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
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