All good things come to an end… This is the case for many footballers who are nearing the end of their career and who will probably play their last World Cup with their national team next November in Qatar. In this selection, we have therefore only counted players aged 32 and over. Review.
In order to start this hypothetical selection, let’s start with the last bastion, the goalkeeper.
Manuel Neuer : Who else but one of the best goalkeepers of the 21st century, Manuel Neuer. At 36, the last man of Bayern Munich has more than 100 selections with the Mannschaft. Winner of the World Cup in 2014, the German porter will surely play his last World Cup.
A 4-man defense
Jordi Alba : Fast, technical and precise, the Spaniard, captain of his selection, will have a lot to do from the group stage. It will be opposed to Germany and Japan in particular. The little Catalan has quite a track record, five times Spanish champion with Barça and winner of the Euro with La Roja. At 33, the left side with 82 selections still has it under his belt.
Pepe : The rock, sometimes too raw, still commands respect despite his 39 years. The central defender has a national title with Portugal, at Euro 2016, against France. Crowned with titles with Real and Porto, Kepler Laveran Lima Ferreira, his real name, qualified via the play-offs by beating North Macedonia, terrible executioners of the Squadra.
Thiago Silva : At 37, the Brazilian has proven that he is part of the big leagues. Scorned by Paris Saint-Germain, Thiago Silva left through the back door at the Parc des Princes. Fortunately, the central defender has bounced back perfectly at Chelsea, where he went to win a Champions League, with Thomas Tuchel, also fired from PSG. With his 105 selections, the boss of the Seleçao, one of the favorites of this World Cup, hopes to lift the sixth title in the history of Brazil.
Daniel Alves: Quite simply the most successful player in football history. 38 years old and 41 titles, the right side has 123 selections with the Seleçao. The captain of Brazil knows that his country has the weapons to win this World Cup. Returning to Barça under the orders of Xavi, Dani Alves finished in first place in qualifying for this 2022 World Cup.
A middle 3
Sergio Busquets : The unstoppable 6 of Barça for more than 10 years, just that, has phenomenal regularity. Shadow worker, experienced metronome of the Catalan club, Sergio Busquets (33) has the necessary background to lead the Spanish midfielder. If La Roja has been rejuvenated in recent years, nothing beats the contribution of this experienced player with 133 caps, to get to the final stages and more if you like.
Luka Modric: World Cup Best Player in 2018, the 36-year-old Croatian still has magic in his feet. His 148 selections with Vatreni speak volumes about the importance of the Madrid midfielder. He had managed to carry his country to the final of the World Cup four years ago, before losing against France. If they are less strong than in Russia, the valiant Croats never give up. The Devils, future adversaries, are warned.
Angel Di Maria: At 34, the Argentinian is still decisive with his national team. The Parisian who has 30 titles as well as 121 caps with the Albiceleste, will surely play his last World Cup. The left-hander passed by Real and Manchester United, hopes to continue the momentum of the Copa America, in order to obtain this coveted title of world champion.
Three legendary forwards
Cristiano Ronaldo : No need to present the statistical machine that is CR7. The man who has scored the most career goals, hopes to clinch the Holy Grail this year. If all does not go as desired in his Mancunian club, the Portuguese can count on a solid national team. Despite going through the play-offs, Cristiano Ronaldo has talented teammates, like Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva. The native of Madeira has not said his last word and will try to achieve the same feat as when he won Euro 2016.
Robert Lewandowski : The best active number 9 has managed to qualify for what seems to be his last World Cup, unless he copies Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s incredible longevity. The captain and top scorer in the history of the Polish selection, qualified via the play-offs by scoring against Sweden of the great Zlatan. Accumulating 75 goals for 129 caps, Robert Lewandowski (33) is Poland’s major asset in this 2022 World Cup.
Lionel Messi : It is also the last chance for the Pulga to get the title he dreams of so much. If the Argentinian had come close in 2014, Leo Messi is once again surrounded by a team that will do everything for him. The number 10 with 160 selections for no less than 81 goals, will face Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia. The Barcelona legend is confident with the Albiceleste following the Copa America title win.
Hazard, the unfortunate surprise guest?
It’s not only age that can prevent a player from missing a World Cup. A country too weak to ensure qualification, repeated injuries or performances that are too unconvincing can also deprive a big name of a World Cup.
This may be the case for our national Eden Hazard. The Real Madrid winger hasn’t been himself since joining Los Blancos. Injured on numerous occasions, the captain of the Red Devils has recently had surgery on his ankle to remove the plate that bothered him so much. But to believe what we have been hearing about Eden for several months, this World Cup could undoubtedly be his last. “I’m going to Qatar and then we’ll see”he said in September to RTBF. “I will then begin a reflection on the follow-up to be given to my career with the Devils.”
The rest of the list of 23:
Guardians : Hugo Lloris – Rui Patricio
Defenders : Jan Vertonghen – Diego Godin – Jose Fonte – Nicolas Otamendi
Environments : Joao Moutinho – Axel Witsel – Thomas Muller
Attackers : Karim Benzema – Luis Suarez – Gareth Bale
Not included: Olivier Giroud – Dries Mertens – Edinson Cavani – Ivan Perisic