The Euro 2024 football finals will mark the end of the international careers for many stars of the game, who have contributed greatly to their teams and fans over the years, as well as to the tournament itself. These players are expected to make way for younger talents and pass the torch for future competitions, with some veterans announcing their retirement from international play and not participating in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Here, we highlight five players who will compete in Euro 2024 for the last time:
**Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo**
Coach Roberto Martinez has placed his trust in veteran star Cristiano Ronaldo (39 years old) to lead the Portuguese national team in "Euro 2024." This edition will be Ronaldo's sixth European Championship and the eleventh overall in major tournaments, as he aims to enhance his record for the most goals in finals (14). Although he hasn't stated whether this tournament will be his last or if he will continue past the 2026 World Cup, participating in a seventh continental tournament seems highly unlikely since he will be 43 years old by then. Some have criticized his role in leading Portugal's attack in this edition. Ronaldo scored 44 goals in 45 matches with Saudi club Al-Nassr in various competitions last season and provided 13 assists.
**German Toni Kroos**
For Kroos (34 years old), this tournament will not only be his last international appearance, but the Real Madrid midfielder shocked football fans by announcing his retirement from the game entirely on May 21, following a successful career that includes six Champions League titles (five with Real Madrid and one with Bayern Munich). He hopes to secure one final international title with "Die Mannschaft." Kroos made his debut for the national team in 2010 in a friendly match against Argentina, which Germany lost 0-1. He played a pivotal role in Germany's 2014 World Cup victory with his creativity in the midfield, vision, passes, and execution of set pieces and corners. Kroos retired internationally after Germany was eliminated in the round of 16 at Euro 2021 by England but reversed his decision earlier this year. He will conclude his career on home soil among his fans as one of the most decorated players, including 23 titles with Real Madrid.
**French Olivier Giroud**
Giroud (37 years old) will leave the French national team to "make way for the youth," having recorded 133 international appearances and scored 57 goals, establishing himself as the top scorer in the history of "Les Bleus." Despite not scoring in the 2018 World Cup, where France won the title, Giroud was essential for the team's success through his movements and support for teammates in attack. He scored four goals in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and helped his team reach the final, which they lost to Argentina on penalties. Giroud recently joined Los Angeles FC after leaving AC Milan, bidding farewell in a friendly against Roma.
**Croatian Luka Modrić**
Modrić is the only player to have broken the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly for the Ballon d'Or from 2008 to 2017 when he won it after leading his country to the final of the 2018 World Cup. It is expected that Modrić (38 years old) will announce his international retirement after Euro 2024, being the player with the most appearances for Croatia (currently 175). He recently extended his contract with Real Madrid for another year, keeping him with the club until the summer of 2025.
**German Manuel Neuer**
Goalkeeper Neuer (38 years old) has been absent from the international scene since Germany's disappointing exit from the 2022 World Cup, due to a broken foot sustained while skiing. He didn't play much with Bayern Munich during a disappointing season where they lost the league title to Bayer Leverkusen, but he returns to compete in his last European Championship on home soil. Neuer has played 119 international matches, keeping 49 clean sheets and played a crucial role in Germany's 2014 World Cup victory.
