They lit up stadiums, made headlines, and dominated highlight reels—but where are they now? From Brazil to Belgium, here’s what these once-superstars are up to today.
Football is full of unforgettable moments and rising stars who burst onto the scene and take all the spotlight. But as time goes on, not every player stays in that glowing limelight. Some legends ride off into the sunset with a grand farewell, while others quietly slip off the radar.
That’s what makes this list so special—it shines a light on 8 forgotten footballers who, believe it or not, are still out there playing the beautiful game.
1. Vágner Love – Avaí FC
Known just as much for his wild hairstyles as his insane skills, Vágner Love was pure entertainment on the pitch. With both-footed rockets and flair to spare, he lit up CSKA Moscow, where his FIFA card became the stuff of legend.
After leaving Russia in 2013, many thought he’d vanished—but Vágner wasn’t done. He kept pushing, with stops at Monaco and Beşiktaş, before returning to Brazil. In 2024, after a short run with Atlético Goianiense, he joined Avaí FC—still scoring goals at 40.
2. Radja Nainggolan – Lokeren-Temse
The “Mohawk Machine” made headlines for his crunching tackles, wild style, and rebellious streak. Everyone expected him to join the Premier League—especially Manchester United, but the move never came.
Instead, he built a fierce legacy at AS Roma and Inter Milan. After a brief spell at SPAL, he shocked everyone in 2023 by heading to Indonesia’s Bhayangkara Presisi. Today, at 37, he’s still playing in Belgium with Lokeren-Temse.
3. Arturo Vidal – Colo-Colo
Famously dubbed “The Warrior,” Vidal was the embodiment of grit and chaos. From Bayer Leverkusen to Juventus, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Inter, he played for Europe’s biggest clubs.
But in 2022, Inter terminated his contract. Vidal bounced back in Brazil with Flamengo and Athletico Paranaense. In 2024, he returned home to Colo-Colo—where it all began.
4. Alexis Sánchez – Udinese
Explosive pace, tireless energy, and lethal finishing defined Alexis at his peak. He lit up the Premier League with Arsenal, scoring 80 goals in 166 games after arriving from Barcelona.
His high-profile move to Manchester United didn’t pan out, but he found new life at Inter and later Marseille. In a poetic twist, he returned to Udinese in 2024—18 years after first signing with them.
5. Lukas Podolski – Górnik Zabrze
You couldn’t ignore Podolski—especially when that left foot got going. He was a Bundesliga icon with 1. FC Köln and lifted trophies with Bayern Munich, but it was at Arsenal where he became a global fan favorite.
After Arsenal, he enjoyed success with Galatasaray, followed by surprise spells in Japan and Australia. Today, the 39-year-old is still lacing up for Górnik Zabrze in Poland—and yes, still smashing screamers.
6. David Luiz – Flamengo -> Pafos FC
One of the most unpredictable defenders in modern football, Luiz’s career included highs like winning the Champions League with Chelsea and lows like that infamous 7–1 World Cup loss.
After leaving Arsenal in 2021, he returned to Brazil to join Flamengo, adding experience and leadership to their backline. The Brazilian legend will play for Pafos FC, who have announced the signing of this Brazilian legend.
Still a character, still a presence—and yes, still sporting the curls.
7. Ricardo Quaresma – Vitória SC
The king of the trivela, Quaresma was flair personified. After spells with Porto, Barcelona, Inter, and Beşiktaş, he returned to Portugal with Vitória SC.
At 40, he’s still running the wing—and still curling them in with the outside of the boot like it’s 2008.
8. Hatem Ben Arfa – Free Agent (Last at LOSC Lille)
Once tipped as the next Zidane, Ben Arfa had a rollercoaster career with Lyon, Marseille, Newcastle, PSG, and Rennes.
In 2022, he made headlines for a brief, tense spell at Lille, but he hasn’t officially retired. Could a surprise return be on the cards?
Final Whistle
In an era of instant fame and short attention spans, these players remind us that passion for football doesn’t fade easily. Whether they’re chasing one last goal, inspiring younger teammates, or simply playing for the love of the game—these forgotten stars are still out there, still living the dream.
Want more like this? Follow the journeys of your favorite players across the world—and maybe even catch a match at one of their clubs. The beautiful game never forgets.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Arturo Vidal
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
