The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be remembered not only for a new champion or thrilling matches, but also as the witness to the end of an era in international football. After the World Cup, Brazil’s Neymar, Germany’s Manuel Neuer, Argentina’s Nicolás Otamendi, Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa and several other experienced footballers from around the world said goodbye to the national-team jersey. These stars, who over long careers gave World Cups, continental titles and countless memorable moments, played their last international match and made way for a new generation.
Brazil’s star forward Neymar was one of the national team’s mainstays for more than a decade after his brilliant debut at the 2014 World Cup. But injuries limited his playing time at this World Cup. He played only 55 minutes in Brazil’s exit match against Norway before announcing his retirement from international football. After the match Neymar said: “It all began at MetLife Stadium, and it ended right here. Now it is all over.” The Brazilian great Zlatan Ibrahimovic called him an “extraordinarily talented footballer” and said his departure was a sad moment for Brazilian football.
Germany’s legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer played his first World Cup in 2010 and was one of the heroes of Germany’s World Cup-winning side in 2014. Although he had retired after Euro 2024, he changed his decision and returned to the squad before this World Cup. After the penalty-shootout loss to Paraguay he played his 23rd and last World Cup match and drew the curtain on his international career. Neuer later said: “Even though the end was bitter, I have no regrets about deciding to come back.”
The Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick played at his first World Cup, but the team went out in the group stage. A few hours after the last match he announced his retirement from international football, saying: “Today my chapter with the national team has ended.” The Czech football federation expressed its gratitude for his contribution.
Mexico’s veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, praised worldwide for his outstanding performance against Brazil at the 2014 World Cup, played limited minutes this time but received a special tribute from his team-mates in the last match. In his farewell message he said: “Playing for Mexico was the greatest honour of my life.”
Algeria’s captain Riyad Mahrez got the chance to play at a World Cup again after 12 years. Although he scored twice against Austria, Algeria eventually lost to Switzerland and went out in the round of 32. Announcing his retirement, Mahrez said: “Representing my country was always my dream.”
Ecuador’s top scorer Enner Valencia, who scored six goals across the 2014 and 2022 World Cups, did not find the net at this tournament. After the exit against Mexico he said it had been his last match for the national team. The Ecuadorian football federation described him as one of the country’s greatest players of all time.
Nicolás Otamendi, one of the pillars of the Argentina side that won the 2022 World Cup, had said before the tournament that this would be his last. Although he played most of Argentina’s matches at the 2026 World Cup, they could not retain the title this time. In his farewell message he said: “This is my last World Cup. From now on I am just a supporter.”
Austria’s experienced forward Marko Arnautovic scored twice at his first and last World Cup. After the exit against Spain he said in an emotional voice: “Playing for Austria was the greatest achievement of my life. The hardest thing is that from now on I will no longer see my second family.”
Senegal’s star Sadio Mané played at the 2018 World Cup but missed the 2022 tournament through injury. Although news of his retirement emerged after this World Cup, there are some questions over its accuracy. Even so, his contribution has been honoured highly in Senegalese football circles.
Scotland’s goalkeeper Craig Gordon played 84 matches after his international debut in 2004. Although he did not get to take the field at his first World Cup, he announced his retirement from both club and international football after the tournament.
Ivory Coast midfielder Jean Michael Seri ended an 11-year international career after playing at his first World Cup. When he announced his retirement on social media, team-mates including captain Franck Kessié paid tribute to him.
So many experienced footballers departing together after the World Cup signals the end of an era in international football. In the days ahead a new generation of footballers will take up the responsibility of the national teams, but the memorable contributions of Neymar, Neuer, Ochoa and Otamendi will remain undimmed in football history for a long time to come.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report