- 20 Years Later: The 10 Remaining Active Players From the 2006 World Cup
- Messi, Ronaldo and Modric continue playing two decades later.
- Most members of the Germany 2006 generation have retired.
Twenty years after the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, only a handful of players from the tournament remain active in professional football. While most of the 736 players who featured at the competition have retired, some veterans continue to extend their careers well into 2026.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to Planet Football, 10 members of the 2006 World Cup generation are still playing professionally, including football icons Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric.
Luka Modric (Croatia)
Modric had a limited role for Croatia at the 2006 World Cup but later became the greatest player in the country’s history. The midfielder led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and remains active at the age of 40.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi was 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 to play professionally in 2026.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Ronaldo scored his first World Cup goal during the 2006 tournament and has since become international football’s all time leading scorer. At 41, he remains active and continues to compete at the highest level.
Sergio Ramos (Spain)
Ramos played a key role in Spain’s golden generation, winning the 2010 World Cup and two European Championship titles. Although currently without a club, the veteran defender has not officially retired from football.
Oscar Ustari (Argentina)
The goalkeeper was part of Argentina’s squad in Germany and remains active nearly two decades later after a long professional career.
Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)
One of the most recognisable goalkeepers in World Cup history, Ochoa continues to play professionally at the age of 40 after spells across Europe and North America.
Lukasz Fabianski (Poland)
Fabianski attended the 2006 World Cup as a young goalkeeper before enjoying a successful career with Arsenal, Swansea City and West Ham United. He remains active in the game.
Lukas Podolski (Germany)
Podolski won the Best Young Player award at the 2006 World Cup and later lifted the 2014 World Cup with Germany. He continues to play club football in Poland.
Roque Santa Cruz (Paraguay)
At 44, Santa Cruz remains one of football’s longest serving professionals. The former Paraguay international still plays in his home country.
José Montiel (Paraguay)
Montiel may be the least known player on the list, but he continues to feature in domestic football more than 20 years after appearing in Paraguay’s 2006 World Cup squad.
From teenage stars to seasoned veterans, these players have enjoyed remarkable careers and remain the last active footballers from the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
