Ivan Perišić, the 37-year-old veteran of the "fiery ones," shows no signs of slowing down. On the day confirming he is on the shortlist for the 2026 World Cup, the tireless Split native shared a powerful image on Instagram, revealing the formula that keeps him at the top of world football despite the years.

The post shows a scene far from a typical training session. His sweaty, muscular body is connected to a series of electrodes and wires, and his face is covered by a metabolic mask. Perišić is sitting on a stationary bike, clearly in the middle of an intense performance test. Alongside the photograph, he wrote a simple but powerful equation in English: "HARD WORK + DEDICATION = LONGEVITY."

Science as the Key to Success

The photograph provides a glimpse into modern sports science behind top athletes' success. The mask Perišić is wearing is used for VO2 max testing, which measures the maximum amount of oxygen an athlete can use during intense exercise. This is a key indicator of aerobic endurance, crucial for footballers who must maintain high tempo throughout a match.

Simultaneously, the electrodes on his torso are part of an EKG device that monitors his heart rate under extreme exertion. Such comprehensive testing allows specialized teams to create individualized training programs, track fatigue, and reduce injury risk. For a player in his late thirties like Perišić, this scientific approach is key to extending his career at the highest level.

Ready for the Next World Cup

The timing of the post is no coincidence. On May 18, 2026, Perišić was included in the preliminary roster for Croatia's national team for the upcoming World Cup, showing that his hunger for success with the team, which has won silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022, remains immense.

His dedication hasn't gone unnoticed in the football world. Renowned Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano commented on the post with two robot emojis, alluding to Perišić's incredible work ethic and endurance. Former Italian footballer Lele Adani called him "Decatleta di Spalato," or "decathlete from Split," acknowledging his versatility and physical prowess.

After impressive seasons at Borussia Dortmund, Inter, Bayern, and Tottenham, Perišić, now playing for PSV, proves that age is just a number. His latest post is not just a photo from a test but a clear message to opponents and fans alike: Ivan Perišić is ready for another big journey with the "fiery ones."