5 world-class players you didn't know are still playing

Growing up as football fans, we have seen these faces as some of the most accomplished footballers playing for their clubs or winning honors at the International level, proving to be a world-class prowess. From the likes of Andres Iniesta, who continues to display his skills all the way in Japan, to Didier Drogba, who is strong enough to continue for the American side Phoenix Rising, our idols have never disappointed us, and are going on strong enough.

For some, they may have had their share of controversies and lack of game time and in some cases, a season-long goal drought. But that would not change the fact that they have always given 100% in order to entertain us and make sure that we stick to our seats. Our selection of the five football players that we may have forgotten, but are still trying their level best to play the game as much as possible, as their love for the sport gets them to wake up every single morning and go for training, and later go for the game will make all of us realise that one thing that we as football fans forget: Always remember the our heroes.

---

#5 Rafael van der Vaart - Esbjerg fB

Remember the 2008 Real Madrid squad? the Dutchmen was the first choice.

He was once considered as one of the most promising talents back in the mid-2000s; From Real Madrid to Tottenham Hotspur to very recently joining the Danish side Esbjerg fB, van der Vaart is surely a veteran of the sport who has a lot left in his tank. An attacking midfielder of top quality, the former Dutch International was the reason behind the famous semi-final victory against Uruguay in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

With almost 140 goals in his entire career, it wouldn't really be right to say that the number 10 has been on a goal drought for a very long time, but that is the ultimate reason why his blooming career was cut short, as poor performances at the top level have had a toll on his style of play.

#4 Florent Malouda - FC Differdange 03

Former Chelsea winger now plays in Luxembourg

Malouda spent most of his career playing for Lyon and Chelsea, winning four consecutive Ligue 1 titles and a UEFA Champions League title with the latter. A versatile and aggressive winger and sometimes an attacking midfielder, the 38-year-old is still continuing to be a part of the sport, as he joined the Luxembourgish side this year. The former French International was the reason behind the 2006 success of France in the world cup, although, they weren't able to win in the finals.

He is most famously known as a Chelsea player, where he formed an aggressive trio with Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack, winning some of the most important matches for his team, up until his farewell in 2013.

#3 Lucio - Brasiliense

At the age of 40, Lucio continues to perform.

After the retirement of Kaka, Lucio stands as the last active player of the 2002 Worldcup winning squad, as the 40-year-old proves to have a lot left in his tank. Often considered as one of the greatest and the most feared center-backs of the modern era, Lucio is one of the most accomplished football players at both club and International levels. He is well known for his time as a Bayern Munich and an Inter Milan player, winning the UEFA Champions League with the former.

As the time went by, so did the Brazilian's charisma, as he moved on from one club to another, eventually ending up in his home country, where he now plays for Brasiliense.

#2 Bastian Schweinsteiger - Chicago Fire

The former world-cup winner now plays for Chicago Fire

Regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, the former world-cup winner left for Manchester United in 2015, bringing back the era of players like Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, as he was compared to the two legends at the Old Trafford. Albeit, with poor performances and with not being able to capitalize, the former German International was transferred to the MLS side Chicago fire, but has one well playing for the American giants.

His trophy cabinet, though, is filled with more accolades than any other midfielder of his caliber, as with 8 Bundesliga titles, a Champions League honor, and many other domestic and International silverwares, Schweinsteiger is surely a legend who has a lot left in his tank.

#1 Didier Drogba

The all-time top scorer for Ivory coast still has a lot left as a footballer.

Drogba is best known for his time at Chelsea, as with the English side, he was able to win their very first UEFA Champions League title. He is known to have gained relatively late breakthrough in his career, but that does not shy away from the fact that the former Ivorian International is easily one of the best forwards in the world. A set-piece specialist and often a threat to the defenders, Drogba has gone past some of the tightest defensive lines in world football, including the duo of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol of Barcelona.

The Ivorian maestro is currently playing for the American side Phoenix Rising, where he has scored a total of 15 goals in over 20 appearances.