Top five players who could retire after UEFA Euro 2024

Published at :June 8, 2024 at 12:03 AM

Modified at :June 8, 2024 at 12:03 AM

Toni Kroos has already confirmed his retirement plans after the tournament

This year’s European Football Championship (UEFA Euro) will include a lot of high-profile players and breakout talents.

However, for some of the finest football players of the twenty-first century, the month-long competition in Germany also serves as their final Euros and, in some cases, their final international event.

The top five players who will be competing in their final Euros at the 2024 tournament are as follows:

5. Olivier Giroud

After this European Championship, France’s Olivier Giroud, one of the most underappreciated strikers ever, will retire from international competition, ending his 13-year tenure with the national side.

In what will be his last international tour, Giroud stated he has no set expectations for playing time at the Euros but expects to go deep in competition with France’s future generation of players.

Giroud has completed a free move from Italian team AC Milan to Major League Soccer (MLS) team Los Angeles FC. He will remain in club football for at least two years after the Euros. Giroud is now firmly in the twilight of his storied career.

Also Read: UEFA Euro 2024: All nations squad list for Germany

4. Manuel Neuer

Even though Neuer is Germany’s first-choice keeper, Nagelsmann has included four goalkeepers in his tentative squad to share the load with his prone star goalie, therefore it is unlikely that Neuer would start every game at the Euros.

However, the hometown German supporters will have one last opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the “sweeper keeper,” who gained notoriety for his audacious habit of venturing far into the outfield to confront attackers, should Neuer overcome his injury limitations and secure a spot at Euro 2024.

3. Luka Modric

Modric will still be an important member of Croatia’s team at the Euros despite his advanced age. He will lead his side from the midfield and plan the assault.

With Croatia finishing third in the 2022 World Cup and Croatia finishing second in the 2018 World Cup, Modric would give anything to surprise the sport’s heavyweights and win the Euro 2024 trophy in his final international tournament in Germany.

2. Toni Kroos

After the Euros, midfielder Toni Kroos will be hanging up his playing shoes forever in an attempt to lead a faltering Germany team to a historic domestic championship.

In addition to being the German’s “last dance” at European Championship 2024, Kroos has recently announced that he will retire from Real Madrid club football, meaning this is also his last opportunity to win a last championship.

Also Read: Euro 2024: Start date, end date, telecast & more

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo will compete at the European Championship for a record-tying sixth time after getting called up by Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.

The iconic forward, whose agility and endurance surpass his age, has achieved a fantastic feat at 39 years old, and he still plays a significant role for Portugal. However, the “Ronaldo experience” at the European Championship will most likely come to an end in 2024 for the fans.

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