Arsenal’s 2006 Champions League Finalists: Where Are They Now?
Arsenal’s journey to the 2006 Champions League final remains one of the most iconic chapters in the club’s history. Under the guidance of Arsene Wenger, the team reached the final for the first time, showcasing a formidable defensive record along the way. However, their dream was ultimately dashed by Barcelona in Paris, with Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti scoring the decisive goals after Sol Campbell had opened the scoring.
The squad featured a mix of seasoned internationals and young talents, many of whom went on to have successful careers across Europe and beyond. Two decades later, these players have taken vastly different paths, from coaching and media work to business ventures and personal challenges. Here’s a look at where some of the key figures from that historic campaign are now.
The Starting XI
GK Jens Lehmann (Germany)
Lehmann was a crucial part of Arsenal’s run to the final, setting a record for the most consecutive clean sheets in the competition that season. After moving to Stuttgart, he eventually returned to Arsenal briefly before retiring in 2010. He has since worked as an analyst on German TV and held roles in football management.
RB Emmanuel Eboue (Ivory Coast)
Eboue played for Galatasaray and later Sunderland before facing personal and legal issues that affected his career. He has spoken openly about mental health and financial struggles, while his son is now part of Chelsea’s academy.
CB Kolo Toure (Ivory Coast)
Toure moved to Manchester City, where he helped win the Premier League title. He transitioned into coaching, working with Leicester and later returning to Manchester City before leaving following Pep Guardiola’s departure.
CB Sol Campbell (England)
Campbell left Arsenal for Portsmouth and later Newcastle. He explored politics but eventually focused on business and technology, including developing AI-led scouting platforms.
LB Ashley Cole (England)
Cole controversially left Arsenal for Chelsea, where he achieved great success. After retiring, he took up coaching roles and recently became the manager of Cesena in Serie B.
RM Robert Pires (France)
Pires left Arsenal after the 2006 final and later returned as a coach. He continues to be involved in football through punditry and Baller League projects.
CM Gilberto Silva (Brazil)
Silva played for Panathinaikos and later retired in Brazil. He has remained active in football as a pundit and ambassador for Arsenal.
CM Cesc Fabregas (Spain)
Fabregas became a key player at Arsenal before moving to Barcelona and later Chelsea. He now manages Como, leading them to promotion and Champions League qualification.
LM Alexander Hleb (Belarus)
Hleb had a varied career, playing for clubs across Europe before retiring in 2019. He now works in the Belarusian Football Federation.
CF Freddie Ljungberg (Sweden)
Ljungberg returned to Arsenal as a coach and later worked with the national teams of Belgium and France. He has since stepped back from full-time coaching.
CF Thierry Henry (c) (France)
Henry is one of Arsenal’s most iconic players. He transitioned into coaching and now works as a pundit for CBS Sports and FOX Sports. He also led France’s youth teams to a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics.
Substitutes
GK Manuel Almunia (Spain)
Almunia retired in 2014 due to a heart condition and has largely stayed out of the public eye.
DF Philippe Senderos (Switzerland)
Senderos currently works under Arsene Wenger at FIFA as a youth talent scout.
DF Gael Clichy (France)
Clichy is the head coach of French third-tier side SM Caen.
MF Mathieu Flamini (France)
Flamini has become a successful entrepreneur, co-founding a biochemical company focused on sustainable energy.
FW Jose Antonio Reyes (Spain)
Reyes tragically passed away in a car accident in 2019 at the age of 35.
FW Robin van Persie (Netherlands)
Van Persie transitioned into coaching and is currently the manager of Eredivisie club Feyenoord.
