Ronaldo, Neymar, Neuer, Other Stars Likely Playing Their Last World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is witnessing the likely end of several legendary careers on the global stage, as stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, Guillermo Ochoa, and Manuel Neuer have been eliminated from the ongoing tournament.

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I’ve given my all. I’ve won three titles with Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey concluded with Portugal's round of 16 exit against Spain. Having previously stated this would be his final tournament, Ronaldo leaves with 27 appearances across six World Cups, scoring 11 goals and becoming the first player to net in six different editions. While he never won the World Cup, he holds three titles with Portugal, including the 2016 European Championship, which he ranks as highly as a World Cup. Portugal's coach, Roberto Martinez, praised Ronaldo's role as a model of conduct and commitment.

Neymar's international career also appears to be over following Brazil's 2-1 loss to Norway. He stated his international career was finished after the match, played at the same stadium where he debuted in 2010. Neymar departs as Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, surpassing Pelé's record of 77.

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I arrived to a team with doubts surrounding the captain, but that Ronaldo had since become a role model through his conduct and commitment on the pitch.

Algeria's Riyad Mahrez, 35, also played his last game for the national team after their round of 32 elimination. He leaves with 119 caps and 40 goals, including a key role in Algeria's 2019 Africa Cup of Nations triumph. Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, 40, saw his World Cup participation end with Mexico's defeat to England. His exit marks the end of an era for Mexican football, having been one of the tournament's oldest players.

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Speaking to TV Globo afterward, he said his international career was over.

These eliminations signify a generational shift in international football, with many of the sport's most recognizable figures stepping away from the World Cup stage. The tournament continues with the quarterfinals, but the focus for many fans is on the legacies left behind by these departing stars.

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Speaking directly after the match, Mahrez, 35, said it was his last game for Algeria and that it was now the turn of the next generation of players.