Do you remember the stars who once dominated Europe's biggest leagues before gradually disappearing from the spotlight? The 2026-27 Champions League is bringing several of those experienced players back to the European stage.
While the competition continues to showcase young stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal, the new season also features a group of veterans whose careers have taken unexpected turns.
Domagoj Vida.. The Croatian Warrior Keeps Going
Despite his age and his absence from Croatia's plans for the 2026 World Cup, Domagoj Vida continues to play at the highest level available to him.
The Croatian defender is 37 but remains with AEK Athens, where he has made more than 100 appearances since joining the club in 2022.
His long career has included spells with Dinamo Zagreb, Dynamo Kyiv and Besiktas before another European adventure brought him back toward Champions League football.
The story becomes even more interesting with former Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic also featuring for the Greek club.
N'Golo Kante.. From Saudi Arabia Back to Europe
When N'Golo Kante left Chelsea for Al-Ittihad in 2023, many assumed his European career was coming to an end.
However, the experienced French midfielder returned to Europe with Fenerbahce, opening another chapter in his remarkable career.
Kante's comeback went beyond club football. He also returned to France's plans and featured at the 2026 World Cup, showing that he still has plenty to offer.
Fenerbahce have assembled several familiar names who could also make the Champions League feel like a reunion, including Ederson, Nathan Ake, Milan Skriniar, Nelson Semedo, Marco Asensio and Romelu Lukaku.
Mario Lemina.. A New Chapter at Galatasaray
Turkish champions Galatasaray continue to rely on experienced players, with Gabon international Mario Lemina among the most notable additions.
The midfielder previously played for Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers before returning to Galatasaray for a second spell.
Lemina had already represented the Turkish club during the 2019-20 season on loan, and his return gives him another opportunity to compete on Europe's biggest club stage.
His physical strength and aggressive style make him a valuable presence in midfield.
Sasa Kalajdzic.. The Austrian Giant Returns
Do you remember Austrian striker Sasa Kalajdzic? His enormous frame, standing around 6 feet 7 inches tall, once made him one of the most recognizable physical presences in the Premier League.
His spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers did not produce the expected impact, with the striker scoring only two goals in 13 Premier League appearances.
After his time in England, Kalajdzic completed a permanent move to LASK following a loan spell in which he helped the club during a successful domestic campaign.
Champions League football now gives him another opportunity to make his name known on the European stage.
Florian Thauvin.. A Career Far From the Usual Path
Florian Thauvin has one of the most unusual journeys among the players on this list.
The French winger enjoyed two productive spells with Marseille before struggling during his time at Newcastle United.
He then moved to Mexico to play for Tigres UANL before returning to Europe and becoming a popular figure at Udinese.
Thauvin later joined Lens and emerged as an important player for a side competing near the top of French football.
At 33, he has started the new season strongly, scoring three goals in his first three matches for Lens and earning another opportunity to return to Europe's elite stage.
Nabil Bentaleb.. From Tottenham to Another Champions League Night
It is hard to believe that former Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb is still only 31 after such a long European career.
The Algerian midfielder made his name at Tottenham during a period filled with prominent players before taking a different path through European football.
After overcoming a serious health setback and returning to competitive football, Bentaleb gradually rebuilt his career.
He is now in his fourth season with Lille and is preparing for a second consecutive Champions League campaign.
His teammates include notable names such as Ethan Mbappe and Olivier Giroud.
Kevin Wimmer.. From Tottenham to Slovan Bratislava
Anyone who followed Tottenham during the middle of the last decade may remember Austrian defender Kevin Wimmer.
The defender experienced several different chapters in his career, most notably with Stoke City, alongside loan spells at Hannover, Mouscron and Karlsruhe.
He later returned to Austria with Rapid Vienna before eventually settling at Slovan Bratislava.
Wimmer has helped the Slovakian club win three league titles over the past few seasons, earning another opportunity to play in the Champions League.
Ivan Perisic.. The Star Who Refused to Retire
It was easy to believe that Ivan Perisic's career was approaching its final chapter when he joined Tottenham, particularly after suffering a serious ACL injury.
The Croatian winger then returned to his boyhood club Hajduk Split, a move that appeared to signal the end of his time among Europe's elite.
Instead, Perisic joined PSV and delivered impressive performances, helping the Dutch club win two consecutive league titles.
The veteran is now preparing for another Champions League campaign, proving once again that experience and determination can overcome the expectations surrounding age.
Andre Silva.. Back to His Boyhood Club
Andre Silva's return to Champions League football may take some time to feel familiar again.
The Portuguese striker has returned to Porto, the club where his professional journey began, after an inconsistent spell with Spanish side Elche.
Silva has played in several major European leagues throughout his career, but he is now looking to rediscover his best form at the club that first introduced him to the football world.
Champions League football provides him with another opportunity to rebuild his reputation on the biggest stage.
Pablo Fornals.. The West Ham Favorite Returns
Pablo Fornals is one of the experienced players expected to attract attention at Real Betis.
The Spanish midfielder became a popular figure during his time at West Ham before continuing his European journey.
Known for his technical ability, personality and experience, Fornals remains an important part of the Betis squad.
Under Manuel Pellegrini, the Spanish club gives him another opportunity to return to the biggest European competitions.
His Champions League appearance could become another memorable chapter in a career filled with unexpected turns.
The Champions League Gives Forgotten Stars a Second Chance
The stories of these players show that Champions League football is not only about young talents and established superstars.
From Vida and Kante to Perisic and Fornals, alongside Lemina, Thauvin and Bentaleb, the 2026-27 edition contains several unexpected comeback stories.
Some of these players may simply enjoy the opportunity to return to Europe's elite competition, while others could become genuine surprises once the biggest matches begin.
Who are some of the forgotten players returning to the Champions League in 2026-27?
The list includes Domagoj Vida, N'Golo Kante, Mario Lemina, Florian Thauvin and Ivan Perisic.
Is N'Golo Kante back in the Champions League?
Yes. Kante has returned to European football with Fenerbahce after his spell in Saudi Arabia.
Will Ivan Perisic play in the Champions League?
Yes. Perisic is preparing for another Champions League campaign with PSV.
Who is Andre Silva?
Andre Silva is an experienced Portuguese striker who returned to Porto, his boyhood club, in search of his best form.
Why are these players attracting attention?
They previously played at major European clubs and leagues before moving away from the spotlight and eventually returning to Champions League football.
