In fact, players can force themselves to continue playing even though they are no longer young, even old for a professional soccer athlete. But the question is whether he will be able to continue to compete with other young players and continue to be the first choice within the club. I'm sure players who have decided to retire also still want to continue playing, but when they force themselves they also consider the things that will happen to them. Especially now if an athlete is not good at maintaining his health and also his physique then they will no longer be able to run. There are many players who, even at a young age, feel physically lacking for a player.
Ibrahimovic isn't one of the best examples, he is one of the best exceptions. People aren't amazed about players like Ibrahimovic or Modric because they are some of many, but because they are true exceptions. This is not going to be a trend I believe unless population is getting older anyway. That will also shift the average age for peak performance and decline in performance, but generally speaking Ibrahimovic certainly is an exception. It then is important to see whether players know how to compensate for certain aspects of their game that are in decline. Messi isn't as fast as he used to be ten years ago, but he understands how to compensate for it by playing a different role during the game.
Actually for players like them who are old and still able to be on stage or prestigious competitions even though they are not playing they are already very respected because of their presence and of course with conditions like that the mentality of young people is clearly aroused.
I remember the season when Milan won how Zlatan was always a supporter and supporter of young people in Milan. Not only has he had a positive impact on the pitch but he has also provided a number of other things outside which make him a very good person indeed.
Now that he's got what he wants in his career of course that's great for Zlatan.