The final bow: Football's greats prepare for a World Cup swansong

Every legendary narrative eventually reaches its final chapter, dictated by the unforgiving passage of time and the physical demands of competing at the sport's absolute zenith.

With the global showpiece on the horizon, the World Cup, we take a moment to reflect with nostalgia and admiration on the champions who, in all likelihood, will be donning their national colours for the final time on the world stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal

Despite never having lifted the World Cup trophy, Cristiano Ronaldo holds an undisputed place in the pantheon of the tournament's history. The Portuguese icon made his debut in Germany in 2006 and is now preparing to embark on an unprecedented sixth and final World Cup. Ronaldo remains the record holder for goals in World Cup qualifiers (41) and stands alone as the only player to have scored in five consecutive European Championships (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) and five consecutive World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022). As Portugal's talismanic captain, he is the highest scorer in the nation's history with 143 goals. At 41 years old, the curtain is set to fall on his extraordinary World Cup odyssey in 2026.

Lionel Messi – Argentina

The reigning world champion with the Albiceleste and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is entering the final act of his illustrious career. As confirmed by Messi himself, the 2026 World Cup will be his last. Having also debuted in 2006, he became the youngest player to represent Argentina at a World Cup at 18 years and 350 days old, marking the occasion with a goal. Across five tournaments, he has converted 13 goals, becoming the most prolific scorer in the competition's history and the only player to find the net in every knockout round. The World Cup prepares to lose one of its most captivating protagonists of the last two decades.

Luka Modrić – Croatia

For the 40-year-old Luka Modrić, the upcoming tournament across the USA, Mexico, and Canada represents his final World Cup. The Croatian maestro will feature in his fourth finals, having only missed the 2010 edition. His crowning achievement came with a runners-up finish in 2018, a campaign that secured him the Ballon d'Or, while in 2022, Croatia claimed third place after a semi-final exit against Argentina. Modrić remains the most capped player in Croatian history (194 appearances) and the enduring symbol of his nation.

Mohamed Salah – Egypt

At 33 years old (turning 34 on June 15th), Mohamed Salah is set for his second and final World Cup. He was the driving force behind Egypt's qualification in 2018, which ended a 28-year drought for the nation. 'Momo' is the undisputed 'Pharaoh of Pharaohs', becoming the first Egyptian to score in five consecutive Africa Cup of Nations editions. With over 100 caps and a place among the top ten most capped players in his country's history, the 2026 tournament will mark the final World Cup appearance for this iconic leader.

Virgil Van Dijk – Netherlands

The defensive bedrock of the 'Oranje', Virgil Van Dijk, will participate in his second World Cup following his debut in 2022. Having missed the 2014 and 2018 editions due to non-qualification and injury respectively, he captained the Netherlands to the quarter-finals in Qatar, where they fell to Argentina on penalties. In November, Van Dijk eclipsed Frank de Boer's record for the most appearances as captain of the Dutch national side.

Sadio Mane – Senegal

A national treasure for Senegal, Sadio Mane is preparing for his second World Cup, following his participation in 2018. The former Liverpool star was cruelly sidelined from the 2022 edition through injury. With 54 goals, he is the all-time leading scorer for the Senegalese national team and a perennial Ballon d'Or contender, finishing as runner-up in 2022. After leading his country to Africa Cup of Nations glory, 2026 will be his final flourish on the world stage.

James Rodriguez – Colombia

At 34 years old, this will be the final World Cup for James Rodriguez. A mercurial talent whose club form has often fluctuated, he has remained an indispensable figure for Colombia. He famously announced himself to the world in 2014 with a Puskas Award-winning volley against Uruguay. Following spells at Real Madrid and across Europe, he currently plies his trade for Minnesota United (MLS). 2026 will mark his third and final World Cup as he bids farewell to the national team.

Son Heung-Min – South Korea

Widely regarded as South Korea's greatest ever export, Son Heung-Min will participate in his fourth World Cup at 33 years old, following Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022. A mainstay of the national team since the age of 18, he is also the most capped player in South Korean history with 142 appearances. Now playing for Los Angeles FC in the MLS, Son is preparing for his final World Cup and a final bow from the game's grandest event.

Kevin De Bruyne - Belgium

The creative engine of Belgium's 'Golden Generation', Kevin De Bruyne, at 34 years old, is gearing up for a redemptive final World Cup. Following his debut season in Italy with Napoli—which was hampered by a four-month hamstring layoff—De Bruyne has rediscovered his imperious form. He now stands ready to lead the Belgian charge on the world stage one last time.

Casemiro - Brazil

The 2026 World Cup likely represents the international swansong for Casemiro, the midfield enforcer for the Canarinha. Following a trophy-laden era at Real Madrid and four seasons at Manchester United, the 34-year-old has opted to move on from the Premier League. His final objective remains to be Ancelotti's 'soldier' and anchor Brazil in their pursuit of a sixth world title.