The 2026 FIFA World Cup is not just a tournament; it is an event that brings the world together. For a fan, this is a season of wearing their favourite jerseys everywhere, ruining sleep schedules and screaming in front of their television screens at three in the morning. Through friendly rivalries and victory celebrations at pubs, this event creates memories that last a lifetime.
But this year feels a little different. It may officially be time to say goodbye to the men who defined football for our generation, and made millions fall in love with the sport, as Lionel Messi (38) and Cristiano Ronaldo (41) will be making their 6th appearance in this tournament — potentially their last.
For years, one single question has dominated footballing conversation: ‘Who is your GOAT? Messi or Ronaldo?’ It is a never-ending debate with maybe no correct answer, and one which has shaped a golden era of football.
They are not the only ones approaching their final World Cup. Luka Modrić (40) will be leading Croatia with the same grit and elegance which has defined his career, and bidding farewell to the international stage at this tournament.
Having watched these players on our screens for as long as many of us can remember, it is difficult to imagine a tournament without them. It is even harder to acknowledge that these great names may not be seen on the scoresheet again. They are not just players but sources of inspiration for millions of upcoming young footballers and supporters. They made football feel like more than just a sport. They made football personal. They divided friendships and helped shape moments which us fans can never forget.
But, change is inevitable, and perhaps it is finally time to pass the torch to a new generation of footballing heroes. Kylian Mbappé, Désiré Doué, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Jamal Musiala, to name a few, are ready to take the sport forward. Their stories are just beginning and will later inspire the future generation in their own ways.
Letting go of your childhood heroes is never easy, but it is necessary for the growth of the sport. Every generation feels its heroes are irreplaceable, yet football continues to show us that it persists beyond names on shirts.
Our generation’s heroes may be nearing the end of their World Cup journeys, but their courage, spirit, and legacy will inspire generations forever.
“Camisetas de recuerdo” by a_marga is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.