Which Football Stars Will Play Their Last Euro 2024
The upcoming EURO 2024 in Germany will feature a constellation of stars. Unfortunately, for some of them, this Euro will be their last. Here, we highlight the brightest veterans whose careers are nearing their end.
Toni Kroos, 34 years old
The legendary German midfielder might spectacularly end his career. He has won the Champions League and La Liga with Real Madrid and has a decent chance of clinching a medal at the home Euro. After such a season, he might even contend for the Ballon d'Or. However, this "hunt" will be Kroos' last regardless. "My playing career will end this summer after the European Championship. As I have always said, Real Madrid was and will be my last club," said the German.
Manuel Neuer, 38 years old
The iron-willed Neuer overcame skin cancer before the 2022 World Cup, played the entire tournament, and now, at 38, has decided to embark on the last Euro of his life! Fortunately, the head coach of the German national team, Julian Nagelsmann, chose the veteran as his first-choice goalkeeper. Rumor has it that this did not sit well with Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. However, ter Stegen won't be upset for long — according to journalist Tobi Altschäffl, Euro 2024 will be Neuer's last tournament with the national team.
Luka Modrić, 38 years old
Interestingly, Modrić's teammate Joško Gvardiol announced that Euro 2024 would be the last tournament for Modrić with the national team: "This will be his last European Championship and last season with the national team. I'm thrilled I had the chance to play and share a locker room with him. I need to savor the last moments with Luka." Modrić himself has not commented on his national team plans yet but did say he would continue a bit longer with Real Madrid — the Croatian wants to leave as gracefully as Kroos, but a bit later.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 39 years old
For the star Portuguese player, the European Championship in Germany will be his sixth but, unfortunately, his last. Two years ago, Cristiano stated he would retire at 40. However, there is still a chance to see Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup. "Ronaldo wants to extend his contract until early 2027. He plans to play in the 2026 World Cup as an Al Nassr player and then announce his retirement from football," claimed Tengri Sport journalist Al-Kharabi.
Olivier Giroud, 37 years old
The top scorer in the history of the French national team (57 goals) could have likely delighted fans with his play and goals for a couple more years. But after Euro 2024, Olivier decided to step down, driven by noble intentions. "I will miss playing for the national team, but my time is ending. It's time to give way to the young," said the forward.
Kevin De Bruyne, 32 years old
Kevin is the youngest player on our list. Unfortunately, Euro 2024 will also be his last. Recently, Manchester City's leader has often been plagued by injuries. De Bruyne believes he will last the next European Championship. "I'm 31 now and don't know what will happen when I turn 35. I will participate in my third World Cup, and I understand that my time with the national team is ending," De Bruyne said at the end of 2022.
It's worth noting that the ranking includes only those footballers who have hinted at or announced their departure from the national team soon, as well as those about whom there were relevant rumors.
In addition to the aforementioned footballers, it is likely that the legendary Portuguese tough guy Pepe (41 years old), the great Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (35 years old), and the diligent and hardworking N'Golo Kanté (33 years old) will also play their last European Championship. However, they have not publicly confirmed this.
Published by Patrick Jane
08.06.2024