The 2024 international tournaments promise to be hugely significant for many reasons.
One of those reasons is that it will be the last time we see some of our favorite football legends play in a continental competition for their countries. Here are 15 legends who will be playing their last Euros or Copa America in 2024.
Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos, the Real Madrid legend, announced that he’ll be retiring from professional football after the 2024 Euros. The midfielder initially retired from international football in 2021 but came back this year for one last dance. After the Euros, he’ll say goodbye to the beautiful game for good.
Olivier Giroud
The 37-year-old French striker announced in May that he’ll be retiring from international football after the 2024 Euros to allow younger players to shine. This will be Giroud’s sixth international tournament with France, a fitting end for the country’s all-time top scorer.
Pepe
Portuguese defender Pepe will surely be playing his final Euros this summer. At 45 by the time the next Euros comes around, it’s unlikely he’ll still be playing professional football. Already named in Portugal’s squad for Germany, this will be his last tournament.
Kyle Walker
At 34, Kyle Walker will likely be playing his last Euros in 2024. England, with a wealth of right-backs like Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold, will likely not need a 38-year-old Walker in the next tournament.
Manuel Neuer
Goalkeepers often have longer careers than outfield players, but it’s hard to imagine Neuer going for another Euros after 2024. He’ll be 42 by the next edition, and while he might still be playing professional football, he would likely have retired from international duty by then.
Claudio Bravo
The Chile captain is 41 and expected to call it quits on his international career after the 2024 Copa America. It’s unlikely he’ll participate in the next Copa America at the age of 45.
Ángel Di María
Ángel Di María announced that the 2024 Copa America will be his last outing for Argentina. The 36-year-old has been a legend for his country, scoring crucial goals in the Copa America and World Cup finals.
Luis Suárez
Luis Suárez, at 37, will also be playing his last Copa America this summer. His strike partner Edinson Cavani recently retired from international football, hinting that Suárez’s announcement may soon follow.
Robert Lewandowski
Poland’s national team captain, Robert Lewandowski, turns 36 this summer. We expect the 2024 Euros to be his last. While he may appear in the 2026 World Cup, the 2028 Euros seem out of reach.
Luka Modrić
This certainly will be Luka Modrić’s last Euros, and possibly his last international outing with Croatia. At 41 in the year of the next World Cup and 43 in the year of the next Euros, it’s improbable the legend will still be on the pitch.
Christian Eriksen
At 32, Christian Eriksen is younger than most on this list but is expected to play his last Euros in 2024. His form has deteriorated since joining Manchester United, signaling the twilight of his career.
Jesus Navas
Jesus Navas, who holds the record for being the oldest player to represent Spain, will be playing his last Euros this summer. At 38, this will be his final international tournament.
Alexis Sánchez
Alexis Sánchez, who has done wonders for Chile by winning two Copa Americas, will likely play his last Copa America at the age of 35.
Arturo Vidal
Sánchez’s teammate, Arturo Vidal, at 37, is also expected to retire from international football after the 2024 Copa America.
The GOATs: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, and Lionel Messi, turning 37 during the Copa America, are likely to play their final international tournaments in 2024. While they have defied expectations in the past, the 2024 Euros and Copa America may be their last hurrah on the international stage.
As we prepare to bid farewell to these legends, we celebrate their remarkable contributions to football and look forward to one last display of their brilliance on the international stage.
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