Euro 2024: Are we witnessing the Last Dance of these legends!

As the Euro Cup 2024 kicks off, football fans may be experiencing mixed emotions as their favourite players are expected to announce their retirements. Let's delve into the big-name players who are likely to hang up their boots in the near future.

Cristiano Ronaldo

CR7, as his fans call him, is considered an absolute legend, and his achievements are numerous. Ronaldo is currently participating in the European Championship for a record-tying sixth time, having been selected by Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.

Despite being 39 years old, the iconic striker's athleticism and fitness levels have defied age, and he continues to be a crucial player for the Portuguese team. As the greatest goal scorer in international football, Ronaldo will be 43 years old by the next Euros, making it unlikely for him to participate. The record for the oldest player in the tournament is held by Hungary's goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly, who played in the Euros at 40 years and 86 days old.

Ronaldo has not yet disclosed his future plans. However, given the physical demands of a forward's role in football, it would be remarkable for a player in his 40s to continue for another four years and participate in Euro 2028.

We can only hope that Ronaldo still has the chance to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026!

Luka Modric

Midfield magician, a calm and composed captain, and a great reader of the game. These are some of the many qualities which make the Croatian player a polymath of the game. When Modric first played for his country in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, he was a valuable backup. The 38-year-old is now nearing the end of his incredible career, and his ability to swing major games one-handedly is gradually waning.

Meanwhile, the inventive midfielder's time in club football has just been extended, as Modric has inked a one-year contract extension with Real Madrid that would keep him in the team till 2025.

Modric continues to be an important member of Croatia's team at the Euros despite his advanced age. The midfield general is still in pursuit of glory! With Croatia finishing third in the 2022 World Cup and Croatia finishing second in the 2018 World Cup, Modric and his men can upset any team on their day!

Toni Kroos

The Euros might just be the perfect swan song for the legendary footballer who weaves magic for Germany in the midfield. Kroos had recently announced his retirement from club football.

Following discussions with national coach Julian Nagelsmann, the 34-year-old, who had retired from international competition in 2021, reversed his decision.

Kroos, celebrated for his exceptional creativity, vision, and proficiency in set-pieces, was part of the 2010 squad that secured third place and played a pivotal role in Germany's victorious World Cup campaign in 2014.

Oliver Giroud

After this Euros, France's Olivier Giroud, who is considered one of the most underappreciated strikers ever, will retire from international competition, ending his 13-year tenure with the national side. This might be probably his last chance to contribute to his national side after a heartbreaking loss against Argentina at the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. 

Giroud has hinted that he would fight until the last whistle for his nation’s glory at the championship! 
 
Recently, he completed a free move from Italian team AC Milan to Major League Soccer (MLS) team Los Angeles FC. He will play club football for at least two years after the Euros. Giroud is now very much in the twilight of his storied career.

Manuel Neuer 

German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is preparing to step away from international duty, believing it's time for younger players to take over for the benefit of the team. Neuer, who plays for Bayern Munich, was set to make his return for Germany during the March international friendlies but suffered an injury in training, leading Marc-Andre ter Stegen to assume goalkeeping duties.

Despite being Germany's first-choice keeper, coach Nagelsmann has included four goalkeepers in his provisional squad to ease the burden on Neuer, who has been prone to injury. 

Nevertheless, German fans will have one final chance to applaud the achievements of the "sweeper keeper," known for his daring ventures out of goal to confront attackers.

Let’s football!!