Football Legends at Their Final World Cup

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

26 World Cup appearances • 13 goals • 8 assists

Fresh from leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, Lionel Messi returns for what is expected to be his sixth and final FIFA World Cup. At 39, he remains one of the tournament's greatest players, holding the records for most World Cup appearances and most minutes played. Having already completed football's greatest trophy collection, Messi now has the chance to become the first captain since Pelé to win consecutive World Cups. Even at this stage of his career, his vision, creativity, and ability to decide matches remain unmatched.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

22 World Cup appearances • 8 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at his sixth FIFA World Cup aiming to complete the only achievement missing from one of football's greatest careers. Portugal's all-time leading scorer has broken almost every international scoring record imaginable. Despite entering the tournament at 41 years old, his finishing ability, leadership, and mentality continue to make him a decisive player. Winning the World Cup would complete arguably the greatest football career ever witnessed.

Luka Modrić (Croatia)

19 World Cup appearances • 2 goals • 1 assist

Few midfielders have influenced international football like Luka Modrić. After leading Croatia to the 2018 World Cup Final and another podium finish in 2022, the Ballon d'Or winner returns for one final campaign. His intelligence, composure, and ability to control games remain central to Croatia's hopes as one of football's greatest midfielders looks to complete an extraordinary international career.

Neymar Jr. (Brazil)

13 World Cup appearances • 8 goals

Brazil's all-time leading scorer has endured injuries, criticism, and enormous expectations throughout his international career. The 2026 FIFA World Cup could finally offer Neymar the opportunity to win the trophy that has eluded him despite carrying Brazil's attack for over a decade. If fully fit, few players remain capable of changing a match as effortlessly as Neymar.

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

15 World Cup appearances • 2 goals • 4 assists

Belgium's golden generation came closer than any previous squad to lifting the World Cup, finishing third in 2018. Kevin De Bruyne has been the creative heartbeat of that era, consistently producing moments of brilliance through his passing range, vision, and leadership. This tournament represents Belgium's final opportunity to reward one of its greatest footballers with international silverware.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

2 World Cup appearances • 2 goals

Mohamed Salah has transformed Egyptian football over the past decade. After years of carrying his national team through qualification campaigns, the Liverpool legend enters what is expected to be his final World Cup hoping to guide Egypt beyond the group stage for the first time in modern history. His pace, finishing, and leadership continue to make him one of Africa's greatest footballers.

Son Heung-min (South Korea)

10 World Cup appearances • 3 goals • 1 assist

South Korea's captain has become one of Asia's greatest-ever footballers. Following memorable World Cup performances—including helping eliminate Germany in 2018—Son arrives for what will likely be his final appearance on football's biggest stage. His leadership, versatility, and relentless work ethic have inspired an entire generation of Asian footballers.

Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)

5 World Cup appearances • 2 clean sheets

Virgil van Dijk has been one of the defining defenders of modern football. After years leading Liverpool and captaining the Netherlands, he enters his final World Cup as the leader of one of Europe's strongest defensive units. For the Dutch captain, lifting the World Cup would crown an already legendary career.

Manuel Neuer (Germany)

19 World Cup appearances • 7 clean sheets

Manuel Neuer changed how goalkeepers play football. His aggressive sweeper-keeper style revolutionised the position and influenced an entire generation of goalkeepers around the world. A World Cup winner in 2014, Neuer returns one final time hoping to guide Germany back among football's elite.

Conclusion

The FIFA World Cup has always been where football legends create their greatest memories. For many of the players on this list, the 2026 tournament represents one final opportunity to write another unforgettable chapter before bringing extraordinary international careers to an end. While football's next generation is ready to take centre stage, this World Cup is also a celebration of the icons who defined an era. Their records may eventually be broken, but their influence on the game will endure long after the final whistle.