We are in the stage where the quarterfinals will happen and will probably be the game’s biggest star’s last performance on the international stage. For many of the best football players, it will signal the end of an era. Due to their impending retirement, some of the greatest soccer icons will be making their final FIFA World Cup participation. With superstars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luka Modric expected to have left the international game by the time their next chance comes along in 2026, it will probably be their last opportunity to add the World Cup to their trophy cabinet. Let’s look at 5 Legendary Players who might hang up their boots following the 2022 World Cup.
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5 Legendary Players
5. LUKA MODRIC
- AGE: 37
- WORLD CUP DEBUT: 2006
- COUNTRY: CROATIA
The midfield genius led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, where they lost to France. They awarded him the tournament’s best player and the Golden Ball winner. The player has continued to be the most crucial player for the nation ever since, maturing like a great wine. It seems improbable that Modric will play in the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States because he will be older than 40 (as of September 9) in 2026.
4. LUIS SAUREZ
- AGE: 35
- WORLD CUP DEBUT: 2010
- COUNTRY: URUGUAY
With 56 goals scored in 134 games, Luis Suarez is the national team’s all-time leading scorer. He made defenders uncomfortable. The player won’t participate as much in the competition because he is past his prime. The 2026 FIFA World Cup might not see the return of one of the century’s best center forwards, Luis Suarez. By the following iteration, the former Barcelona player will be 39 years old.
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3. PEPE
- AGE: 39
- WORLD CUP DEBUT: 2010
- COUNTRY: PORTUGAL
Pepe, who was born and reared in Brazil, chose to represent Portugal and has 131 caps since making his debut in 2007. He participated in four FIFA World Cups and many UEFA European Championships. He was a member of the Euro 2016 champion team and also made it to the semifinals of the Euro 2012 tournament. The Euro 2016 championship game’s man of the match was Pepe. Pepe has become the oldest player to score in the knockout stage while playing against Switzerland in the Round of 16. This will be his last World Cup for sure as he is 39.Â
2. CRISTIANO RONALDO
- AGE: 37
- WORLD CUP DEBUT: 2006
- COUNTRY: PORTUGAL
The captain of Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo, has participated in his fifth and probably final FIFA World Cup in Qatar. When the next World Cup rolls around, the stories forward will be 41 years old and the top scorer in men’s international football with 117 goals in 191 games. Though he has been not impressive as he always looks. Getting benched in the first half and being a substitute is not Ronaldo, we knew. But we all believe in him that he will be scoring bangers in his upcoming match against Morocco.Â
1. LIONEL MESSI
- AGE: 35
- WORLD CUP DEBUT: 2010
- COUNTRY: ARGENTINA
In Qatar this year, Argentine maverick Lionel Messi is leading his nation to a FIFA World Cup triumph. He might surpass 1986 World Cup champion Diego Maradona to become Argentina’s most decorated footballer. As he has played so far, we could see Messi lifting the trophy. He would be 39 (June 24) for the following edition, therefore it is likely to be his last chance to win the World Cup.
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