EURO 2024 will start on June 15 and end on July 15, 2024, with the winning team lifting the trophy. But the tournament’s end might also signal the end of some football careers. As the competition wraps up, several players could decide to retire from the sport. Big tournaments like the Euros often provide ageing stars with one final opportunity to represent their country on the big stage before quitting the game. While retirement might not be on the minds of everyone, EURO 2024 could very well be the last EURO Cup for certain players in their careers. Here, we’ll explore the top 5 players who may retire after EURO 2024.
1. Luka Modric – Croatia
Currently playing at the age of 38, Luka Modric is one of the greats of Croatian football history and is getting closer to the end of his amazing International career. Modric first started playing for Croatia’s national team back in 2006 at the World Cup. Even though he didn’t start games at first, he came off the bench and made a big impact. Now in 2024, Modric is still leading Croatia and making their team better with his skills. In the 175 appearances for the National team, Luka Modric has scored 25 goals where 3 of them came in the 13 matches of the EURO Cup.
Luka Modric was a star player when Croatia finished as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and third place in 2022. Even though he’ll be 38 years old at Euro 2024, Modric will still play an important role for Croatia. Although he’s getting older, Modric’s passing skills and ability to control the midfield remain valuable assets. He’ll be the one creating scoring chances and orchestrating Croatia’s attacks with his vision and passing range. Euro 2024 is likely Modric’s final major tournament with Croatia’s national team.
2. Toni Kroos
The Euro 2024 tournament in Germany could be the final curtain call for midfield maestro Toni Kroos on both the international and club stages. The 34-year-old German star has announced he will be hanging up his boots for good after the European Championships. Not only will it likely be his final appearance for the German national team, but Kroos has also revealed he will be retiring from club football with Real Madrid after the tournament. Kroos had previously stepped away from international duty with Germany in 2021 after over a decade of representing his country.
However, he had a change of heart after discussions with new national team coach Julian Nagelsmann about making one final run at a major trophy. He was an instrumental figure in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph and also helped them to a third-place finish in 2010. Over his storied international career spanning 109 appearances, Kroos has scored 17 goals and provided numerous assists with his pinpoint passing and delivery from set-pieces and open play. With his club’s future settled, Kroos can now focus on leading an ageing German team to a possible European Championship win at home. It would be a dream ending to his great career.
3. Manuel Neuer
One of the most talented and agile Goalkeepers, Manuel Neuer has been an asset to the Germany team over the years. Named as “sweeper-keeper”, he will be now 38 years old during the EURO 2024 and hence it might be the last tournament where fans would see him guarding the Goal Post for the German team. Despite being the top choice for his national team, his participation in every match isn’t guaranteed. Coach Julian Nagelsmann, aware of Neuer’s injury history, has included four goalkeepers in the provisional squad to share the responsibility.
With 117 caps to his name, Neuer’s career has been marked by outstanding performances and leadership. As he faces the possibility of this being his last tournament, Neuer is determined to help Germany secure a victory on home soil. His vast experience and exceptional skills will be crucial as he aims to cap off his remarkable career with a triumphant farewell.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
The biggest star of the game and the player who has been Portugal’s best player, Christiano Ronaldo is now 39 years old and the EURO 2024 looks to be his last International assignment. Ronaldo’s journey with Portugal’s national team continues, even after the setback at the World Cup. As he chases more trophies for his homeland, the highest scorer in international football is nearing the twilight of his career. By the time EURO 2024 arrives, Ronaldo will be 43, making his participation doubtful.
He holds the world record for men’s international caps, having made 198 appearances for Portugal, and is the all-time top scorer for both his national team and clubs, with 834 senior career goals. Regardless of when he retires, Ronaldo’s status as an exceptional and history-making football player is secure. As EURO 2024 approaches, he is determined to end his career on a high, aiming to emulate his stellar performances from 2016 and 2020. His experience and leadership will be crucial as he strives for one last triumph with Portugal.
5. Robert Lewandowski
By the time Euro 2024 rolls around, Robert Lewandowski will be 35 years old and likely playing in his final major international tournament for Poland. The prolific striker has been one of the best goal-scorers of his generation at both club and country level. With so much success in the Leagues all over the world, Lewandowski has made a name for himself. However, it is with the Polish national team that Lewandowski will be looking to write one last incredible chapter before calling time on his illustrious career.
Since making his debut in 2008, he has amassed over 80 goals in nearly 150 appearances for Poland. Euro 2024 may be Lewandowski’s last chance to finally win a big championship with his country before he retires. All fans will be watching closely to see if the ageing striker can produce more brilliant performances and goals at Euro 2024. Winning the European title would be the perfect farewell for Lewandowski as he caps off his time playing for Poland.
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