This year's World Cup in North America has offered breathtaking spectacles but also brought the curtain down on the illustrious playing careers of several global stars. It has concluded on a sour note for some, while others still have a chance to end on a monumental high in Sunday's final.
Elder Statesmen Under the Spotlight
Before the tournament, plenty of eyes were on players who looked to be competing on the biggest international stage for the last time—from Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi and many in between. While some of the elder statesmen underperformed, others delivered in a big way.
For those who have thrived well into their 30s, performances in North America have left some wondering how much longer they can keep going. Four years is a long time in football, though, and there's a recognition that this truly was the last dance for a few of the sport's icons.
Harry Kane – England
Hinting after the harrowing defeat to Argentina that this may be his final World Cup, England's talisman will be a tough man to replace. His six goals at the 2018 World Cup fired England to the semi-finals as he secured the golden boot, while he's notched the same number in 2026 ahead of the third-place play-off, thanks in part to a vital brace in the win over DR Congo.
Lionel Messi – Argentina
Appearing in the tournament's previous six iterations, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has had his fair share of heartbreak for La Albiceleste but has his eyes firmly set on changing that narrative as he edges closer to retirement. Messi finally fulfilled his lifelong dream by lifting the World Cup in 2022 to cap off a truly incredible trophy haul and is the joint-top scorer in 2026 with eight goals and just one match to play.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
A shadow of his former formidable self, Ronaldo struggled in front of goal as Roberto Martinez's side crashed out in the round of 16. After being handed a reprieve over a suspension following a red card in qualifying, the 41-year-old was determined to have one last shot at glory but finished the competition with just three goals—a brace against Uzbekistan in the groups and a penalty in a round of 32 victory over Croatia.
Neymar – Brazil
Injuries have massively impacted Neymar's career in recent years, but he proved his fitness in time to make the Brazil squad after painful defeats at the quarter-final stage in Russia and Qatar. However, his involvement was limited to two substitute appearances after injury kept him out of the first two games, and he was reduced to tears at the final whistle after scoring a late consolation penalty in the defeat to Norway.
Luka Modric – Croatia
Former Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur magician Modric has starred for Croatia across multiple World Cups, but a defeat to Ronaldo's Portugal ended his time on the biggest stage. He won the Ballon d'Or after captaining his nation to a historic runners-up finish in 2018 and followed it by helping his country to the semis in 2022, but at 40 years of age his international race looks to be run.
Sadio Mane – Senegal
Many had given the Lions of Teranga the underdog tag this summer, thanks in part to an exciting forward line spearheaded by Sadio Mane, but the former Liverpool fan favourite failed to even get on the scoresheet. They capitulated in their round of 32 tie with Belgium, having been two goals to the good in the 85th minute, losing 3-2 in extra-time after a last-gasp Youri Tielemans penalty.
Kevin De Bruyne – Belgium
De Bruyne was one of the last surviving members of Belgium's golden generation who reached the semi-finals in 2018 but struggled four years later. This time, expectations were a little lower for the Red Devils, but Napoli midfielder De Bruyne and his team-mates reached the quarter-finals before conceding a late winner to lose 2-1 to Spain.
Son Heung-min – South Korea
Son holds the record for the most goals scored by a South Korean player at a World Cup, and hopes were high ahead of North America that the former Spurs star and his team-mates could go far. Despite victory in their curtain-raiser against the Czech Republic, defeats at the hands of Mexico and South Africa brought an early exit, with the LAFC forward's performances resulting in him starting the final group game from the bench.
Mo Salah – Egypt
Salah's hamstring strain hampered his performances in the knockout stages after he had helped his team progress through the group stage unbeaten. The 34-year-old clearly struggled against Australia as Hossam Hassan's team scraped through on penalties before a dramatic Argentina comeback ended the Pharaohs' hopes in the round of 16.
