Luka Modrić and other athletes in 40s compete at 2026 World Cup
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 5:00 AM
Last updated Jun 20, 2026
Forty-year-old Luka Modrić played for Croatia against England during the 2026 World Cup, highlighting the trend of older athletes in elite sports. This tournament features a record eight players aged at least 40, surpassing all previous World Cups combined. The trend extends beyond football, as 41-year-old Lewis Hamilton continues his Formula One career, and Wimbledon has granted wildcards to 44-year-old Serena Williams and 46-year-old Venus Williams for the women's doubles. Their participation reflects advancements in sports science and athlete longevity.
- •Luka Modrić plays for Croatia against England at 40.
- •Record eight players aged 40 or older participate in the World Cup.
- •Lewis Hamilton competes in Formula One at 41.
- •Serena and Venus Williams receive doubles wildcards at Wimbledon.
- •Advances in sports science contribute to athlete longevity.
- 5:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Good food, good genes, good luck: how Ronaldo, Serena and other top athletes compete in their 40s
"Serena Williams, Lewis Hamilton and Cristiano Ronaldo are among the stars benefiting from advances in sports science, equipment and facilities When 40-year-old Luka Modrić lined up for Croatia against England on Wednesday evening, he embodied a growing trend in elite sport. A generation ago, a footballer competing at the highest level at 40 would have been a rarity, but the 2026 World Cup features a record eight players aged at least 40 – more than all previous tournaments combined. It’s not just football. Lewis Hamilton is still competing in Formula One aged 41, while earlier this week Wimbledon granted Serena Williams, 44, and Venus Williams, 46, a wildcard into the women’s doubles draw. Continue reading...
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