Has the age of retirement increased for players in the last 30-40 years?

CorkMan

In Boxing for example boxers can still be very good in their mid 30's, sure even Vitali Klitschko is 40 and still good. Bernard Hopkins, etc. But I have noticed that bar Paolo Maldini or Ryan Giggs it has mainly been keepers who have played until they are 38-40 years of age, maybe that figured should be lowered to 37. This is my opinion though, I could be wrong.

With all of the developments of vitamins and supplements, plus Science which has improved treatment of players, would you think that the age of retirement has gone up a bit, compared to 30-40 years ago?

Ebbs

CorkMan wrote: »

With all of the developments of vitamins and supplements, plus Science which has improved treatment of players, would you think that the age of retirement has gone up a bit, compared to 30-40 years ago?

Works both ways. While it keeps them fitter in their older years than usually, it also makes younger players even fitter and better. Retirement is now a days kind of induced due to being replaced/not being able to play at a decent level, rather than wobbly legs like 30-40 years ago.

So id say its linear.

JPA

Well 30 or 40 years an injury like a torn cruciate ligament usually meant retirement so it's really a no brainer

Bodhisopha

Football has in many ways become more physically demanding whereas boxing on the other hand has gone in the opposite direction. You'd have to factor in modern training techniques and nutrition too, though. I don't know, son.

Degag

There are still lots and lots of good players playing into their late thirties Alot of them may not be Premier League level, but they are still playing at a very good standerd.

GavRedKing

See Paolo Maldini for special occassions when a player can play well into their 30's and 40's and still cut it at the highest level.

Sure sports science has improved but its upto the individual to look afetr themselves if they want to continue competiting at the top level.

Cant really compare boxing with soccer in this instance, just my two cents though.

K-9

Stanley Matthews would beg to differ!