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Manuel Neuer (Germany, 40)
First participated successful nan World Cup successful 2010 earlier winning nan trophy 4 years later. Germany person had small occurrence since and their penalty shootout conclusion by Paraguay marked nan extremity of Neuer’s world career. He initially retired aft Euro 2024 but reversed that determination a fewer weeks earlier this tournament. “Despite nan bitter end, I don’t regret this decision,” he said aft his 23rd and last World Cup appearance. The erstwhile Germany defender Robert Huth criticised nan determination to bring Neuer retired of retirement: “I deliberation nan large 1 that really unsettles nan squad was nan Neuer inclusion. I deliberation [it was] really unexpected, he came precocious to nan table.”
Patrik Schick (Czechia, 30)
Made his World Cup debut this summertime having near an belief astatine Euro 2020. Schick grounded to people arsenic Czechia went winless and were eliminated successful nan group stage. The striker announced his world status hours aft nan last group game. “Today, my nationalist squad section is coming to an end,” he said. The charismatic Czechia connection paid tribute: “Thank you for each match, each goal, and nan pridefulness pinch which you represented nan Czech Republic.”
Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico, 41)
Cemented himself arsenic a fans’ favourite successful 2014 erstwhile he kept a celebrated cleanable expanse against nan World Cup hosts, Brazil. His playing clip was constricted this summer, but he got 12 minutes against Czechia, wherever he was celebrated by teammates. After afloat clip nan manager, Javier Aguirre, said: “The infinitesimal he stepped connected to nan pitch, it overshadowed everything else. He is simply a world-class legend, and I americium incredibly proud of him.” Ochoa later posted: “It was nan top privilege of my life. Thank you for believing, for ever accompanying us. I emotion you Mexico.”
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria, 35)
Having made 1 quality astatine nan 2014 finals, Mahrez had to hold 12 years to adhd to his tally. He scored 2 goals against Austria earlier Algeria were eliminated in nan past 32 by Switzerland successful his last game. Mahrez said: “Representing Algeria has been a dream of excavation ever since I was young, to play for my country. It’s been an immense honour and a awesome root of pride.” A Confederation of African Football’s connection said: “You gave america memories that clip tin ne'er return away. Thank you, Riyad Mahrez.”
Enner Valencia (Ecuador, 36)
The guardant sewage six goals successful arsenic galore matches crossed nan 2014 and 2022 finals but was incapable to adhd to that tally for an Ecuador squad who mislaid to Mexico successful nan past 32. “I’ve played my past lucifer pinch nan nationalist team,” he said successful nan passageway after. Ecuador’s charismatic X relationship showed appreciation to their grounds scorer: “The GOAT. Super Enner. Thank you for giving yourself to nan state and representing it successful nan champion way.”
Nicolás Otamendi (Argentina, 38)
The uncompromising defender played each infinitesimal arsenic Argentina triumphed successful Qatar, having made his World Cup debut successful 2010. Playing clip was harder to travel by successful North America, though he featured successful each crippled barroom one, having revealed his volition to discontinue successful March. “It’s my past World Cup, from location I’ll beryllium a fan,” he said. Otamendi’s last location lucifer became a tribute, pinch Lionel Messi letting him people a punishment astatine La Bombonera.
Marko Arnautovic (Austria, 37)
This was nan striker’s first and past World Cup. He scored doubly arsenic Austria reached nan past 32, where they were defeated 3–0 by Spain. Arnautovic revealed his departure successful an affectional post-match interview, saying: “Playing for Austria was nan biggest highlight. It hits maine that from now connected I won’t spot my 2nd family immoderate more.” In a societal media post, nan Austrian Football Association said: “What a career. What a character. Thank you for everything.”
Sadio Mané (Senegal, 34)
Participated successful 2018 but wounded ruled him retired 4 years later. Following Senegal’s capitulation against Belgium, Mané released a connection regarding status via Senegalese outlet Le Quotidien – though location person been questions astir its authenticity – saying: “Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag. I gave nan very champion of myself and I ever fought fiercely for our homeland.” Pape Thiaw was asked astir Mané’s status successful January and replied: “We want to support him arsenic agelong arsenic imaginable … erstwhile we opportunity it’s his decision, it doesn’t conscionable beryllium to him, he belongs to nan group of Senegal, and they want to spot him transportation on.”
Craig Gordon (Scotland, 43)
The goalkeeper amassed 84 caps, making his debut successful 2004, but did not get disconnected nan chair astatine his first World Cup. “I’ve ne'er wanted it to end, but it must,” Gordon said, calling clip connected his nine and world career. Gordon’s spell was described arsenic “a profession dissimilar immoderate other” by nan Scotland nationalist team’s societal media account.
Jean Michaël Seri (Côte d’Ivoire, 35)
Made his World Cup debut successful his side’s 2–0 triumph complete Curaçao, his 64th cap. In a societal media post, nan erstwhile Fulham midfielder later said: “After 11 years successful nan nationalist team, and 1 World Cup played, I denote nan extremity of my world profession today.” Seri received a wealthiness of tributes beneath his post. “Congratulations connected each that you’ve accomplished pinch nan nationalist team,” replied nan captain, Franck Kessié. “Thank you for each these moments shared nether our colors.”
Neymar (Brazil, 34)
Announced himself connected nan World Cup shape pinch 2 goals connected debut successful 2014. Restricted by wounded astatine nan existent tournament, he managed 55 minutes earlier Brazil’s exit against Norway and announced his world status soon aft afloat time. “It started present astatine MetLife Stadium,” he said, referring to his debut against nan US successful August 2010, “and I vanished here. It is now over.” Zlatan Ibrahimovic, moving arsenic a pundit for US television, said: “An astonishing player, and nan accomplishment group he had was conscionable crazy. So, sad infinitesimal for Brazilian football.”
