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The conclusion of a major tournament often signals the end of an era for several footballers and their international careers.

All eyes are now on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as fans await confirmation on whether the two legends will retire from international football following the 2026 World Cup. Messi finished as runner-up with Argentina, while Ronaldo’s Portugal exited in the round of 16 — both nations coincidentally eliminated by eventual champions Spain.

While the football world anticipates their decisions, a number of other stars have already decided to step away from international duty after the tournament.

Manuel Neuer came out of international retirement to represent Germany once more at the World Cup, but the 40-year-old has now made a predictable U-turn. His four appearances in North America made him the goalkeeper with the most World Cup matches in history (23). Germany’s round of 32 exit to Paraguay after a penalty shootout, despite Neuer saving one from Fabien Balbuena, marked the end of the Bayern Munich icon’s international journey. Neuer retires with 128 caps for Germany, having played a crucial role in their 2014 World Cup triumph. He still has a year left on his Bayern Munich contract.

Brazil’s all-time top scorer Neymar ends his international career without a World Cup medal, after Brazil were knocked out in the round of 16 by Norway in his fourth and final tournament. Though not fully fit, Neymar scored Brazil’s only goal in that defeat, becoming the only player since Pele to score in four different World Cups for the Selecao. It was the 80th goal of his international career, achieved in 130 appearances. The 2013 Confederations Cup remains the only major trophy he lifted with Brazil — a disappointing statistic for the world’s most expensive player.

Riyad Mahrez, just a few matches away from becoming Algeria’s most-capped player, has confirmed that he will not pursue that record. After captaining Algeria in their round of 32 loss to Switzerland, Mahrez announced his international retirement. The former Leicester City and Manchester City winger, currently without a club after leaving Al-Ahli this summer, retires with 40 goals for his country.

After missing the 2022 World Cup due to injury, Sadio Mane returned for one final shot in 2026. The former Liverpool star, Senegal’s all-time top scorer, failed to find the net in his final tournament. At 34, Mane remains under contract with Al-Nassr for another year.

Mexico will have to imagine a future without Guillermo Ochoa between the posts. The 41-year-old appeared in his sixth World Cup in 2026 but played only once — his 153rd and final cap for Mexico. He had already decided beforehand that this would be his farewell. Now without a club, Ochoa has announced the end of his football career altogether. “Now my time with the national team is coming to an end, I don’t see much more meaning in football,” he said. “I don’t see the point in keeping on playing. So… I’ve enjoyed every moment here. I gave it my all.”

At 38, Nicolas Otamendi was the second-oldest player in Argentina’s squad after Messi. The former Manchester City defender featured in all but one of Argentina’s matches, including the final against Spain. His international career ends with 139 caps. In May, he signed for River Plate, marking his return to Argentine football after 16 years in Europe.

Marko Arnautovic, Austria’s record holder for appearances and goals, has also retired from international football at 37. Austria’s campaign ended at the hands of eventual champions Spain. Arnautovic scored twice in the group stage, finishing with 49 goals from 137 caps. He now prepares for his second season with Red Star Belgrade.

Patrik Schick, the youngest on this list at 30, has completed his first and last World Cup with the Czech Republic, who exited in the group stage. The striker retires with 56 caps and 26 goals for his country. Schick also represented the Czech Republic at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, famously scoring from halfway against Scotland in the former. He remains under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2030, having already netted over 100 goals for the club.

Craig Gordon has retired from both club and international football at 43 — quite the achievement. The Scotland goalkeeper was unused throughout their World Cup group stage campaign but bows out as his nation’s second most-capped goalkeeper after Jim Leighton. His club career with Hearts nearly ended in glory before they narrowly missed out on the Scottish title to Celtic, his former club.

Enner Valencia’s record as Ecuador’s all-time top scorer looks secure for years to come. He retires with 49 goals, with his nearest active compatriot on just nine. The former West Ham forward scored six goals in 10 World Cup appearances across the 2014, 2022, and 2026 editions. Currently a free agent, Valencia’s next move at 36 remains uncertain.

Fernando Muslera’s international career concluded when he asked to be substituted at half-time during Uruguay’s group-stage defeat to Spain after an error led to a goal. The 40-year-old had come out of retirement for his fifth World Cup after initially stepping away in 2024. Still playing for Estudiantes in Argentina, Muslera leaves as Uruguay’s most-capped goalkeeper with 137 appearances.

Jean Michael Seri made his sole World Cup appearance for Ivory Coast in their group-stage win over Curacao, coming on for the final 13 minutes. He returned to the bench for their round of 32 loss to Norway. At 35, his international career ends with more than 60 caps. The highlight of Seri’s time with Ivory Coast was winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and being named in the tournament’s best XI. The former Fulham and Hull City midfielder has one year remaining on his contract with Slovenian club Maribor.