Alex Ovechkin Cites World Cup Stars Messi And Ronaldo As Inspiration For Aging Sports Stars
The NHL's all-time goals leader is returning to the Washington Capitals for a 22nd season because he still believes he can compete among the best athletes in the world.
After signing a one-year, $4.25-million contract extension, 40-year-old Alex Ovechkin pointed to two other aging icons, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as examples of how greatness doesn't always come with an expiration date.
"If you look at Messi and Ronaldo, those players show examples that if you're able to continue to show the level that you have, the skill, it's tremendous," Ovechkin said in a press conference on Monday.
Ovechkin Opens Up About Decision To Return To Capitals, Won't Say If It's Final Year: 'I Know I Can Still Play... Let's Go'
Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin discusses his decision to return for another season.
Pressure is nothing new to Ovechkin, who has been under the spotlight of the hockey world throughout his career.
However, the pressure of breaking into the NHL is much different than maintaining a role within it at his age.
"It's a totally different thing," Ovechkin said. "When you're 22 or 23, you take every pressure in a different way. I know how to handle it. I'm not worried about what people are going to say, what people are going to write, because I know myself, and I'm going to handle it on a high level."
Alex Ovechkin Should Not Lead The Washington Capitals' Offense Anymore
Alex Ovechkin signed a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals after leading the team in scoring this past season. With new off-season additions, he should accept a lesser role.
Ovechkin's youthful spirit also comes from the injection of talent built through the Capitals' prospect pipeline over the past few seasons. Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson are just a few of the standout youngsters who have helped accelerate the team's competitive timeline.
They've also kept Ovechkin motivated to keep coming to the rink.
"When you're in the locker room, you can feel the energy," Ovechkin said. "The soccer games, the practices, the routines that we have, it gives you so much energy. Then you come to the ice, and you feel that the team is just flying around. I have to do the same thing.
"The young guys like (Hutson), (Leonard), obviously they're going to have great careers, but I have to take that moment, take that energy back to me."
See more of The Hockey News on Google and save us as a preferred source. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Copyright The Hockey News, Roustan Media Ltd.
This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 1:30 PM.