February 15 – Love was the theme of the latest CIES Football Observatory that looked at the most loyal players in Europe’s big five leagues. Head of the ranking was FC Bayern Munich mainstay Thomas Muller.
The German placed joint top of the list alongside Borussia Monchengladbach’s veteran defender Tony Jantschke, with both players having spent 16 years at their respective clubs.
Muller has been a key part of FC Bayern’s colossal success since signing in 2009, although his role is beginning to morph into that of a squad player with the imperious Harry Kane and silky midfielder Jamal Musiala combining to fill the slot of the Raumdeuter.
So far this season, Muller has played just over 700 minutes panning across 19 games, representing his transition into an impact player off the bench.
Three Spaniards complete the podium in the big-5: Athletic Club’s Iker Muniain and Óscar de Marcos, as well as Atlético de Madrid’s Koke Resurrección.
The highest ranked player in the English Premier League is Seamus Coleman who has spent 14 hard years at Everton.
Outside Europe’s top five leagues, Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev is the most loyal player in world football. The 37-year-old has spent 21 years at CSKA Moscow since signing in 2003.
Asia’s most loyal player is also a goalkeeper, with 36-year-old Emirati Ali Khaseif’s 19-year stay at Al-Jazira Club in his home nation. He tops the list ahead of the Shanghai Port duo Huikang Cai and Wenjun Lü, and Japan’s Hisashi Jogo (Avispa Fukuoka).
To see the full ranking click here.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734912686labto1734912686ofdlr1734912686owedi1734912686sni@g1734912686niwe.1734912686yrrah1734912686