The international brand 1xBet It reviews the careers of five football legends who this summer closed an important chapter in their sporting careers.
Manuel Neuer
- Globe Cup appearances: 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026
- Achievements: Champion (2014), Third Place (2010)
Two years ago, Neuer said goodbye to the German national team, but his story with the national team still had one chapter left to write. On May 21, 2026, Julian Nagelsmann included the 40-year-old goalkeeper in Germany's squad. Manuel once again demonstrated his importance to the team, playing in all four of his country's matches in the tournament, including the game against Curaçao, a debutant and one of the underdogs.
In the round of 32, Germany lost to Paraguay in a penalty shootout and was eliminated from the competition. However, this unexpected trip to North America allowed the veteran to set two individual records:
- He became the oldest player to represent Germany in a major tournament.
- He achieved the most appearances in the main world tournament among goalkeepers, with 21 matches.
There was also a less favorable record: Neuer conceded at least one goal in his last ten World Cup matches.
Luka Modrić
- Globe Cup appearances: 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026
- Achievements: runner-up (2018), third place (2022)
The clash between Portugal and Croatia in the round of 32 generated enormous excitement worldwide. On the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, and Luka Modrić, 40, faced off. For one of these legendary captains, that match would be his last appearance in a World Cup. On July 2nd, the Portuguese and Croatians put on a spectacular show with six goals, although three were disallowed.
The most tense moments came in stoppage time: in the 94th minute, Gonçalo Ramos put Portugal ahead, while in the 103rd minute, Joško Gvardiol's goal was disallowed for offside. After the final whistle, the former Real Madrid teammates embraced.
Even so, Luka's trip to North America left its mark: he became the oldest player to provide an assist in the history of the world's most important football tournament.
Neymar
- Globe Cup appearances: 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026
- Achievements: fourth place (2014)
Neymar's inclusion in the squad for the 2026 edition had a strong symbolic component. Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti wanted to return the five-time world champions to the pinnacle of world football, and the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player fit perfectly into that vision.
The Brazilian star had already fallen out of favor as a regular starter, but came on as a substitute against Scotland and Norway. He even managed to score a consolation goal from the penalty spot against the Scandinavians.
Cristiano Ronaldo
- Globe Cup appearances: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026
- Achievements: fourth place (2006)
Cristiano has won virtually everything: the European Championship, the Champions League, the UEFA Nations League, the Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and multiple Ballon d'Or awards. Only one piece was missing from his impressive collection: the World Cup. One of the greatest footballers of all time traveled to North America hoping to fulfill that long-held dream.
Portugal boasted a powerful squad and was among the top six contenders for the title. However, Roberto Martínez's team finished second in their group and were placed in a more challenging section of the knockout stage.
In the round of 7, a solitary goal from Spanish substitute Mikel Merino proved to be the difference. In the Iberian Derby, the 41-year-old striker gave his all on the pitch and even came close to scoring a spectacular goal against Unai Simón. However, his shot lacked power, and the Spanish goalkeeper reacted with a stunning save to clear the danger. Cristiano Ronaldo's dream remained unfulfilled.
Lionel Messi
- Globe Cup appearances: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026
- Achievements: Champion (2022), Runner-up (2014, 2026)
Lionel Messi went the furthest among the tournament's veteran stars. The Argentine star's final performance was none other than in the final, although his team ultimately lost the decisive match.
Up to that point, Leo had scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists. With the multiple Ballon d'Or winner once again at the forefront, Argentina staged an incredible comeback against Egypt and a memorable victory against one of their greatest historical rivals, England.
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