All the football fans out there, we have news for you. But it will probably be a sad one. You must have heard the rumors that the upcoming FIFA event will presumably be the last for numerous star players. Unfortunately, the rumors are true!
The FIFA World Cup in Qatar this year will be the one where several players will take their ultimate bow from the match. And the list includes not just your favorite Messi and Ronaldo but many more whose leaving will surprise and sadden you simultaneously.
Although none of the stars noted here have given any official record, media reports believe they might play the final international match in Qatar this year. If you’re curious to find out who has the chance to leave the sport following the match, please continue scrolling!
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
The Argentinian footballer made his competing appearance in the sport at the mere age of 17 in 2004. Over the 18 years of his long career, the little magician has recorded more than 785 senior scores for club and nation and holds the career for scoring the maximum number of goals by a footballer for a single club, which is 672.
But there’s sad news for Messi’s fans. The superstar player will presumably play his 5th and last FIFA tournament for Argentina in Qatar in 2024. He is already 35 and planning to say goodbye to the sport too. We hope this will finally be the year he takes home the one trophy that has eluded him so far.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
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Football fans will surely get heartbroken over the fact that their favorite Portuguese professional, Cristiano Ronaldo, who won Portugal its first-ever World Cup, might retire in a few years. He is already 37 and regarded as one of the finest footballers. He possesses a glorious career behind him and still participates in the Premier League, which is a huge accomplishment.
Although the all-time top scorer has been amid controversy following the conversation with Piers Morgan, it has not affected his fanbase. He has previously disclosed his plans to participate in the 2024 Euro, but we are not sure about his plans for the 2026 World Cup. But according to Cristiano Ronaldo fanpage, 2024 might be the moment he takes the ultimate bow.
3. Luka Modric (Croatia)
The 37-year-old star footballer from Croatia might play his final World Cup in Qatar in 2024. Although we have seen him giving amazing performances as a midfielder for La Liga Club Real Madrid for a prolonged time, this one will probably be the conclusion of his sensational course at the international level.
Luka Modric mainly plays as a midfielder and captains the Croatia national football team. He made his World Cup debut in 2006 and is regarded as one of the finest midfielders. In 2018, he even took the Ballon d’Or trophy home to Croatia.
4. Luis Suarez (Uruguay)
The Uruguayan player is yet another professional likely to tick off the checklist of active footballers. This year will likely be the last international FIFA tournament, where he might play as the Uruguay team’s superstar for the final time.
Football fans will surely miss him playing on the ground, as he has given stunning performances so far. Luis has recorded more than 500 goals with 2 European Golden Shoes, 1 Premier League Golden Boot, and one Eredivisie Golden Boot, besides several others to his name. He was also known as El Pistolero for his incredible skills and ease with football.
5. Sergio Busquets (Spain)
The 34-year-old Spanish player captains the national football team of Spain and the La Liga Club Barcelona. He is among the few players showing signs of aging, and it is no surprise to hear them retiring after the upcoming tournament. It is heartbreaking for sports lovers to hear that their star is planning to bid goodbye to the sport.
But it doesn’t mean Sergio is no more the key member of Luis Enrique’s squad. His passes’ grace and elegance still reach his mates’ hearts, and he is viewed as a performer with exceptional pitch awareness to play offense.
6. Thiago Silva (Brazil)
Thiago Silva is the commander of the Brazilian team and is considered one of the most prominent defenders in the sport’s history. Watching him play on the ground with his natural defensive prowess, discipline, and leadership skills is a treat. This year he turned 38 but still displays no sign of slowing down.
Everyone speculated Russia World Cup was his last, but he surprised everyone with plans to play for FIFA 2024 this year. So, we might see him do his magic this year, but we can’t say anything about the next international match.
7. Karim Benzema (France)
The French footballer who takes the role of a striker and captains La Liga Real Madrid will likely take his final bow from international matches after this year. Like a majority of the players on this list, he’s also over 30 but probably the youngest to depart from the tournament.
Karim Benzema is a creative and prolific forward and is considered one of the finest strikers. But over the last few months, he suffered several casualties, including a quadriceps injury during a pre-tournament training camp.
Wrapping Up
It might be tough for soccer fans to believe that their favorite players are likely to retire even before the next World Cup. But it’s true.
Besides our favorites, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, several others have held the tag of being the BEST for over two decades. But it’s over now. All the star players listed here have given amazing performances for a long time and have held a beautiful careers until now. But this match will be their last.
Instead of being heartbroken over this fact, we must wish them the best for their final match. Since it will be the last time they might play at an international level, we can expect astonishing performances from them all.
