Looking back on some BIG names from Futera World Football 2006

As you well know, we have made cards for over 30 years and every now and then we like to go back in time to take a look at some of our collections. So we’re here to reminisce about some of the players who featured on cards from our World Football collection from 2006, and what a collection it was! 🔥

Let’s take a look at what they’re up to now. Enjoy!

1. Dennis Bergkamp

Bergkamp was not included in Holland’s World Cup squad, however, he was still recognised in Futera’s World Football collection with a hand-crafted porcelain card that featured a piece of a match-worn shirt from the Arsenal legend.

The uniqueness of this card pays tribute to his fantastic career. Throughout his time on the pitch, the Dutchman was directly involved in 382 goals in 723 total matches.

But what happened to such an icon after his playing days came to an end?

Like many players, Bergkamp tried his luck as a coach. He was fortunate enough to work his way through the youth system at his boyhood club Ajax – eventually making his way up to the first team.

Die Godenzonen appointed the star as their assistant manager, before he shifted his focus and decided to play to his strengths becoming their forward coach in a role that lasted until 2017.

Two years later he took up another assistant manager position, this time at Almere City’s U21 side. Bergkamp seemingly volunteered for this role, as he claimed in 2019 that he did not wish to be paid by the club.

What a guy.

2. Zlatan Ibrahimović

When the World Football collection was released in 2006, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was just 24 years old.

On the back of his card, the now iconic goalscorer was described as one of the most sought-after strikers in European football.

Amazingly, 16 years on, Zlatan is still a player that many clubs around the world would love to have in their squad, and the legacy that he will leave when he retires will be like that of no-one else.

His belief in his own ability has always been inspiring for many fans, and he has always been complemented for his elegance on the pitch.

Furthermore, his career has featured a number of big money moves to behemoths across the continent. As a result, he has become the fifth most expensive player in the world when combining his total transfer fees.

As at 2022, Zlatan is currently playing in Italy for AC Milan following his £3 million move from the MLS two years ago.

Last term Zlatan netted eight times and assisted thrice in 23 matches as the Rossoneri continued their recent resurgence, winning their first Scudetto for 11 years!

Now 40 years old, Ibrahimović is beyond the retirement age of most top-level footballers and is still playing amongst the elite. So the question is how long will he continue? The answer, who knows… All we do know, however, is that when he does bow out, he will do so in style and collectors will continue to want to add his cards to their collection for a long time to come.

3. Kaka

Similarly to Ibrahimović, Kaka was also 24 when the 2006 FIFA World Cup was taking place.

Back then he was a shining light in a dominant AC Milan side filled with stars.

The tournament was his first on the world stage, and he made a very impressive start scoring from 25 yards and being named Man of the Match in his country’s opening match victory against Croatia.

The Brazilian was tempted by the highest bidders and moved to become one of Florentino Perez’s Galacticos. Real Madrid paid £56 million to secure his services.

Kaka went against the grain when retirement approached, taking a non-traditional route.

Instead of the traditional coaching pathway, he wished to further his education and completed a degree in sports marketing.

He has remained relatively quiet since but is still based in Orlando, USA after finishing his footballing career there.

So, did you have any of these cards in your collection?

Let us know. Remember, we LOVE seeing pictures of your Futera cards, so ensure you tag us in and we’ll re-post!

Until next time,

Lewis