The iconic players that will feature in their final ever World Cup

With the 2022 Qatar World Cup quickly approaching, the eyes of the world are on the current superstars as they play for their clubs. This is considered by many as the last time we will see the two greatest, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, perform on the biggest stage.

Outright Odds

Despite their age, they are still among the favorites to win the FIFA Golden Boot award. According to bookmakers, both Messi and Ronaldo are tipped at 14/1 to top the goal-scoring charts. If you are considering betting on football, it should also be noted that the former’s Argentina side is the third favorite to win the tournament outright. 

The World Cup has been the launch pad for a lot of players but has equally been the landing pad for just as many. The most famous and dramatic example is Zinedine Zidane’s final professional game in the 2006 World Cup final. The French superstar went out with a bang when he was sent off for headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi, a sour end to a sweet career. 

But as we all say goodbye to Messi and Ronaldo, there is also another batch of aging legends who will make their final appearance.

Luka Modric

The Croatian and Real Madrid midfielder will go down in the history books as one of the best in his position. At the age of 37, this is sure to be Modric’s final ever World Cup campaign, 16 years on from his debut in the 2006 tournament. 

With over 154 appearances for his country, his moment came during the 2018 World Cup when he led his underdog Croatia side to the final only to lose to France. He was so instrumental for his side that he was named the best player in the tournament and subsequently was given the Ballon d’Or. 

Thiago Silva

The Brazilian center-back like Modric has seemed to defy the laws of time and is still performing at a high level for both club and country. At the age of 38, he will feature in his final World Cup for Brazil with over 100 caps spanning back to 2008.

The Chelsea center-back will be hoping that this will be the crowning jewel of his illustrious career as Brazil are heavy favorites to win the tournament. He has won everything in the game except what makes a Brazilian legend, the World Cup.

Luis Suarez

Suarez has been a dazzling watch throughout his career but unlike the aforementioned players, the 35-year-old is more known for the controversy he caused in the tournament. 

The Uruguayan number nine played the role of villain in the 2010 World Cup when he denied Ghana a goal by palming the ball off the line. He was eventually sent off and a penalty was awarded, which then was missed. Uruguay eventually proceeded into the semi-finals. Controversy has followed him throughout his entire life but that shouldn’t take away from his incredible career. 

As we welcome the new superstars, we should not forget to say goodbye to the old ones.