'It Is Now Over': Then-and-Now Photos of 5 Legends Who Just Played Their Final World Cup Match

The FIFA World Cup 2026 proved especially emotional as several legendary figures made what they confirmed would be their final appearances on soccer's biggest stage.

Every World Cup introduces a new generation of stars, but it also marks the end of the road for some of the game's greatest players. From unforgettable debuts to heartbreaking exits, these five icons walked away having left lasting marks on international soccer.

1. Luka Modrić

When Modrić arrived at his first FIFA World Cup in 2006, Croatia had one of Europe's most technically gifted midfielders beginning what would become an extraordinary international career.

Over the next two decades, he evolved into the heartbeat of the Croatian national team, helping guide the country to historic success, including the 2018 World Cup final and another deep run in 2022.

However, that journey officially came to an end on July 2, 2026, when Croatia suffered a 2-1 Round of 32 defeat to Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring before Gonçalo Ramos added a late winner after Ivan Perišić had briefly brought Croatia level.

Before the tournament, Modrić had already revealed that the 2026 World Cup would be his final competition with Croatia, making the defeat an emotional farewell to a remarkable international career.

2. Riyad Mahrez

Mahrez's World Cup story began shortly before the 2014 tournament in Brazil. After making his Algeria debut during a friendly against Armenia, the winger immediately made his case for inclusion by producing two assists in a convincing 3-1 victory.

That performance earned him a place in Algeria's World Cup squad, and he made his tournament debut against Belgium on June 17, 2014.

Although it proved to be his only appearance during that edition, it marked the beginning of an international career that would span more than a decade.

Mahrez's final World Cup match came on July 3, 2026, when Algeria's impressive campaign ended with a 2-0 Round of 32 defeat to Switzerland. Shortly after the final whistle, the Desert Foxes captain confirmed that his international career had reached its conclusion.

The 35-year-old retired after 120 international appearances and 40 goals, bringing an end to a 12-year spell during which he became one of Algeria's most influential players and helped deliver the country's 2019 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

3. Manuel Neuer

Neuer's World Cup breakthrough came under unexpected circumstances. Following his senior Germany debut in 2009, he was expected to serve as the backup to first-choice goalkeeper Rene Adler heading into the 2010 World Cup.

However, Adler suffered a broken rib just weeks before the tournament, handing Neuer an opportunity he would never relinquish.

In Germany's opening match against Australia, he was tested almost immediately before helping secure a commanding 4-0 victory alongside a dominant German performance.

It was the beginning of one of the greatest World Cup careers by a goalkeeper, highlighted by Germany's triumph four years later in Brazil. However, his final chapter arrived after Germany's heartbreaking Round of 32 exit to Paraguay.

Following the June 29, 2026, elimination, the Bayern Munich captain announced that he was retiring from international soccer for a second and final time after Germany lost 4-3 on penalties.

4. Neymar

Neymar made his FIFA World Cup debut on June 12, 2014, delivering a standout performance in Brazil's 3-1 opening victory over Croatia in São Paulo, Brazil.

At just 22 years old, the forward scored his first World Cup goal to bring Brazil level in the match before adding a second later on, helping secure the win and marking a memorable start to his tournament journey.

However, 12 years later, his international career reached its emotional conclusion.

Brazil fell 2-1 to Norway in the Round of 16 on July 5, 2026, despite Neymar scoring a late consolation penalty. Shortly after the defeat, the Brazilian icon confirmed that his time with the national team had ended.

"It is now over," Neymar said after the match. The 34-year-old retired as Brazil's all-time leading men's goalscorer with 80 goals in 129 international appearances, closing an era that made him one of the country's most celebrated players.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo made his FIFA World Cup debut on June 11, 2006, beginning a journey that would eventually span six tournaments.

Across appearances in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026, the Portuguese superstar continually rewrote history, becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups after finding the net against Uzbekistan during the group stage.

But before Portugal's Round of 16 showdown with Spain, he confirmed what many suspected. "This will be my last World Cup, but let's hope tomorrow isn't my last game," he told reporters ahead of the match.

Unfortunately for Portugal, that proved to be exactly what happened. Spain eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo's side in the Round of 16 on July 6, 2026, ending both Portugal's World Cup campaign and the legendary forward's final appearance at the tournament.

Together, these five legends have each left an indelible mark on the World Cup. Their talent, resilience, and unforgettable moments have shaped the tournament's history and ensured their legacies will endure for generations to come.