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The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada will be historic for many reasons. The main one, without a doubt, is that it will mark the end of an era. We could say it will be the culmination of a golden age.
To be more precise, this tournament will be the final World Cup stage for the most dominant generation of footballers of the last few decades of the Ballon d’Or. A turning point in history.
The legends bidding farewell in this edition will seek glory with their countries and attempt to etch their names, once again, at the very pinnacle of world football.
None of them are travelling to the World Cup simply to pay tribute to their careers. They all arrive as leaders of their national teams and ready to compete at the highest level.
In their forties, or approaching that age, these stars defy the logic of modern football. That is why this World Cup will demand that we look beyond the result and pay attention to every detail.
Every matchday will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see in action the players who have redefined their positions and raised the bar over the last 20 years of the sport.
That is why, in this article, we will take a look back at the players who have shaped the history of the Ballon d’Or and who, barring an unprecedented surprise, will be playing in their final World Cup.
The legends who will be playing in their final World Cup
- Lionel Messi
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Luka Modric
- Manuel Neuer
- Guillermo Ochoa
- Neymar
- Edin Dzeko
Lionel Messi: The mission to defend the crown
The first big name on this list is none other than Lionel Messi. With an all-time record of eight Ballon d’Or wins and 16 nominations throughout his career, the Argentine star has been a central figure at the awards ceremonies for almost two decades.
In fact, his latest golden triumph was directly driven by his historic performance at the last World Cup, when he led the Argentina squad to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Now, the captain of the Argentina national team is preparing to compete in his sixth World Cup, a milestone that further enhances his legend in international football. On the cusp of turning 40, Messi arrives at this tournament as the team’s footballing and spiritual leader.
His objective is crystal clear: to defend the title and build on his achievements at Qatar 2022. Although his personal trophy cabinet is already brimming with every possible honour, this latest World Cup campaign represents the ultimate opportunity to bring his career in the Albiceleste shirt to a close at the very highest level.
Cristiano Ronaldo: In pursuit of his final dream
Next on the list is Cristiano Ronaldo. With five Ballon d’Or awards to his name and a record 18 nominations, the Portuguese forward has also been a central figure at our World Cups over the last two decades.
At 41, Cristiano has signed up to play in his sixth World Cup. Like Messi, reaching this number of World Cup appearances is a milestone reserved for very few footballers.
The forward arrives at the tournament remaining the captain, the attacking talisman and the undisputed leader of the Portugal national team.
The Portuguese star’s objective in this tournament is as clear as it is ambitious. His well-known winning mentality drives him to lead his country in pursuit of the only major trophy missing from his impressive collection: the World Cup.
Luka Modrić: Croatia’s unfinished business
The third key figure is Luka Modrić, the man who made history by winning the Ballon d’Or in 2018 and breaking the duopoly of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Croatian midfielder proved that elite football also rewards tactical intelligence, control of the game and leadership, becoming one of the most respected figures of recent times.
At 40, Modrić heads to this World Cup representing the dream of an entire nation. The Croatia captain came very close to ultimate glory in previous tournaments, achieving a historic runners-up finish at Russia 2018 – the same year he won the Ballon d’Or – and a creditable third place at Qatar 2022.
Despite the passing of time, the ‘No. 10’ remains the undisputed driving force and the brains behind his national team. Croatia returns to take on the world’s major footballing powers. This World Cup represents their last chance to settle that outstanding debt.
Manuel Neuer: The goalkeeper who came out of retirement
Manuel Neuer, one of the most influential goalkeepers in history. The German goalkeeper was nominated for the Ballon d’Or five times throughout his brilliant career.
His finest moment at the awards ceremony coincided with his greatest collective glory: in 2014, the same year he was crowned world champion at Brazil 2014, he reached the podium for the golden trophy after completely revolutionising the goalkeeper’s role.
At the age of 40, Neuer’s presence at this World Cup has an epic quality to it. Having previously announced his retirement from the German national team, the goalkeeper decided to come out of retirement to defend his country’s colours one last time.
His return confirms his physical fitness and the enormous influence he continues to wield within the German team. The objective for the legendary goalkeeper is clear: to lead Germany back to the forefront of international football.
Neymar: The Last Attempt
Another member of this list is Neymar, a footballer of undeniable talent who has left an important mark on history. Throughout his career, the Brazilian has received nine Ballon d'Or nominations and finished third twice, competing on equal terms in the most demanding era of modern football.
The player himself confirmed that this tournament will be his last World Cup. After overcoming several serious injuries in the final stretch of his career, the forward managed to secure a place in Brazil's final squad.
The goal for the number 10 will be to lead the Seleção in their quest for the title and close out his World Cup career with the trophy in his hands. This edition represents his last chance to conquer the most important championship on the planet.
The turning point: The handover to the next generation
The 2026 World Cup will not only be remembered as the final chapter for these legends. It will also be the stage for a generational handover.
Whilst Messi, Cristiano, Modrić and Neuer play out their final World Cup minutes, a new crop of young talent is ready to take over.
In that sense, the tournament to be held in North America will serve as the perfect bridge between the end of an unrepeatable era and the beginning of a new one.
Names such as Lamine Yamal, Desiré Doué, João Neves, Estêvão and Endrick, among many others, are no longer just prospects for the future; they are established players beginning to stake their claim among the elite.
Football never stops, and transition is inevitable. This World Cup will mark the end of a golden era that dominated the Ballon d’Or for the last two decades, but at the same time it will open the doors to an exciting future.
