Beckham, Pep, Puyol... 12 retired stars who are definitely still fitter than you

Retiring from professional football can mean one of two things for players.

Some maintain a level of fitness which allows them to stay in top physical shape, whilst others simply do not.

Of course, there's the excuse that not having to train on a daily basis is a reason for failing to maintain the shape they were in during their playing days. However, there are some that give the impression they have retired too early.

Over the past decade or so, football fans across the globe have had to say goodbye to a number of players who decided it was time to hang up their boots and focus their attentions on a new career, thus paving the way for the next generation.

Coaching and or punditry is the most popular choice among many ex-pros after calling it a day. Some don't permanently stay away from the action completely as you'll often see many feature in charity games which they are usually the best player and sail through 90 minutes as if they were back playing the professional game.

With that said, here are 12 retired players who are definitely still fitter than you.

1. Clarence Seedorf

Age retired: 37

Current age: 44

Current role: Manager (most recently Cameroon)

Let's be honest, there's no way Seedorf couldn't make this list. Not only does the former Netherlands international look fitter than most fans, but Seedorf could also still give some current professionals a run for their money.

2. Pep Guardiola

Age retired: 35

Current age: 49

Current role: Manchester City manager

There is no denying that the Spaniard has been one of the best managers around since ending his playing days, but he still looks like he could dictate the tempo at the base of Manchester City's midfield.

3. Carles Puyol

Age retired: 36

Current age: 41

Current role: La Liga and UEFA ambassador

Any team in need of a leader in central defence could do a lot worse than attempting to convince the former Barcelona and Spain defender to come out of retirement.

4. Luis Enrique

Age retired: 34

Current age: 49

Current role: Spain manager

The Spain boss showed signs that he's not lost a step when he raced on to the pitch following that epic Barcelona Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 and continues to exude energy on the sideline overseeing La Furia Roja.

5. Thierry Henry

Age retired: 37

Current age: 42

Current role: Montreal Impact manager

It's no surprise that Henry looks like he's still able to lead the line after a coaching role with the Belgian national team, having to keep up with the likes of Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku. Even during his brief spell as Monaco manager, and now with Montreal Impact, the Frenchman would have undoubtedly got involved with training and probably fancied himself to perform better on the pitch than some of his players.

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6. David Beckham

Age retired: 38

Current age: 44

Current role: Investor/ Club owner

The Manchester United and England favourite got through a lot of work up and down the right-hand side at club and international level for many years. And it doesn't seem like much has changed on that front, despite the work he had to put into getting Inter Miami off the ground.

7. Edgar Davids

Age retired: 41

Current age: 47

Current role: Fashion label owner/ pundit

The Dutchman featured in a France '98 legends vs FIFA '98 legends exhibition game in Paris a coupled of years back and approached it like it was a Champions League final with his energetic display. His physical standards haven't dipped since.

8. Robert Pires

Age retired: 42

Current age: 46

Current role: Coach/Pundit

Well, remarkably Pires only officially retired from the game in 2015 and he did train with the Arsenal side on a regular basis so his high fitness levels aren't much of a shock.

9. Henrik Larsson

Age retired: 37

Current age: 48

Current role: Manager (most recently Helsingborg)

Another that has kept in good shape since hanging up his boots, Larsson looks more than capable of causing defences problems despite closing in on 50.

10. Rio Ferdinand

Age retired: 36

Current age: 41

Current role: Pundit

Just check out Ferdinand's official Instagram page to find out why he's still in better shape than you.

11. Jamie Carragher

Age retired: 35

Current age: 42

Current role: Pundit

He might only be a pundit these days, but Jamie Carragher still keeps himself looking sharp. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him chasing down a striker during his pitchside media duties… or Gary Neville during one of their regular 'debates'.

12. Cafu

Age retired: 47

Current age: 49

Current role: Pundit

Given he spent most of his career bombing up and down the right flank, it's no surprise that Cafu has kept himself well in shape post-retirement, even partaking in the odd bit of beach football.