Ronaldo to remain at Real until after his 36th birthday
The Portuguese is the player projected to end his contract as the oldest member of the squad: 12 of his teammates will be over 30 when theirs end.
A lot of time has passed since Santiago Bernabéu, who managed the club from 1936 to 1941 and went on to preside over the board room for 35 years, introduced a rule: players over the age of 30 would only have their contracts renewed on a year-on-year basis. Today’s methods of physical preparation and treating injuries have converted modern footballers into elite athletes who can expect to have longer careers than their forebears and in the majority of cases, with pros and cons of course, play well into their 30s.
Puskas played until 39
There have been examples of Real players lasting beyond the norm in bygone years: Ferenc Puskas arrived at Real Madrid aged 31 and played until he was 39. Alfredo di Stéfano played his last game aged 37 and 11 months and Paco Gento retired aged just a few months younger.
Ronaldo 2021 at 36 years of age
After signing a new contract running until 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo will be 36 years and 145 days old when it expires, but the Portuguese has said he would like to play until he is 40.
Pepe, Ramos, Modric and Bale
Ronaldo is set to be the oldest player on Real’s books when his contract expires. Alongside Ronaldo there are 12 players who will be over 30 when their current deals end but none will exceed the Portuguese’s age. Pepe will be 34 years and 125 days for example, while Sergio Ramos’ contract expires when he will be 34 and 90 days. Luka Modric will also be 34 while Gareth Bale’s current deal will keep him at the Bernabéu until after his 33rd birthday.
Ronaldo: 1.03 goals per game
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