What positions do legends Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, and Thiago Silva hold?

Some of the biggest names in the beautiful game have taken part in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Most of those stars are at the peak of their powers, while others are still taking their first steps onto the world stage. However, there are some players who have already established themselves as bona fide legends of the sport.

Chelsea, Palmeiras, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich have already secured their places in the quarter-finals of the tournament. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, and Monterrey are still battling it out for the chance to join them in the next round.

After an intriguing start to the competition, and with so many huge names still involved, we felt the time was right to take a closer look at the oldest players who have taken part in this summer’s Club World Cup.

Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio is the oldest player to have taken part in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. He was 44 years and nine months old when his side defeated UEFA Champions League finalists Inter Milan on Monday. The shot-stopper could also make more history and surpass Peter Shilton’s record as the footballer with the most professional appearances, according to the Guinness Book of Records. He is just 11 games away from tying the Englishman.

Thiago Silva, Fabio’s teammate at Fluminense, currently occupies second place in the standings at 40 years, nine months, and eight days. The former Chelsea, PSG, and AC Milan star appears to be evergreen, still competing at the highest level despite his age.

Luka Modric has been key to Real Madrid’s dominance in the UEFA Champions League in recent years. Now, he is hoping to inspire them to victory again, even as he approaches the twilight of his career. Modric competed in a 3-0 win over Red Bull Salzburg last Friday at the age of 39 years, nine months, and 18 days.

Argentinian defender Gustavo Cabral is also included after taking part in a 3-1 loss against Real Madrid for Mexican club Pachuca. Cabral was 39 years, eight months, and eight days old on the day of the match.

At 39 years and four months old, Enzo Perez becomes the second Argentinian on this list after taking part in River Plate’s 0-0 draw against Monterrey.

Manuel Neuer is still going strong for German giants Bayern Munich. He is the sixth-oldest player to take part in this year’s tournament after starting in goal during a 4-2 win against Flamengo on Sunday. Neuer was 39 years, three months, and two days old when he took to the pitch for the clash.

Former Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos will go down as one of the greatest defenders in the history of the game. He is also one of the oldest players at the Club World Cup after playing in Monterrey’s 4-0 win against Urawa Red Diamonds at the age of 39 years, two months, and 27 days.

Stefan Frei was part of the Seattle Sounders squad that fell to a 2-0 defeat against PSG earlier in the tournament. The goalkeeper was 39 years, two months, and three days old when the match kicked off, making him the eighth-oldest player at the tournament.

Shusaku Nishikawa is in ninth at the age of 39 years and eight days old. He had just passed his 39th birthday when Urawa Red Diamonds lost 4-0 to Monterrey.

Oscar Ustari completes the countdown in 10th place after playing in Inter Miami’s 4-0 defeat against PSG. He played the match at the age of 38 years, 11 months, and 26 days.

Many fans may have expected Lionel Messi to make it onto the list. The legendary forward may be approaching the end of his time on the world stage, but he is only the 18th-oldest player to take part in the tournament at this stage. He was 38 years and five days old during his side’s 4-0 defeat against former side PSG.