5 footballers you wouldn’t believe are still playing

John Obi Mikel during a match for Chelsea
John Obi Mikel during a match for Chelsea

#3 Ricardo Quaresma

Croatia v Portugal - Round of 16: Euro 2016
Croatia v Portugal - Round of 16: Euro 2016

The Portuguese's playing style was as elegant as his name. Famous for his bag of tricks, Ricardo Quaresma was a complete package. He also contributed to winning Portugal's first major international title when he replaced an injured Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2016 UEFA European Championship final.

However, he could never achieve his potential due to his inconsistency. Over a 20-year career, Quaresma has played for nine different clubs, including Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea.

The 38-year-old winger has become a more reliable and disciplined player in recent years and currently plays for Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes.

#2 John Obi Mikel

Chelsea v Juventus FC - UEFA Champions League
Chelsea v Juventus FC - UEFA Champions League

Both Manchester United and Chelsea claimed to have reached an agreement to sign John Obi Mikel from Lyn Fotball. The Nigerian defensive midfielder went on to become a club legend with Chelsea during a career that spanned 11 seasons, starting in 2006. Along with winning many domestic trophies, he also contributed to the club's maiden Champions League triumph in 2012.

Since 2017, he has moved to five different clubs, the last being Kuwait FC, where his contract was terminated in November 2021, four months after he joined them.


#1 Rafinha

Rafinha won 18 trophies with Bayern Munich
Rafinha won 18 trophies with Bayern Munich

A gentle reminder to those who are confused right now. Yes, there are two Rafinhas from Brazil and no, this is not the one who is playing for PSG. The one we are talking about here moved to Germany after signing with Schalke 04 in 2005. The right-back then moved to Genoa, but it only lasted a year as the club failed to pay his fees in the stipulated time frame.

Rafinha signed with Bayern Munich in 2011. Despite having a top player like Philipp Lahm in that position, Rafinha earned enough opportunities to play. Eight years and 18 trophies later, he parted ways with the German giants, which was also thought to be the end of his professional journey.

However, the 36-year-old Brazilian joined Flamengo in 2019, followed by a spell with Olympiacos. He currently plays for Brazilian side Gremio, with whom he is contracted until the end of 2021.

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Edited by Sanjay Rajan
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