Everyone is aware that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are still playing today, having participated in the 2010 World Cup. However, there are other players from that tournament who are still active, which might come as a surprise. Whether it’s realizing they were already seasoned enough to compete back then or being amazed that their careers are still ongoing, some of these names will certainly raise your eyebrows.
9. Javier Hernandez
Hernandez left a notable mark at the World Cup, scoring against France and Argentina to display his talent within Mexico’s dynamic team. His impressive performance earned him a move to Manchester United, where he netted 20 goals in his debut season, swiftly becoming a fan favorite at Old Trafford.
His career path included stints at Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham, and Sevilla before he joined LA Galaxy. After spending four years there, he returned to Mexico. Following an injury that kept him out for most of the previous season, the 36-year-old has now resumed playing with Guadalajara in Liga MX.
8. Jesus Navas
Navas was chosen for the World Cup in South Africa, where he scored his first international goal in a friendly against South Korea. He appeared in three matches during Spain’s victorious campaign, including the final’s last half-hour and extra time. Over the subsequent 14 years, he transitioned from a speedy winger to a dependable full-back, adeptly navigating his career.
At 38 years old now, Navas holds the record for the most appearances for Sevilla, surpassing 680 games. Upon retiring, he will unquestionably be celebrated as a legend at Sevilla.
7. Joel Matip
Matip was just 18 years old when he earned a spot on the Cameroon team for the 2010 World Cup finals. Many doubted his readiness for such a prestigious event, but time has proven otherwise.
During the tournament, Matip started as a right midfielder in Cameroon’s initial loss to Japan while not featuring in the starting lineup for subsequent defeats against Denmark and the Netherlands.
Now 32 years old and recently released by Liverpool, Matip is actively seeking a new club ahead of the 2024-25 season.
6. Christian Eriksen
Eriksen, the youngest player at the 2010 World Cup, came off the bench twice for Denmark during their surprising group-stage elimination.
Since then, he has emerged as the standout player of his generation in Denmark and is anticipated to play a pivotal role in Manchester United’s midfield for the Euro 2024 campaign.
5. Lukas Podolski
Podolski had a remarkable start at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, scoring two goals in the 2010 tournament as Germany progressed to the semi-finals. Although he didn’t fulfill all the expectations set by his early career, he played a crucial role in Germany’s triumph at the 2014 World Cup.
His tenure at Arsenal was highlighted by memorable moments, showcasing his prowess with his left foot. Now aged 39, Podolski is continuing his football career with Polish club Gornik Zabrze and has also ventured into entrepreneurship with a chain of kebab shops. He certainly knows how to make the most of life.
4. Andre-Pierre Gignac
The 2010 World Cup was a difficult tournament for France, with Gignac making two substitute appearances and playing a role in their defeat to South Africa.
Now 38, Gignac is enjoying his time in Mexico with Tigres. Congratulations to him!
3. Roque Santa Cruz
In Paraguay, it’s a sure thing, like death and taxes, that Santa Cruz will be playing football.
At the age of 42, he still graces the field for Libertad in his native country.
2. Lee Chung-yong
During his time at Bolton, Lee played a key role in a resilient South Korea team that achieved their first-ever advancement from the group stage on foreign soil.
He scored goals against Argentina and Uruguay, extended his career in English football with spells at Bolton and Crystal Palace until 2018, and subsequently returned to Korea in 2020 to join Ulsan Hyundai.
1. Vladimir Weiss
Weiss, known for his speed and skill on the wing, was expected to move up from Manchester City’s youth team to the senior squad.
However, he made only one appearance for City and had loan spells at Bolton, Rangers, and Espanyol before leaving in 2012. Despite this, he played a role in Slovakia’s surprising journey to the Round of 16 in the World Cup, where they defeated the defending champions Italy.
He has earned 66 caps for Slovakia, but his club career did not achieve the anticipated heights. Currently, he competes for Slovan Bratislava in his home country.