Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi may be at the top of their games right now but time waits for no man.
Sooner or later they’ll begin to slow down.
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So, how good would they be at the end of their careers? Would Ronaldo still have his blistering pace? Would Messi still be as agile?
We pick out seven world class players and see how well they withstand the effects of ageing on FIFA 17 Career Mode – with the help of YouTubers Rich Leigh and JoseManu.
Let’s kick off with Ronnie.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese legend is some way off his best when he reaches 39 years old.
His overall rating is 66, his acceleration is down to 18 and his agility is rated ‘1’.
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The only decent stats are ball control, volleys and penalties – but even they are far from spectacular.
Lionel Messi
How the mighty have fallen.
Messi at 40 years old has a 57 rating – with horrendous stats.
Among the worst is a ‘1’ score for acceleration, agility and sprint speed – and a shocking 47 for stamina.
His ball control remains decent but his passing ability has gone to pot.
Paulo Dybala
Paulo Dybala has plenty in the tank at 30 years old – and is arguably one of the world’s best.
The Juventus forward boasts a stunning 92 rating, and green physical scores across the board.
He’s deadly in front of goal with 99 finishing.
Encouraging signs for the Argentine.
Jerome Boateng
The Bayern Munich centre back remains largely unaffected by the ageing process.
His stats have dropped slightly, but he still remains incredibly effective.
Marking is at 85, while his passing is well into the 70s. Impressive stuff from the German.
Paul Pogba
At 31 years old, Paul Pogba is easily one of the world’s best.
He has a brilliant 94 rating, with green scores across nearly every attribute.
His passing and ball control stand out the most – while his 81 sprint speed means he can get around the park, too.
Antoine Griezmann
The Frenchman may just be a little past his best, but he’s still a force at 33.
His sprint speed is down but he’s still agile with an 87 score.
Ball control is a decent 87 and he’s clinical in front of goal with 89 finishing.
He’s let down slightly by his stamina, which is 69 – so he’ll struggle to last a full match.
Gareth Bale
Time has not been kind to the Welshman.
By 24 years old, he’s down to a 78 rating and his sprint speed is 56.
He’s decent at finishing and with the ball but his famed agility is now long gone.
