May 7th 2024.
Could this be the last time we see the great Cristiano Ronaldo on the international stage? As we head into Euro 2024, it's possible that this will mark the final swansong for some of the biggest names in football. The thought of icons like Ronaldo and Luka Modric taking the field for what could be their last international tournament is a bittersweet one for fans of the sport.
Of course, we can't count out these incredible players just yet. They've proven time and time again that they are some of the best talents in European football. But let's face it, with the 2026 World Cup just two years away, it's likely that we won't see them on the international stage again. The Agency has put together a list of six players who may be playing their final act at this summer's tournament in Germany.
At the top of that list is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. The 39-year-old is looking to add another European Championship to his impressive collection, having already tasted success at Euro 2016. Despite now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo remains a crucial player for Portugal and will likely lead the line for his country in Germany. With 128 international goals under his belt since his debut in 2003, he holds the record for the most Euro appearances and goals. This will be his 11th major international tournament for Portugal, an incredible feat.
Next up is Luka Modric, the midfield maestro for Croatia. This will be his ninth international tournament for his country, and he has come close to adding international silverware to his long list of club honours. In 2018 and 2022, Croatia finished as runners-up in the World Cup, and in 2022/23 they were runners-up in the Nations League. Although he may not be an automatic first choice for Real Madrid, there's no doubt that Modric is still the key man for his national team.
For Robert Lewandowski, Euro 2024 could be his last major competition if Poland fails to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. At 35 years old, he still has plenty of goals left in him, but time is unfortunately catching up. He is Poland's all-time top goalscorer with 82 goals, and he ranks fourth on the all-time list for goals scored in men's European international football. In his eight Euro appearances, he has managed four goals and will be determined to make it past the quarter-final stage with Poland.
Germany's number one goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, will once again be defending the goal for his country. At 38 years old, he has returned from a broken leg earlier this season and is ready to contest his eighth major tournament with Germany. He has 117 caps under his belt since his debut in 2009, and he was a crucial part of their 2014 World Cup victory. Winning Euro 2024 on home soil would be a dream ending to his international career, as the Henri Delaunay Cup is the only major trophy he has yet to win.
Olivier Giroud, the former Chelsea and Arsenal player, is France's top goalscorer of all time with 57 goals. He started every game for Les Blues in the 2018 World Cup, despite not scoring a single goal. In Euro 2016, he scored three goals before France was defeated by Portugal in the final. However, he was unable to add to his Euro tally in the last tournament. This summer, Giroud is expected to join MLS side Los Angeles FC from AC Milan, which will likely mark the end of his international career.
Last but certainly not least, we have Thomas Muller. The 34-year-old is still a crucial presence for Bayern Munich and Germany, where he has scored 45 goals in 128 appearances. In 2019, he was told by then-manager Joachim Low that he would no longer be considered for selection, along with Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng. However, Low reversed his decision in time for Euro 2020. Muller is the most decorated German footballer in history, and winning the Euros would be the one missing trophy in his collection.
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