Reality hits hard in World Cup 2022 as some of the greatest players ever are likely writing their final chapters here, considering how old they’ll be for the next edition in 2026.
Most of them are already in their late 30s. And although they still have the desire to compete at the highest level, their aging bodies might prevent them from doing so.
Over the years, the World Cup has provided a platform for these superstars to showcase their talents as they proudly served their nations.
So, as we’re approaching the finale of this tournament, let’s look back and appreciate these iconic players here at SBOTOP.
Manuel Neuer, Germany
Manuel Neuer will certainly go down as one of the best goalies ever. The Bayern Munich skipper has been a regular for Die Mannschaft as he played in four consecutive World Cups and won a title back in 2014.
Unfortunately at Qatar, Germany didn’t make it out of Group E despite being favoured by the World Cup 2022 odds alongside Spain, and now they’ll have to do some soul-searching as they look ahead to Euro 2024.
Neuer, 37, will be 40 by the time the next World Cup rolls on, so Germany would have to produce another quality goalkeeper in their ranks.
Neuer is currently sidelined since he just broke his leg following their early exit.
Luis Suarez, Uruguay
It’s hard to find another footballer that became much more famous in the World Cup than Luis Suarez – from his handball save against Ghana in 2010, his brace against England in 2014, and to his infamous biting incident involving Italy’s Leonardo Bonucci.
But while those controversial moments are now part of World Cup folklore, even for the wrong reasons, you can’t deny that he did those out of love for Uruguay.
Uruguay didn’t make it out of Group H given their lacklustre World Cup 2022 results because they’ve only scored two goals in the competition, and Luis Suarez couldn’t find the back of the net.
He will turn 36 in January and 39 by 2026, so it’s likely that he has played in his final World Cup at Qatar.
Luka Modric, Croatia
It feels that Luka Modric has been in the World Cup forever since he has appeared in four editions: 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022. The latter two were the ones where he established himself as one of the best in the world, guiding them to consecutive semi-finals appearances.
Croatia went as far as the final in 2018 only to lose to France, although Modric won his only Ballon d’Or in the same year. This year, they fell short against an Argentina squad led by the amazing Lionel Messi.
Luka Modric is one of those players who seems to get better with age, but he cannot defy time forever. By the summer of 2026, he’ll be 40 years old, so Croatia are going to find it hard to find his successor.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that Qatar is his last foray into the World Cup since he will be 41 years old when 2026 rolls around.
His 2022 campaign is certainly a memorable one as he became the first player to score in five different World Cups, but much of his time in Qatar was overshadowed with drama and controversy.
He just left Manchester United following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan where he criticised not only the club hierarchy, but also his manager Erik ten Hag.
On the pitch and in the dressing room, there were claims that he wasn’t happy when he didn’t start games for Portugal, and that he reportedly “threatened” to walk out on their World Cup campaign – to which they denied.
Portugal were one of the favourites to win the trophy, but were eliminated by Morocco in the quarter-finals last weekend.
Ronaldo has played in 22 World Cup matches where he has scored eight goals.
Lionel Messi, Argentina
Lionel Messi made his debut in 2006, becoming the youngest player ever to make a World Cup appearance for Argentina. Now 35, he’ll look to make his fifth and final World Cup count by trying to win it all.
Argentina are through to the final after beating Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals, and they await the winner between France and Morocco. So much of La Albiceleste’s glory and hope is put on the shoulders of this man because he’s still at his peak form. If Messi wins this trophy, then the GOAT debate between him and Ronaldo would likely be decided.
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