͜͝͝e̷̞͍̲̜̔̃́͝e̷̠̭͎̽̂̾̕d̷̛͈͓͉̮̦͔̼͈̳͔͙͊͌̌̊̔̏̊͂̔̚̚t̸̢̛̤̰̯͕͊̀̈́̈͛́̈̒̓͝͝h̴͖̠̱̝̣̼̩͕̥̭̜͊̍͗̋͛̾͋̌̍̒̓̍͝ę̴̛̯̮̰͖̝͎̼͎͙̼̻̻̺̈́͒̈́͐͂̔͒͘͠â̵̬̰͍̾̉ĺ̸̞͌̐͐̉̑̐̓͒̎̊̈͘͝g̸̛̩̥͌͋̌̊̑̌̈̓͝õ̴̡̯̥͔͓̙̪͓̫͓̞̞̣̜͓̅̀̑̉̒̋̇̄̐̋͝r̸̨̤̤̔̆̍͌̾̈́͆́̚͜į̶̨͓̗͚͚̳͉͕͚̝̪̳͍̲͌̈̊͗͛̎͌̌͒̏̒͋͘͝t̶̨̘͕̂̽̀̉͐̈́̎͌̌̿́̆̿h̴̡̥̺̤̳̘̳̜͈̝̤̱̾̐̽m̷͉͊̾̊̽̅́͋͋̍̂̋́̚̕͘

[@John49910110]

Ibra overall Is a Better player than cr7 thats a fact

[@kobemeriez7860]

Pass what you're smoking dog🤣🤣

[@dariokabas7427]

Luka Modric.

[@simonscowled9925]

Zlatan is using performance enhancing drugs. Skinny and ripped during his peak yet now becomes jacked with 20lbs of muscle at 40 year old?

[@paochongloi596]

I don't want to Disrespectful Ronaldinho 😂 But when the narrator was narrating about Ego & long Career and his face pop in. I was like the dude was over after 2008 just after he left FCB then back and forth + his party life which resulted in his own demise. XD Sorry.

[@elonad7]

If you like Ronaldo hit that like button (cr7 and R9)

[@royborn3]

All about Fame...Not Money , Nothing is addictive like Fame

[@dwkickoff]

What about the fun, Roy? Julia mentions the fun, Gigi the passion.

[@royborn3]

@@dwkickoff Fun in your prime, I disagree...If it is for Fun ,then This big players could play for small Leagues ...But as Statistics indicate ,They are still playing for big teams in Big leagues. All about Fame

[@Krissdafish]

Drugs

[@cilbup]

Your Passion should not impede the future of younger generations’ future. That is egoistic. Think of others too.

[@dwkickoff]

Even if the old horse still jumps higher than the foal, Kim_Jong_fun?

[@cilbup]

@@dwkickoff r u saying there is lack of yong talents?

[@Balboa_Rocky]

@@dwkickoff In sports, it's all about performance and individual preferences. Ash Barry left 🎾 at 25 at her absolute peak.

[@madhavagrawal8303]

@@cilbup it adds more competition to the sport and so it pushes youngsters to work harder and become better to get a spot in the team.

[@dwkickoff]

@Kim_Jong_fun nope

[@Afif.anNayem.asSalafi]

Does DW want us to see the men's and women's games in the same light? What agenda is this? Men and women players have very different careers. That 60 year old nanny's example does not at all relate to the subject matter of this analysis. Men will go on unless an injury stops them or a personal reason, staying fit to a pro standard isn't a big deal for men anymore especially with the financial and other incentives involved. Men serve in combat units well beyond their 40s. Women don't have that biological advantage. For women to play beyond 35 is too much to ask.

[@rosalind1635]

I'd rather go alone than have some 45 year old private watching my six.

[@jebatman756]

"Football players" and the first one to talk is a female footballer, lol

[@patrikzeko2449]

Bad video no1 is watcing womans football and you took cr7 as an example but he didnt win anything recently while luka modric won everything at 37 years of age