Heung-min Son Joins Elite Club of Most Expensive Transfers at Age 33

In a football world where youth often dominates headlines, some players are proving that age is just a number. One such name is Heung-min Son, who recently joined an exclusive club of players who secured big-money transfers at the age of 33. This elite list includes legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski.

At an age when most footballers are slowing down or considering retirement, these stars continue to attract multi-million euro transfers, showing their undeniable talent and market value

Top 10 Most Expensive Transfers at Age 33 (Source: Transfermarkt)

Normally, clubs spend large transfer fees on younger players who can develop and serve the team for many years. But these players buck the trend. They earned their massive transfer fees at the age of 33—a time many consider the twilight of a football career.

So why do clubs still spend big on 33-year-olds?

 1. Experience Matters

Players like Son, Ronaldo, and Lewandowski bring not just goals, but leadership, discipline, and global recognition.

2. Consistency

Even at 33, their performance remains top-notch. These players are proven goal scorers and match-winners.

 3. Commercial Value

Players like Cristiano Ronaldo are global brands. Shirt sales, sponsorships, and media attention often offset the transfer cost.

Heung-min Son’s €22M Move: What It Means

Son’s transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Al Ittihad is a clear signal of his continuing value. After years of stellar performances in the Premier League, Son now brings his pace, finishing, and versatility to the Saudi Pro League, which is rapidly attracting top stars.

This deal places Son third on the all-time list of most expensive 33-year-old transfers.

Age Is Just a Number in Modern Football

Modern training, diet, and sports science allow players to extend their careers well beyond 30. Look at the performances of:

• Zlatan Ibrahimović (played into his 40s),
• Luka Modrić (still bossing midfield for Real Madrid),
• Cristiano Ronaldo (scoring in double figures well after 35).

This trend is reshaping how we see player value.

What It Means for the Market

These big transfers at older ages show:

• Teams value immediate impact more than long-term potential.
• Middle Eastern and European clubs are competing with money and prestige.
• Player careers are evolving; they can play at high levels longer.
  
  

To help fans learn more from this links:

👉See all Premier League derbies for 2025–2026 in this full fixture guide.

👉Read more on this story via MSN Sports – Chelsea hit Club World Cup prize money jackpot – a great example of financial success in football.

 👉From politics to football, explore how Trump praised the FIFA Club World Cup Final – showing the tournament's global appeal