FULL LIST: 10 footballers still playing 20 years after 2006 World Cup

A total of 736 players represented 32 nations at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, with each country fielding a 23-man squad.

Two decades later, the vast majority of those players have retired from professional football, with many transitioning into coaching, management, punditry, or other roles within the sport.

However, a select group of veterans continue to defy age and remain active in professional football in 2026.

Among them are three of the game’s most iconic figures — Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric — who continue to compete at the highest level despite first appearing on the World Cup stage 20 years ago.

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

1. Luka Modric (Croatia)

Modric played a limited role for Croatia at the 2006 World Cup but went on to become the greatest player in his country’s history. The midfield maestro inspired Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and remains active at the age of 40.

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Messi was just a teenager when he made Argentina’s squad for Germany 2006. Since then, he has won multiple Ballon d’Or awards, two Copa America titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Argentine legend continues his professional career in 2026.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Ronaldo scored his first World Cup goal in Germany and has since become international football’s all-time leading scorer. Still playing professionally at 41, he remains one of the sport’s most enduring stars.

1. Sergio Ramos (Spain)

A cornerstone of Spain’s golden generation, Ramos won the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships. Although currently without a club, the veteran defender has not announced his retirement.

1. Oscar Ustari (Argentina)

The goalkeeper was part of Argentina’s squad in 2006 and continues his professional career nearly two decades later after spending much of his career as a reliable backup at club level.

1. Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)

One of the most recognisable World Cup goalkeepers of his generation, Ochoa remains active at 40. The Mexican veteran has enjoyed a long career across Europe and North America.

1. Lukasz Fabianski (Poland)

Fabianski attended the 2006 tournament as a young goalkeeper and later built a successful Premier League career with Arsenal, Swansea City and West Ham United. He remains active in professional football.

1. Lukas Podolski (Germany)

Named the Best Young Player of the 2006 World Cup, Podolski enjoyed a decorated career that included winning the 2014 World Cup with Germany. He continues to play in Poland.

1. Roque Santa Cruz (Paraguay)

At 44 years old, Santa Cruz remains one of football’s ultimate examples of longevity. The Paraguayan striker continues to play professionally in his homeland.

1. José Montiel (Paraguay)

The least well-known name on the list, Montiel was part of Paraguay’s 2006 World Cup squad and remains active in domestic football more than 20 years later.

From teenage prospects in Germany to veterans still competing in 2026, these 10 players have enjoyed extraordinary careers that have spanned generations, making them the final active survivors from the 2006 FIFA World Cup.