The Aging Curve: How Age Affects Physical Performance in Elite Football

Abstract

Background: In elite football, understanding how age impacts players’ physical performance is essential for optimizing training, career longevity, and team management. Objectives: This study aimed to compare variations in physical capabilities of professional football players by chronological age and identify peak performance ages. Methods: Data from 5203 match performances across 351 official games were analyzed, involving 98 male players aged 18–39 years. Physical capacities (speed, explosive actions, and endurance) were assessed using the Catapult VECTOR7 system. Results: showed that players over 32 years experienced declines in high-intensity and explosive actions, while endurance remained relatively stable with age. Peak performance occurred around 25.7 years for speed, 24.8 years for endurance, and 26 years for explosiveness. Conclusions: Overall, players aged 17–26 years demonstrated the highest physical performance, with notable declines observed in older age groups.