Top 10 players who might be playing their last World Cup in 2022

All of these footballers are well known on the grand stage

With only a few weeks until the FIFA World Cup 2022, worldwide excitement and anticipation are at an all-time high. Football's the most highly regarded tournament, where every player aspires to win the showpiece. However, many elite athletes have yet to win the trophy, and many of them may not play in another World Cup as they are in twilight of their career.

Although the 2022 World Cup could mark a turning point for them, and they could retire with most desired trophy, much is expected of them in this competition. Let's look at some players who might call it quits after the 2022 World Cup.

10. Karim Benzema

After a standout performance for Real Madrid, Benzema was called up for the Euro 2020. The player, who recently won the Ballon d'Or, has been in outstanding form. And he will be the most crucial player; at the 2022 World Cup, big things will be expected of the 34-year-old. However, as the player is 34 this will be his last World Cup. He'll undoubtedly take the opportunity of his final World Cup in November.

9. Ángel Di María

Di Maria has consistently performed well in pivotal games, and his goal in the Copa America final has elevated his status in Argentina. And the 34-year-old is Argentina's star player, and nation's failure to lift the trophy in the 2014 World Cup final was attributed primarily to his injury. Di Maria is currently injured but he should be fit before the competition.

Despite his advanced age, the player has made a strong impression since joining Juventus, and La Albiceleste will need him throughout the competition.

8. Manuel Neuer 

Neuer is, without a doubt, one of Europe's most decorated goalkeepers and a wall in the net. He received the best goalkeeper award for his performance in the 2014 World Cup final. Germany's first-choice goalkeeper, Neuer, who is 36, will play in his final World Cup before hanging up his gloves.

Germany has a strong team, but it is unclear how far they will advance this time. Neuer will undoubtedly be important to the outcome of the competition.

7. Luka Modric

The midfield wizard guided Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and was named the tournament's best player and winner of the Golden Ball, but they were ultimately defeated by France in the final. Since then, the player has matured like a fine wine and continues to be the most important player for the country.

The Real Madrid midfielder will compete in his final World Cup starting in November. Despite bing 37-years-old, Modric remains primary player and an orchestra for Croatia.

6. Luis Suarez

Along with Cavani, Luis Suarez is another Uruguayan who will retire after the 2022 World Cup from international football. The 35-year-old ex-Barcelona player currently represents Nacional, the team where he first started playing. One of the best strikers in his prime, Luis Suarez, made defenders' life uneasy and is the all-time leading scorer for the national team, with 56 goals scored in 134 appearances. However, the player is past his prime and won't play much in the competition. He'll certainly leave the national team after the World Cup.

5. Edinson Cavani 

The Uruguayan will wear the national team shirt for the final time during this World Cup. After leaving United, Cavani joined Valencia and is now looking to get more playing time before the World Cup. The 35-year-old will complement Suarez up front, and both strikers are the engine of Uruguay's offence.

Cavani has made 129 appearances for the national team, scoring 56 goals and dishing out 17 assists. He will be a key factor for the team ahead of the tournament.

4. Robert Lewandowski 

Lewandowski, another well-known striker, will play in his final World Cup in Qatar. He has scored 76 goals in 134 games for Poland, and will be prepared to brighten up the tournament with his performance, even though the country of the Barcelona striker isn't considered one of the favourites.

Since joining Barcelona, the 34-year-old has been in excellent form and has 14 goals across all competitions. Lewandowski will attempt to carry over this performance to the World Cup.

3. Thomas Muller 

Muller has already won a World Cup and is most likely play his last World Cup in Qatar. Muller is a technically gifted player who has a big impact on his country; even at age 33, he still most important player for Germany.

The player has 10 goals and six assists in 16 World Cup games, demonstrating his importance to the nation. The 2022 World Cup will be his final tournament.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo is approaching his 40s, and the player is gradually losing all of his characteristics, so it will be impossible to see him play in another World Cup. But due to his reputation, he will participate in the 2022 World Cup. Given Portugal's depth in the squad, the 37-year-old will play in his fifth World Cup and be uplifted to take home the trophy.

Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer in international football with 117 goals and 42 assists in 189 appearances for Portugal. Qatar will be his final chance to leave international football with the game's most prestigious trophy.

1. Lionel Messi 

The greatest player of all time will have another possibility at the 2022 World Cup, and the 35-year-old will hope to banish the memories of the World Cup final of 2014. The seven-time Ballon d'Or did not want to miss this final chance because Messi and co. appear to be the favourite for this World Cup, and we might not see him at the next World Cup. The all-time leading scorer for Argentina with 86 goals and 51 assists in 162 games.

Winning the most prestigious football trophy would be a fantastic way for Messi to retire from international competition, and he would be fully committed to giving his all during the competition.