As UEFA Euro 2024 approaches, discover the five legendary players making their final appearance on this grand stage, including Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo, and more.
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Introduction
The upcoming UEFA European Championship promises to be a thrilling spectacle, spotlighting emerging stars and seasoned veterans alike. For some of the greatest footballers of the 21st century, this tournament marks their final bow on the international stage, potentially their last major competition.
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Toni Kroos (Germany)
Midfielder Toni Kroos will hang up his boots after Euro 2024, aiming to lead a waning German team to a dream victory on home soil. This tournament is Kroos’s “last dance” and his final chance to claim a trophy, following his recent retirement from Real Madrid.
Originally retiring from international football in 2021, the 34-year-old changed his decision after discussions with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann. Known for his creativity, vision, and set-piece prowess, Kroos was part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad and the 2010 World Cup bronze medal team. He leaves the sport as one of the most decorated players, having helped Real Madrid win 23 trophies this season.
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Olivier Giroud (France)
One of the most underrated strikers in history, Olivier Giroud, will retire from international duty after Euro 2024, concluding a 13-year journey with the French national team. Giroud is France’s all-time leading scorer with 57 goals in 131 appearances. The 37-year-old chose retirement to make way for younger players.
Despite not scoring during France’s 2018 World Cup victory, Giroud netted four impressive goals in the 2022 World Cup, where France lost to Argentina in the final. Although his playing time in Euro 2024 is uncertain, Giroud hopes to bond with France’s next generation in his final international campaign. Post-Euro 2024, he will continue his club career, having recently transferred from AC Milan to MLS team Los Angeles FC.
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Luka Modric (Croatia)
Croatia’s most capped player, Luka Modric, leads his team once more in what could be his final major international tournament. Modric began his international journey in the 2006 World Cup and is now at the twilight of his illustrious career at 38.
Despite his age, Modric remains a crucial playmaker for Croatia, orchestrating the midfield and guiding the team. Having led Croatia to a historic second place in the 2018 World Cup and third in 2022, Modric aims to cap his career by defeating the giants of the sport and winning the Euro 2024 trophy.
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Manuel Neuer (Germany)
The 2024 European Championship is expected to be the last for Germany’s legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who turned 38 in March. Neuer has not played for Germany since their 2022 World Cup group-stage exit due to a leg fracture suffered during a post-tournament holiday.
Although Neuer aimed to return during March’s international friendlies, another injury in training kept him sidelined, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen taking over in his absence. While Neuer is Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper, coach Julian Nagelsmann has selected four keepers to manage the workload of the injury-prone star. If fit, Euro 2024 offers German fans a final chance to cheer for their “sweeper-keeper.”
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Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Summoned by Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez, Cristiano Ronaldo will set a record by appearing in his sixth European Championship. For the 39-year-old forward, this is a remarkable achievement, showcasing his athleticism and health defying age, as he remains a key player for Portugal.
Euro 2024 will likely be the last time fans witness the “Ronaldo experience” in this tournament. By the next Euro, Ronaldo will be 43, making his participation highly unlikely. The current oldest Euro participant record is held by Hungarian goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly at 40 years and 86 days.
While Ronaldo and Portugal have not discussed his future in the national team, the demands of a forward role make it improbable for a player in his 40s to compete at the highest level. However, post-Euro 2024, there is potential positive news for Portuguese fans—Ronaldo has not ruled out the possibility of playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Conclusion
As UEFA Euro 2024 approaches, fans worldwide will have the bittersweet opportunity to watch these legendary players take their final bow on the international stage. Their contributions to football have been immense, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations.
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