The monthlong UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany has experienced star football players dominating the tournament. This could be the final Euro for some great football players who will likely retire after Euro 2024 in Germany. Below is a list of 7 football legends who might be making their final appearance in Euro 2024. Most of them have officially announced retiring from international football, others have only hinted so far. Take a look!
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Olivier Giroud - France
Olivier Giroud will say goodbye to France after Euro 2024. The striker is still the top goalscorer, accumulating 57 goals in 137 appearances. Giroud will end his international duty after playing for his national team for 13 years. The 37-year-old said he wanted to retire from national football to give room for youngsters. He is also the oldest outfield player ever for France's national team. After Euro, Giroud is set to play club football for about two years after recently signing with Major League Soccer team on a free transfer from AC Milan.
Manuel Neuer - Germany
Manuel Neuer is one of the best goalkeepers who is likely to retire from Germany's national team after Euro 2024. However, Manuel stated he would announce his future after Euro 2024. The 38-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper had experienced serious injuries during international friendlies, and most people did not expect he would be a starting goalkeeper in Euro this year. Manuel will be the first goalkeeper in Germany to reach 100 caps and the goalkeeper with 19 World Cup appearances. Neuer has revolutionized goalkeeping and his absence will create an irreplaceable void for the national team.
Pepe - Portugal
The Portuguese defender is one of the oldest players to play at a Euro tournament. Pepe’s defense, experience, leadership, and style are invaluable. His international career is most likely to end after UEFA Euro 2024. Pepe has not yet made clear his future in club or international football after Euro. His Porto contract will also end this summer. The 41-year-old broke into tears after Portugal was eliminated from Euro and he signed off from what looked like his last appearance in the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal
The Euro 2024 marked a record sixth time for Portgal’s Cristiano Ronaldo at 39 years. Cristiano has been a vital player for Portugal, gracing all tournaments with brilliance, and athleticism. He won the Golden Boot in the 2021 tournament. The Euro 2024 will be the last for the Al Nassr forward. He will be 43 in the next Euro, making it unlikely for him to participate. However, Ronaldo will be competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is some good news for Portugal fans.
Thomas Muller - Germany
Germany’s Thomas Muller will be hanging up his boots from international football. The 34-year-old said that Euro 2024 could be his last international match. The 2024 world champion made his debut for the German team in 2010 and achieved 131 caps. He will continue playing for Bayern Munich in club football after the Euro.
Toni Kroos - Germany
Euro 2024 will be the last for Toni Kroos to play for Germany. The 34-year-old midfielder retired from national football back in 2021 but revisited his decision after consultations with coach Julian Nagelsmann. The central midfielder was part of the team when Germany won the 2014 World Cup and part of the 2020 squad where Germany emerged third. Kroos will retire from football in style after helping Real Madrid win 23 trophies.
Luka Modric - Croatia
Croatia’s all-time capped player, Luka Modric led his team in Euro 2024, which could be his last international football tournament. The 38-year-old said he would keep playing on after Euro but there will come a time he will hang up his boots. The midfielder signed a one-year contract up to 2025 with Real Madrid, extending his club football. While Modric is a top player for Croatia, he is unlikely to play in the next Euro considering his age.
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