8 players from World Cup 2006 we can't believe are still playing in 2023
![](https://d3nfwcxd527z59.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2022/11/25093133/Lukas-Podolski-Germany-2006.jpg)
The 2006 World Cup featured a glut of star names and players that would define their era - but it's still a surprise to see so many of them still playing 16 years after the tournament finished. Here are nine of them.
Some big names have shown impressive longevity.
![](https://cdn.roadtrips.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/fyt-1.jpg)
World Cup Ultimate Guide - World Cup History and Facts - Roadtrips
![](https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt829c3f5f3a0cb2f7/6485ef0d8e44c0d6c50898a3/GOAL_-_Multiple_Images_-_2_Split_-_Facebook(209).png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
Lionel Messi or Erling Haaland? Thierry Henry issues decisive response when asked who should win 2023 Ballon d'Or
![](https://thehockeynews.com/.image/ar_16:9%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cg_xy_center%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_1200%2Cx_1586%2Cy_1009/MTk1OTI4NjY5ODU0NjM5MTMw/usatsi_7217632.jpg)
Ten Bought-Out NHL Players You May Forget Are Still On the Books - The Hockey News
2023 FIBA World Cup: Which players will miss the tournament? Full list.
![](https://d3nfwcxd527z59.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2021/02/16102622/Marcelo-Bielsa-Leeds-United.jpg)
8 players from World Cup 2006 we can't believe are still playing in 2023
Wayne Barnes to referee Rugby World Cup final
![](https://cdns.klimg.com/bola.net/library/upload/21/2022/09/645x430/totti-1_cb92760.jpg)
5 Alumni Italia Piala Dunia 2006 Melatih Serie B 2022/2023, serie b italiana 2006
![](https://cdn.hockeycanada.ca/hockey-canada/Team-Canada/Men/Under-18/2023-24/2023-hlinka-gretzky-cup-roster.jpg)
24 players named to Canada's National Men's Summer Under-18 Team for 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup
![](https://d3gbf3ykm8gp5c.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2024/03/22105312/Tadhg-Beirne-Andy-Farrell-and-James-lowe-Irelands-Six-Nations.jpg)
8 players from World Cup 2006 we can't believe are still playing in 2023
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Gianluigi_Buffon_%2831784615942%29_%28cropped%29.jpg/800px-Gianluigi_Buffon_%2831784615942%29_%28cropped%29.jpg)
Gianluigi Buffon - Wikipedia
![](https://images.ps-aws.com/c?url=https%3A%2F%2Fd3nfwcxd527z59.cloudfront.net%2Fcontent%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2F25153614%2FMLS-top-scorers-this-season.jpg)
Nine players we still can't believe played in a World Cup final
![](https://www.fiba.basketball/images.fiba.com/Graphic/7/C/8/4/t_5zzOZbXUipzn2kajKwgA.jpg?v=20240326092457033)
Physicality, passing, experience: 3 lessons learned at the World Cup for USA? - Paris 2024 Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament 2024