Football has a way of moving quickly. Every season brings new stars, new transfers, and new stories. Fans often forget about players who once ruled the biggest stages, thinking they have retired or disappeared from the spotlight. But some footballers continue to play long after their time in Europe’s top leagues. They may no longer feature in the Champions League or World Cup headlines, yet they still lace up their boots and step onto the pitch each week.

BoyleSports, home of lotto online, has looked into the footballers that we all onced love to check where they are at now.

These players keep going because football is part of who they are. They love the game too much to walk away. Their stories show that passion, not fame, is what truly drives a footballer.

Lukas Podolski

Lukas Podolski was once one of Germany’s brightest stars, which is saying a lot considering the number of talented players to have come out of Germany. Known for his powerful left foot and cheerful personality, he became a fan favourite for both his national team and his clubs. After memorable spells with Cologne, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal, many assumed Podolski had retired once he left Europe’s biggest leagues.

In reality, Podolski is still playing professional football, although he can no longer compete at the highest level due to his age. Podolski has found a way to continue doing what he loves. He joined Górnik Zabrze in Poland, returning to his family roots and continuing to impress with his skill and determination, despite his old age. Even though he is now forty years old, Podolski remains a creative and dangerous attacker who has never lost his attacking mind. His leadership on and off the pitch has made him a role model for younger players.

Podolski’s career shows that passion can keep a player going even after the glamour of top-level football fades. He still enjoys every moment on the pitch and continues to show that experience can be just as important as speed or youth.

Arturo Vidal

Few midfielders in the modern era have played with as much competitive fire and energy as Arturo Vidal. During his prime, he was notorious for being one of the toughest and most complete midfielders in the world. Vidal won titles with some of the biggest clubs in the world, such as Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona. Fans admired his work rate and ability to score goals from midfield, a trait which can be hard to find at the top level.

Although many believed his career had slowed down after leaving Europe, Vidal has refused to stop playing. He returned to South America, representing Flamengo and later Colo-Colo, one of Chile’s biggest clubs. Even as one of the most experienced players on the team, he still plays with the same intensity that made him such a fan favourite during his time in Europe.

Vidal’s journey proves that some footballers have what it takes to compete well into their older years. His strong mentality and love for the game have kept him going long after most of his former teammates have retired.

Santi Cazorla

Santi Cazorla’s story is one of the most inspiring in football. Known for his incredible technique and creativity, Cazorla was one of the most talented midfielders of his generation. Fans at Arsenal still remember his amazing control and ability to play with both feet. However, a serious ankle injury nearly ended the Spaniard’s career, and doctors once told him he might never play again.

After several surgeries and a long recovery process, Cazorla made a shock return to football. He rejoined Villarreal in Spain and became one of their key players once again, even earning a surprise recall to the Spanish national team. The turnaround from almost having to retire to being back at the top was remarkable and a feat only certain players can achieve.

In 2023, Cazorla achieved a lifelong dream of his as he joined his boyhood club, Real Oviedo, who were struggling to get promoted to La Liga. Despite his age, he helped guide Oviedo through an incredible season, leading them to promotion to La Liga for the first time in more than two decades. His experience and vision made a huge difference, and his return gave fans hope and pride.

Roque Santa Cruz

Roque Santa Cruz has been around for what feels like forever. The Paraguayan striker first became famous when he played for Bayern Munich in the early 2000s and later moved to England, where he impressed with Blackburn Rovers. Many thought his career ended years ago, but Santa Cruz has never lost his hunger to play and is still active today.

After his European journey ended, he made the obvious return to Paraguay to play for Olimpia Asunción, where he became a legend. Even in his forties, he continues to play in the Paraguayan league, showing that his experience and intelligence make up for what he may have lost in speed. His leadership has helped guide younger players, and he remains one of the most respected figures in South American football.

Santa Cruz’s long career is proof that true love for football can last a lifetime. He could have retired years ago with plenty of success behind him, but instead, he chose to keep giving everything to the game.

David Luiz

David Luiz is one of the most recognisable defenders of the sport. Known for his iconic curly hair, bold tackles, and surprisingly devastating free-kick ability, he built a career across some of the biggest clubs in the world. From Chelsea to Paris Saint-Germain to Arsenal, Luiz always played with passion and flair, which you would expect from a Brazilian.

After a stint back in his home nation of Brazil for Flamengo, many expected Luiz to retire, but he made the surprise switch to play for Pafos FC in Cyprus. The move surprised many fans, but it also highlighted his continued hunger to play. At Pafos, Luiz provides valuable experience and leadership to a young team, showing that big-name players can still contribute in smaller leagues.

His journey back home has been a full-circle moment, allowing him to play in front of Brazilian fans who have always admired his spirit and skill. David Luiz’s career proves that football can still bring joy even after the bright lights of Europe fade.

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