Over 35s World Cup: 12 Football Legends Who Could Feature in the Summer Tournament

• Fans could be treated to a rare spectacle ahead of the over-35s World Cup
• A string of football legends, including Lampard and Ronaldinho, could feature
• The much-anticipated tournament is slated for the summer in England

A number of football legends are expected to feature in a star-studded over-35s World Cup scheduled for the summer.

The eight-team tournament is set to be hosted in England between the Champions League final and the start of the Euro 2024.

It is understood that England, Argentina, and France are among the teams that will feature.

Organised by the Elite Players Group (EPG), the tournament will also feature heavyweights like Brazil, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Uruguay.

Given the previous history of the teams, a number of legendary players who have since called time on their careers are expected to turn up.

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According to GiveMeSport, only players who are over the age of 35 and have been capped by their countries or made over 100 top-flight appearances will be eligible to participate.

Given the criteria set and the football history of the participating teams, it is almost guaranteed that several top names will be featuring in the tournament.

Sports Brief takes a look at the top 10 football icons who could play.

1. Michael Owen (England)

The former Manchester United star made 89 appearances for England, scoring 40 goals in the process.

He played in three World Cups.

2. Ashley Cole (England)

The former Chelsea defender earned 107 caps with the Three Lions, making him the third most-capped England player of all time.

He also featured in three World Cups

3. Rio Ferdinand (England)

The legendary centre-back made his England debut in 1997 before he retired in 2011 after making over 85 appearances.

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4. Frank Lampard (England)

Lampard is England's fifth-highest goalscorer with 29 goals.

The decorated midfielder was part of the England squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup.

5. Esteban Cambiasso (Argentina)

Esteban Cambiasso represented Argentina in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

However, he missed a penalty in the quarter-finals during a shootout to play a part in his side's ultimate elimination from the tournament.

6. Kaka (Brazil)

The Brazilian legend featured for the South American nation in three World Cups (2002, 2006, and 2010).

He was part of the squad that won the tournament in 2002, when he was just 20.

7. Ronaldinho (Brazil)

The 2002 World Cup edition was Ronaldinho's greatest highlight on the global stage.

The Barca legend played a key part in Brazil's journey to glory.

8. Rivaldo (Brazil)

Rivaldo is another Brazil legend who could feature in the over-35 summer tournament.

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The ex-Barcelona star featured in two World Cups for the Samba Boys.

9. Thierry Henry (France)

The Arsenal icon was a key player for the France national team during his career.

He made 17 appearances for the French team in the World Cup between 1998 and 2006.

10. Mesut Ozil (Germany)

The midfield maestro played a crucial role in Germany reaching the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup, finishing as the tournament's top assist provider.

Özil's contribution to Germany's success in 2014 was one of the greatest highlights of his career with the team.

11. Francesco Totti (Italy)

A mix of missed opportunities marked Totti's World Cup journey due to injury and suspension,

However, he won the global football showpiece with Italy in 2006.

12. David Villa (Spain)

Finally on this list is David Villa.

The Spanish legend is the other icon who could feature in the over 35 tournament.

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He won the tournament with Spain in 2010.

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