10 Footballers Still Playing 20 Years After the 2006 World Cup

A total of 736 players represented 32 countries at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Each country sent a squad of 23 players.

Two decades later, most of those players have hung up their boots. Many have moved on to coaching, management, punditry, or other roles in football.

But a few veterans keep playing at a professional level in 2026.

Among these players are three of the biggest names in football, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luka Modric. They are still competing at the highest level, even after first showing up at the World Cup 20 years ago.

As reported by Planet Football on Saturday, here are the 10 players from the 2006 World Cup who are still active:

1. Luka Modric (Croatia)

Modric had a small role for Croatia at the 2006 World Cup. He has since become the best player in his country’s history. The midfield star led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and is still playing at 40.

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Messi was a teenager when he joined Argentina’s squad for Germany 2006. Since then, he has won several Ballon d'Or awards, two Copa America titles, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Argentine legend is still playing professionally in 2026.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Ronaldo scored his first World Cup goal in Germany. He is now the all-time leading scorer in international football. At 41, he is still one of the sport’s biggest stars.

1. Sergio Ramos (Spain)

Ramos was a key player in Spain’s golden generation. He won the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships. Although he is without a club now, the veteran defender has not said he is retiring.

1. Oscar Ustari (Argentina)

Ustari was part of Argentina’s squad in 2006. He is still playing professionally nearly two decades later, mostly known as a reliable backup goalkeeper at club level.

1. Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)

Ochoa is one of the most famous World Cup goalkeepers of his time. He remains active at 40 and has had a long career in Europe and North America.

1. Lukasz Fabianski (Poland)

Fabianski went to the 2006 tournament as a young goalkeeper. He later had a successful Premier League career with Arsenal, Swansea City, and West Ham United. He is still playing professionally.

1. Lukas Podolski (Germany)

Podolski was named the Best Young Player of the 2006 World Cup. He had a successful career, including winning the 2014 World Cup with Germany. He continues to play in Poland.

1. Roque Santa Cruz (Paraguay)

At 44 years old, Santa Cruz is a great example of longevity in football. The Paraguayan striker is still playing in his home country.

1. José Montiel (Paraguay)

Montiel is the least known player on this list. He was part of Paraguay’s 2006 World Cup squad and is still active in local football more than 20 years later.

From young talents in Germany to seasoned players still competing in 2026, these 10 footballers have had amazing careers that span generations. They are the last active players from the 2006 FIFA World Cup.