EURO 2024 is already underway. After the exciting competition, football fans worldwide will be bracing themselves to bid farewell to some of the legends of the game.
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. This applies to even the most accomplished and celebrated athletes, as retirement is an inevitable part of every athlete's career.
Below are the top 10 players nearing or past their retirement age who have either already confirmed or can make Euro 2024 their last resort in their international careers and not only.
1. Pepe, 41 y/o
The Portugal international is one of the most celebrated football players of his generation. Despite his age, Pepe exhibited his exceptional talent and actively contributed to his team's success both in EURO 2024 and inter-club games for Porto. Sadly, the 41-year-old Portuguese legend retired from international football after Portugal was eliminated in Euros by France in the quarter finals. It was later conformed on August 8.
The key defender has scored 8 goals around 140 appereances since his debut season in the Portugal national team in 2007 till now.
2. Manuel Neuer, 38 y/o
The legendary German goalkeeper is widely recognized as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Neuer has been a mainstay of the German national team, having started in over 120 games and leading the team to unprecedented heights, such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The Bayern Munich and Die Mannschaft captain has a record of the most clean sheets in Bundesliga history. As a sweeper-keeper, the 38-year-old has been an inseparable part of the success of both teams. In EURO 2024, Germany was eliminated in the quarter finals by Spain. After EURO 2024, in August, it was announced that Neuer is retiring from international football.
3. Luka Modric, 38 y/o
Modric is a highly skilled and devoted player for both his national team and Real Madrid. The 37-year-old baller is best known for his vision and control of the pitch as a skilled midfielder. Croatia was eliminated in EURO 2024 in the group stage, meeting the dissapointment and surprise of many.
The Croatian team captain appeared in over 170 international games, where he scored 23 goals and proved himself as an effective leader of the team. The Croatian legend made EURO 2024 his "last dance" in international competitions.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo, 39 y/o
After having his hopes shattered at the World Cup, Ronaldo remained as the captain of Portugal’s national team in pursuit of trophies for his homeland. As per Portugal's national team's manager, "Cristiano will conclude his career the day he realizes his body cannot offer him what he desires on the field. Presently, his hunger to conquer all trophies endures".
The football legend has a world record for men’s international caps after making over 200 appearance for the Portuguese team. He is also an all-time-top scorer both in his national team and clubs, with a record of 834 senior career goals. Portugal were elimnated in EURO 2024 by France, but whether Ronaldo will reitre soon or not, is still unknown.
5. Leonardo Bonucci, 36 y/o
Last tournament, the Italian team captain celebrated the apex of his international career after defeating England and winning the EURO 2020 trophy. Bonucci has been a key player in 120 games in the national team since 2010. Contrary to expected, Bonucci retired from national team football before the start of the EURO 2024.
The 35-year-old Italian spent the majority of his career at Juventus, where he established himself as an excellent defender and captain. His success and leadership at the club over the years have contributed to him becoming a renowned professional.
6. Robert Lewandowski, 35 y/o
Lewandowski started his professional career in 2005 and has gained widespread recognition for his outstanding performance with Bundesliga clubs. The Polish striker has scored 631 goals in total. There’s no surprise that his former colleague at Bayern, Muller gave him the nickname "Lewangoalski".
In addition to his club success, Lewandowski has also been a key player for the Polish national team, helping the team qualify for the UEFA Euro and FIFA World Cup tournaments since 2016. In 2023, the Polish star revealed that his retirement is "close".
7. Thomas Müller, 34 y/o
Known for his versatility, quick thinking, and clinical finishing. Müller is one of the key ballers in the German national team. He has been a mainstay in the German national team since his debut in 2010. Rather surprisingly, after Germany was eliminated by Spain in EURO 2024 the German international hinted at his retirement plans.
"It is very likely that this was my last game with Germany", he said.
Throughout his extensive career in Bayern Munich, Müller played a crucial role in the club’s treble-winning season in 2013, scoring 23 goals in all competitions and being named as the German Footballer of the Year. Muller almost retired after the 2022 World Cup, however the Euro 2024 might actually be his last resort.
8. Ivan Perišić, 35 y/o
The Croatian winger had an illustrious career playing for some of the biggest clubs in the world. Currently, Perišić is a midfielder in Tottenham, while his achievements with Inter Milan and the Croatian national team will be remembered for years to come.
Since his debut in 2011, Perišić has been a regular part of the Croatian national team. He played a crucial role in helping Croatia reach the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and paving successful paths in other tournaments.
9. İlkay Gündoğan, 33 y/o
The Barcelona player is approaching his retirement age, as well. The German midfielder has been a regular member of Die Mannschaft, having debuted there in 2011 and has been an integral part of the team’s success since then. In 2023, Gundogan announced that he has no plans to retire yet.
With his current club, Gündoğan has won several trophies, including three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and four EFL Cups. The citizen captain scored 40 goals in a total of 183 appearances.
10. Simon Kjær, 35 y/o
The Danish captain has played in several European clubs throughout his professional career that debuted in 2017. At his advanced age, Kjær has played in 124 international games on behalf of his country.
One of Kjaer's most notable moments came during the Euro 2020 tournament when he showed great leadership and composure in helping to save the life of Christian Eriksen, who collapsed on the field during a match.
11.Thibaut Courtois, 31 y/o
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has revealed that he won't play in EURO 2024. Courtois: "Due to the injury, I will NOT play in the Euros. First, I have to recover 100%."
12. Olivier Giroud, 37 y/o
The France national team's top goalscorer Olivier Giroud has announced that he will retire from national football after the Euro 2024, stating that he does not want to play"one season too many."
The LAFC striker has made a total of 131 appearances for the French national team and has been one of their key player in the World Cup-winning 2018 squad. Giroud has scored 57 goals for his team thus far and will undoubtedly extend his streak in the upcoming championship.
"I've always said that I was going to stop when my body asked me to. I think I've got two good years left. But as far as the French team is concerned, I think that'll be the end of it," he added.
France was eliminated from the competition on July 9, aftering being defeated by Spain, thus marking Giroud's last game for his national team.
13. Toni Kroos, 34 y/o
Toni Kroos had his "last dance" for German national team in EURO 2024. The Real Madrid and Die Mannschaft legend had an emotional farawell after Germany's match against Spain in the quarter finals that resulted in his team's elimination.
Despite having a heafty medal collection, the Real Madrid show-stopper did not achieve a big title with his national side before retirment. He was, however, part of Germany's golden age alongside Muller and Neuer, who achieved European greatness exactly a decade ago.
14. Wojciech Szczesny, 34 y/o
Juventus' and Poland national team's goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has announced his retirment from professional football. The ex-Arsenal shot-stopper has represented his country on 84 appereances.
"I gave the game 18 years of my life, everyday, without excuses. Today, tough my body still feels ready for challenges, my heart is not there anymore," he said, in his retirment announcement.