👋 Beyond CR7: Cup to mark farewells for several stars, see list | OneFootball

The 2026 World Cup will mark the end of a generation, with the (likely) farewells of names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar.

CR7 is 41 years old. Messi, 38. Neymar, “only” 34 — but the constant injuries leave little hope that he will be able to play in the 2030 World Cup.

This list, however, goes much further. See below the list of players who will probably say goodbye to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): the next World Cup will be in Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, but CR7 will be 45 years old.

Lionel Messi (Argentina): the Argentine star will play in his sixth World Cup — and will chase back-to-back titles. He is 38 years old.

Neymar (Brazil): the number 10 will be 38 in 2030, but his physical condition leaves fans with little hope.

Neuer (Germany): the 40-year-old goalkeeper was not even expected to go to the World Cup, but, with no adequate replacement, he will play in his fifth tournament.

Modric (Croatia): at 40 years old, the Croatian legend will play in his fifth World Cup to bring his national team story to an end.

Courtois and De Bruyne (Belgium): leaders of Belgium’s generation, both are 34 years old and will play in the World Cup for the fourth time.

Enner Valencia (Ecuador): the Inter player is 36 years old. That means he will be 40 at the next World Cup.

Muslera (Uruguay): after legends like Cavani and Suárez, it will be Muslera’s turn (39) to end his cycle with the national team.

Edin Dzeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina): the former Manchester City and Inter Milan striker, now at Schalke 04, is 40 years old.

James Rodríguez (Colombia):

Ochoa (Mexico): the 40-year-old goalkeeper — after earning his place late in the cycle — will go to his sixth World Cup.

And to finish on a high note...

Vozinha (Cape Verde): the goalkeeper with the curious nickname will make his debut... and his farewell at the World Cup. Vozinha is already 40 years old.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA - AFP or licensors