Saying goodbye to your national team can be emotional and painful, but it’s a reality every player eventually faces.
This year, we’ve already seen legends like Luis Suárez, Toni Kroos, and Pepe hang up their international boots. Here are seven players we believe may soon follow in their footsteps and retire from international duty.
7. João Cancelo (Portugal)
Once considered one of the best full-backs in the world, João Cancelo’s career has taken a different path after leaving Manchester City. After a loan spell at Barcelona, Cancelo failed to secure a permanent deal and eventually moved to Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. The drop in competition level could impact his form when playing for Portugal. With younger players like Diogo Dalot and Nuno Mendes emerging as top defenders, Cancelo may soon find himself on the fringes of the national team. Now in his 30s, Cancelo could opt to step away from international football.
6. Steven Bergwijn (Netherlands)
Steven Bergwijn’s international future is in doubt after a public fallout with Dutch coach Ronald Koeman. Koeman criticized Bergwijn for his move to the Saudi Pro League, claiming the 26-year-old was more focused on money than his career. Bergwijn fired back, stating he no longer wanted to play for Koeman. This clash may signal the end of Bergwijn’s national team career, especially as Koeman continues in his role. Despite being a key part of the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 squad, it looks like his time with the national team could be over sooner than expected.
5. Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Robert Lewandowski has won almost everything there is to win in club football, but international success has eluded him. Poland has often struggled on the big stage, with Lewandowski sometimes visibly frustrated with the quality around him. At 36, the prolific striker is nearing the end of his career. While he may push for one last World Cup in 2026, it’s also likely that he could choose to retire earlier, especially after Poland’s underwhelming international performances.
4. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
Kevin De Bruyne has openly expressed his frustrations with Belgium’s golden generation failing to deliver international trophies. After their disappointing showing at the 2022 World Cup, De Bruyne hinted at his discontent, famously criticizing the team for being “too old.” There have been rumors that he may quit the national team soon, especially following his candid remarks during recent international breaks. At 33, De Bruyne is still performing at a high level for Manchester City, but his days in a Belgium shirt may be numbered.
3. Neymar (Brazil)
Neymar has long carried the weight of Brazil’s expectations but has fallen short of leading them to World Cup glory. His closest attempt came in 2014 when an injury prevented him from playing in the 7-1 semi-final loss to Germany. Now 32 and frequently sidelined with injuries, Neymar recently admitted that his World Cup days are behind him. With his move to the Saudi Pro League marking the twilight of his career, Neymar could call time on his Brazil career soon, having already hinted at international retirement.
2. Kylian Mbappé (France)
This may come as a surprise, but Kylian Mbappé could be considering a break from international football. Appointed as France captain in 2023, Mbappé has struggled to replicate his past performances, with France underwhelming at Euro 2024. The French media and fans have been critical of both him and manager Didier Deschamps, particularly after a shocking loss to Italy. Though still young and playing at the highest level, Mbappé might opt for a temporary international hiatus, similar to what Lionel Messi did with Argentina before returning triumphantly.
1. Luka Modrić (Croatia)
At 38, Luka Modrić remains one of Croatia’s most important players, but his international retirement is on the horizon. The 2018 World Cup finalist continues to defy his age, recently scoring a stunning free-kick to beat Poland in the Nations League. Despite calls from Croatian fans to hold out for the 2026 World Cup, Modrić is likely nearing the end of his time with the national team. His legacy as Croatia’s greatest-ever player is secure, and he may decide to step aside after Euro 2024, giving the next generation a chance to shine.
Conclusion
The international game has been graced by these legends for many years, but the end is approaching for several of them. Whether through age, injury, or personal reasons, these players will soon hang up their international boots, leaving behind legacies that fans will remember for generations. Do you think any other players are close to retirement? Let us know your thoughts!
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