Who said an old dog can’t learn new tricks? As a generation of incredible footballers gets older, there are numerous aging players that are great players in FIFA 23. Many of them are legends of the game that will go down in history as some of the best players of all time.
Football fans and the 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.
Updated on April 4, 2023, by Suzail Ahmad: Many football fans have the misconception that once a player enters their 30s, their skills start to decline. However, many players in the last decade have proven that they can still compete at the highest levels even if they are not as young as they used to be. In fact, Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, is over 30 years old. EA has also picked up on this trend, as it no longer reduces the players' ratings if they are above 30. As a result, there are many veteran players in FIFA 23 who, despite being over 35, are among the best in the game.
11 David Silva
David Silva is a footballing genius. For years, he mesmerized the fans of the Premier League with his guile and passing. Silva moved to Real Sociedad, where he continues to dazzle the opponents. Silva is a proven winner, and many fans think that he deserves more recognition for what he has achieved.
David Silva is rated 83 in FIFA 23, and his most notable attributes are 86 passing, 85 dribbling, 72 shooting, and 61 pace. The silky Spaniard is adored by City fans, who will be hoping that he returns to the club in the future.
10 Edin Dzeko
Edin Dzeko is one of the most prolific strikers in the world. Dzeko has won many trophies in his scintillating career. He helped Wolfsburg win the Bundesliga in 2008-09 by scoring over twenty goals in the league. Dzeko moved to Manchester City, where he won multiple Premier League titles.
Currently, Dzeko is playing football for Inter Milan. The 84-rated target man is still causing problems for defenses in real life. In FIFA 23, he has 84 shooting, 77 dribbling, 75 physical, and 71 passing. While he may not be scoring as freely, there is no denying he is still a great footballer.
9 Sergio Ramos
There was a time when Sergio Ramos used to be among the best defenders in the world. He won multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid, after which he left to join Paris Saint-Germain. Ramos' time with Paris Saint-Germain has been largely limited due to his injuries.
For this reason, EA has decreased his overall rating to 84, which is not too bad. Ramos has 83 defending, 77 physical, 73 passing, and 70 dribbling. Paris Saint-Germain will be hoping that Ramos can maintain his fitness levels as they challenge to retain the Ligue 1.
8 Leonardo Bonucci
Bonucci is a veteran central defender who plays for Italian giants Juventus. Bonucci formed an exquisite partnership with Chiellini at the heart of Juventus' defense, and both of them operated at a very high level. Although Bonucci is 35 years old, he is still an elite defender.
In FIFA 23, Bonucci is rated 84, and he has 85 defending, 78 physical, 71 dribbling, and 69 passing. He may not be as eye-catching as the other options, but he can still get the job done.
7 Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva is 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 was one of the best keepers in the world at his peak. 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 - one of the greatest players 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.
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 in 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. He set a new world record in 2012 for most goals in a calendar year with 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 X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.