Aged professionals: These are the oldies of the 2026 World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo (41), Lionel Messi (38) and Manuel Neuer (39) are starting their record participations at the 2026 World Cup. Physics speaks against them - but emotions speak for them.
The 2026 World Cup will be a farewell tour for football legends: Cristiano Ronaldo (41), Lionel Messi (38) and Manuel Neuer (39) are starting their sixth and fourth World Cup tournament. Ronaldo, who has appeared at every World Cup since 2006, leads Portugal as captain and, at 41, becomes the oldest outfield player in tournament history. In Saudi Arabia he continued his career at a high level despite his age and leads the Portuguese offensive.
