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

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.