Euro 2024 came to a conclusion on Sunday, July 14, the La Rojas of Spain clinched the European title for the fourth time in their history. They have now become the most successful country in the history of the competition.
While Spain went into the competition to etch their names in the history books, icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe of Portugal marked their final appearances at an European tournament.
Simply put, Euro 2024 is the competition that would be remembered at the contest that concluded the appearances of some superstars that fascinated us in the 2000s.
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Asides from the aforementioned Portuguese icons, Germany legends, Toni Kroos who has officially stepped aside from football alongside Manuel Neuer, and Thomas Muller who could be representing their country for the last time on the European stage.
Below are some notable superstars that have made their final appearances in Europe.
- Toni Kroos
Prior to the commencement of the competition, Toni Kroos confirmed that he would be stepping aside from football after Euro 2024. The German midfielder won the 2024 champions league with Spanish giants, Real Madrid in June.
Toni Kroos is 34.
- Cristiano Ronaldo
At the age of 39, football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo mentioned that Euro 2024 is his final tournament in Europe. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar did not mention that he would be retiring soonest, despite being at the twilight of his career.
- Pepe
After making his appearance against Czech Republic, Portuguese defender, Pepe became the oldest football to feature in an European tournament at the age of 41. Of course, Pepe who won the 2016 European tournament with Portugal hasn’t made a statement about retirement.
- Luke Modric
Croatian magician, Luka Modric failed to inspire his side at Euro 2024, they were eliminated in the group stages.
Modric will be 39 in September, hence, Euro 2024 might be his final tournament in Europe.
- Olivier Giroud
French forward, Olivier Giroud, 37, played four matches at the 2024 European tournament, he, however, failed to find the back of the net.
- Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski and the Polish national were poor at their performance at the Euro 2024. Though Lewandowski bagged one in two games, he was unable to inspire Poland out of the group.
At 36, this could be Lewandowski’s final European tournament as he would probably be over 40 at the next one.
- Thomas Muller
The 34-year-old German forward, Thomas Muller wasn’t used often at the 2024 European tournament. It could mean the Bayern Munich forward isn’t as important as he used to be to the squad.
He played in the 2012, 2016 and the rescheduled Euro 2020 tournament. Thomas Muller has never won the tournament.
- Manuel Neuer
Ever since his debut in the latter part of the 2000s, Manuel has remained the most recognizable goalkeeper in modern football history, representing the German national team at several major tournaments.
At the age of 38, Euro 2024 might be the perfect time for Manuel Neuer to give younger goalkeepers more playing time and give a chance to the burgeoning generation.