World Cup looming 

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The 2026 World Cup is now less than a month away. The opening fixture between Mexico and South Africa takes place on June 11 in Mexico City. Excitement is building. Whilst there will be plenty of young talents looking to make their name on the world stage, and lots of stars trying to make their prime years count in the most-watched competition in world sport, the power of experience in these major tournaments cannot be underestimated.

We so often that the older heads can get nations over the line. With this in mind, here at Transfermarkt, we have taken a look at which attacking players are proving that age is just a number this calendar year. We have calculated the players aged 35+ with the most goal contributions (goals + assists) in Transfermarkt’s 20 most valuable leagues in 2026. Could any of these experienced stars come up clutch for their nations this summer?

Most goals contributions | Players aged 35+

Despite being 41 years of age, leading the way is the great Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar is on the brink of winning the Saudi Pro League for the first time with Al-Nassr, and in 2026, has registered 29 goal contributions in 29 games – 26 goals and three assists. He is expected to play a central role for Portugal at this summer’s World Cup – which will surely be his last. In second place is, perhaps surprisingly, midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum. The 35-year-old has 22 goal contributions in 32 games for Saudi side Al-Ettifaq since January 1. He has made 96 caps for the Netherlands but not played since Euro 2024.

In third is another Saudi Pro League player in Karim Benzema. The 38-year-old has 19 goal contributions in 24 games for Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad this calendar year, but is not part of France’s talented squad for this summer’s tournament. in fourth is the first player playing in Europe in PSV’s Ivan Perišić. The 37-year-old has 19 goal contributions in 30 matches and is part of Croatia’s World Cup squad. Another Eredivisie player takes fifth in NEC Nijmegen’s Bryan Linssen, who has 19 goal contributions in 32 games.

In sixth place is the legendary Argentine Lionel Messi. Despite playing just 13 games in 2026 due to the MLS calendar, the 38 year old has 17 goal contributions for Inter Miami. Messi is in red hot form ahead of going to this summer’s World Cup in pursuit of retaining the trophy which he led Argentina to four years ago. Al-Fateh’s Mourad Batna is seventh with 17 goal contributions.

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is eighth with 16 goal contributions, but won’t be at this summer’s World Cup as Poland did not qualify. The same can be said for Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has 16 goal contributions for Marseille this year. NEC Nijmegen’s Tjaronn Chery (16 goal contributions) completes the top 10.