At 41, an Aussie veteran is still delivering Champions League masterclasses against the world's best

Just ask Aivi Luik, who continues to defy age and expectations following her defensive masterclass as BK Hacken earned a 0-0 draw against WSL powerhouse Chelsea in the UEFA Women's Champions League. The 41-year-old Australian veteran was a standout against Ellie Carpenter's Chelsea on Wednesday (AEDT), recording 17 defensive contributions - including 10 clearances, while winning all eight of her duels.

It was an extraordinary display from the 45-time Matildas defender, who celebrates her 42nd birthday in March, as Swedish champions Hacken secured a clean sheet against a star-studded Chelsea side. Luik's performance was another reminder of her remarkable longevity, having spent 26 years playing professionally across 16 clubs in 10 countries.

In September, Luik made history as the oldest woman to feature in the league phase of the UEFA Women's Champions League. At the time she joked that coffee and chocolate were the secrets to her longevity.

But the former Brisbane Roar, Melbourne City and Perth Glory player has shown she is far more than a record-breaking veteran. Her display against Chelsea came shortly after helping Hacken claim the Swedish Damallsvenskan title, adding another honour to an extraordinary career that has also included representing Australia at two FIFA Women's World Cups and the Olympic Games.

She also won the UEFA Women's Europa Cup with Hacken last season. Luik has previously admitted she never imagined she would still be playing at this level in her 40s.

"If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would play at this age, I would have said 'definitely not'," she told Swedish media in 2025. "Do I want to switch to a 'nine to five job' or do I want to continue doing what I love?" Luik's professionalism has also earned widespread admiration at Swedish giants Hacken.

Hacken head coach Elena Sadiku previously revealed the Australian had the highest training attendance in the squad, praising her commitment to recovery, nutrition and preparation. "She's so professional," Sadiku told Swedish publication Aftonbladet earlier this year.

I think she's a motivation and inspiration for many. Hacken teammate Felicia Schroder also added via Her Football Hub: "She sees spaces on the pitch no one else can see.

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