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Top 10 Footballers Who Could Retire after Euro 2024
A number of top national teams will compete in the tournament that will take place from 14 June to 14 July 2024.
Unfortunately, Euro 2024 could become the last huge international competition for some football stars.
Let’s take a look at the list of the players that could retire from international football after Euro 2024.
Which players could retire after Euro 2024?
1. Karim Benzema
Age: 34
National team: France
Image Source: Getty Images
Karim Benzema started his international duty as a member of France’s senior squad back in 2007. The attacker’s playing spell was interrupted in 2015 by the incident linked with his fellow countryman Mathieu Valbuena.
Benzema was called up to the national team after the five-year break to shine again with Les Bleus in 2021. Since his senior debut has made 97 appearances, recording 37 goals and 20 assists.
France national team get stronger with the presence of their attacker. He will surely be missed if deciding to end his international career after the Euro 2024.
2. Christian Eriksen
Age: 30
National team: Denmark
Image Source: Getty Images
March 3 of 2010 was a memorable one for Christian Eriksen as he made his senior debut for Denmark national team. Since then he has played in 115 games, scoring 38 goals and assisting 26 times.
These stats could have been even greater if not for the fitness problem Eriksen had to face in Euro 2020. He suffered cardiac arrest and was withdrawn from the Danish squad during the major competition.
Now he is fit and ready for new challenges. The midfielder will probably be part of his national squad for the last time in 2024.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
Age: 37
National team: Portugal
Image Source: Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers of all time both at the club and international levels. Portugal national team’s current captain has started his journey as a senior international player back on August 20, 2003. He has recorded 117 goals and 42 assists in 189 appearances.
Many times Ronaldo has impressed the world breaking international records. Just a few days ago, the 37-year-old received his award as Portugal’s all-time top scorer.
The superstar has now admitted he wants to be part of the team for the Euro 2024. So we will be given more chances to enjoy the goat on the pitch.
4. N’Golo Kante
Age: 31
National team: France
Image Source: Getty Images
France midfielder N’Golo Kante has made his senior debut for France in 2016 at the age of 24. Since then he has played in 53 games.
Chelsea midfielder has played a key role in his national team’s success, including the FIFA World Cup 2018 victory.
Kante could decide to make Euro 2024 the last important tournament in his international career. Before that, at the end of 2022, he could be with the World Cup defending champions for Qatar’s World Cup 2022.
5. Manuel Neuer
Age: 36
National team: Germany
Image Source: Getty Images
23 years old Manuel Neuer joined Joachim Löw’s Germany national team back in 2009. He has recorded 47 clean sheets in 113 games since then.
During his 13-year spell with the European giants, the goalkeeper has been brilliant, receiving the Footballer of the Year award two times (in 2010 and 2014). The greatest achievement, though, became Germany’s World Cup win in 2014.
Euro 2024 will take place in Germany. So it is quite probable that Neuer could have his international farewell right at the end of the tournament.
6. Gareth Bale
Age: 33
National team: Wales
Image Source: Getty Images
Wales has always had a special place in Gareth Bale’s heart. Since making his senior debut at the age of 16, the attacker has been an important figure for his team.
Bale has made 106 appearances, scored 39 goals, and assisted 22 times for his country. He helped the team to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
The forward will turn 35 during the Euro 2024. Maybe at that time, he would decide to say goodbye to his international teammates.
7. Leonardo Bonucci
Age: 35
National team: Italy
Image Source: Getty Images
Italians bring a pure passion to football, and Leonardo Bonucci is not an exception.
The defender has made his senior debut for Italy national team back in 2010. He has played 116 games and managed to record 8 goals and 6 assists since then.
Italy became the winners of the European Championship of 2020 and will be fighting for another success in 2024. Bonucci could be an important player in the squad next time, though it could become his last contribution.
8. David de Gea
Age: 31
National team: Spain
Image Source: Getty Images
45 games, 21 clean sheets – here is David de Gea’s stats as Spain national team player after his debut in 2014 at the age of 23.
Despite having errors during the games, De Gea remains one of the best goalkeepers in the World.
Spain are yet to win in huge competitions with their current keeper. Let’s hope they will reach a new success with him in the near future and enjoy his presence at least until the end of Euro 2024.
9. Robert Lewandowski
Age: 34
National team: Poland
Image Source: Getty Images
In 2008, 20 years old Robert Lewandowski made his debut for Poland’s senior national team. He has made 132 appearances, netting 76 goals and assisting 28 times.
During his 14-year spell, the forward has shown phenomenal performances. Poland’s current captain has been awarded the Footballer of the Year, attention, 10 times!
Barcelona star still continues his impressive spell with his national team. Unfortunately, retirement time could get closer after 2024’s European Championship.
10. Romelu Lukaku
Age: 29
National team: Belgium
Image Source: Getty Images
Romelu Lukaku joined Belgium’s senior team when he was just 16 years old back in 2010. His talent was quite noticeable for manager Dick Advocaat.
Since his senior debut, the attacker has scored 68 times and made 15 assists in 102 appearances in all competitions.
The Euro 2024 could also be memorable for Lukaku. He is an absolute star for Belgium national team and will definitely give his best until his retirement.
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