2006 FIFA World Cup
World Cup player profiles
The 2006 FIFA World Cup brings together football stars and young players of the world’s most popular sport to help children affected by conflict and violence. Click below to meet World Cup 2006 players who have signed on to the UNITE FOR CHILDREN UNITE FOR PEACE campaign – and watch for more player profiles to come!
David Beckham, captain of Team UNICEF, gives back to the game he loves
First, you have to have dreamt where you want to be. Then, getting there is about a little luck and a lot of very hard graft. David Beckham set his heart on football as soon as he could kick one.
Emmanuel Adebayor, high flyer from Togo
Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor, the high-flying star footballer from Togo, has teamed up with UNICEF and FIFA to act as one of sponsors of the UNITE FOR CHILDREN UNITE FOR PEACE campaign.
Didier Drogba, one of football’s next greats
One of Africa’s top players known for his aerial artistry in front of the goal, Didier Drogba has stunning form and dynamic goal-scoring abilities that have helped lead his native country, Côte d'Ivoire, to their first-ever FIFA World Cup Finals in Germany this year.
Thierry Henry, top scorer and role model
Considered by many to be the most prolific scorer in football, Thierry Henry hails from France, but in England he is Arsenal’s most feared weapon.
Tim Howard, US-born Manchester goalkeeper who overcame hardships
The first American to ever play for Manchester United in the English Premier League, Tim Howard, a 26-year-old New Jersey native, joins ranks with UNICEF and FIFA for the UNITE FOR CHILDREN UNITE FOR PEACE campaign.
Rafael Marquez, versatile defender from Mexico
One of Mexico’s most celebrated players of all time, Rafael Marquez, has not only made a big impact at home, but has also become a force on the international scene, playing in the Spanish league as a defensive midfielder for FC Barcelona.
Lionel Messi, football prodigy from Argentina overcomes hardship
Argentine teenage football prodigy Lionel Messi is considered by many the most exciting young player in professional football.
Christoph Metzelder, Germany’s composed and confident defender
Christoph Metzelder, the towering defender for Borussia Dortmund, is one of the most talented backs in football. He is widely recognized for the numerous ways in which he makes excellent use of his head on the field, dominating the game from the air and outsmarting players on the ground.
Hidetoshi Nakata, a Japanese footballing icon
A Japanese football icon, Hidetoshi Nakata is a sleek offensive midfielder who rose to stardom when he carried his nation to its first-ever World Cup in 1998.
Ji-Sung Park, rising star from South Korea
One of the most promising and versatile young midfielders in all of Europe, Ji-sung Park, South Korea’s most popular player, is joining up with UNICEF and FIFA for this year’s 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Edwin Tenorio, Ecuadorian star with strength and passion
Edwin Tenorio, one of the best known football players in Ecuador, joins UNICEF and FIFA in the UNITE FOR CHILDREN UNITE FOR PEACE campaign for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Francesco Totti, friend of UNICEF and Italian football sensation
Francesco Totti, born in Rome in 1976, is one of Italy’s – and the world’s – great football players, and one of football’s finest players worldwide.
Edwin van der Sar, world-class keeper from the Netherlands
The starting goalie for Manchester United, Edwin van der Sar is only the sixth Dutch footballer ever to play for Man U in the English Premier League.
Paulo Wanchope, Costa Rica’s all-time top goal scorer
A prolific goal scorer, known for his knack for making something out of nothing, Paulo Wanchope is a magician on the field and beloved by fans across his native Costa Rica.
Dwight Yorke, international phenomenon from Trinidad and Tobago
Dwight Yorke, captain of the Trinidad and Tobago national team, is an international football phenomenon.
