“I Won’t Live to 40 in Football”: Stars of the 2026 World Cup on Their Future and the Next Day of the Game

The 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada has become not just a tournament, but a real watershed. This World Cup brought together two generations: great veterans, for whom this tournament is likely to be the last, and daring young talents ready to carry the flag further. While some stars are taking on the role of mentors and contemplating the end of their careers, others confidently declare that the future of football will be completely different. What are the main characters of the planet saying about their tomorrow and the prospects for the development of the most popular game?

Change of Eras: Legends Are Departing, New Kings Are Coming

The 2026 World Cup marks a generational shift in world football. Recognized stars — Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar — are nearing the end of their careers in national teams. Legend of Soviet and Russian football Alexander Mostovoy emphasized the inevitability of this process: “In every era, there are their idols. In Argentina, there was Maradona, then Messi appeared. In Portugal, there was Eusébio, then Ronaldo. Football life lasts 15–20 years, and of course, the departure of such players affects the national teams. But football is beautiful because new talents always appear.”

At the same time, Mostovoy noted that it will be extremely difficult to replace players of the scale of Messi and Ronaldo: “Such players have set almost all the records that can be. I think their achievements will not be surpassed for a long time. When they finish, many will see them off with tears in their eyes.”

Mbappé: “I Won’t Play Football at 40”

One of the most striking statements at the tournament was made by captain of the French national team Kylian Mbappé about the incredible longevity of Messi and Ronaldo. When asked how they manage to stay at the top for more than two decades, the 27-year-old striker replied with a smile but categorically: “I won’t play football at 40, you would have already kicked me out by then.” This phrase likely hinted at the constant criticism and high pressure he faces throughout his career. Mbappé admitted that staying at the top for so long is the province of the chosen few, calling Messi and Ronaldo “exceptional cases in the history of sports.” “Clearly, Messi is the best in the world, as well as Cristiano. For 16 years, they have shown extraordinary quality. I am just trying to do what I can,” he added.

Courtois and Neymar: On the Verge of Completion

Several star players have thought about ending their careers in national teams during the 2026 World Cup. Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is 34 years old, admitted that he is inclined to leave the national team after the tournament: “I said that I am inclined to end my performance in the national team — this is a more realistic option than continuing my career. Such a decision will be made exclusively for physical reasons and my condition. I don’t think I can maintain the same pace for another four years.” After being eliminated by Spain, he confirmed that he would take a break to think about his future: “Maybe this was my last match.”

Brazilian striker Neymar, the top scorer in the history of his country, may also end his career in 2026. After being eliminated by Brazil in the round of 16, he remained in the USA with his family to make a decision about his future. His contract with Santos expires at the end of 2026, and sources do not rule out the possibility of terminating the agreement and ending his top-level performances.

Modrić Changed His Mind: 40 Years Is Not the Limit

While legends are leaving, a new generation is coming to take their place, already now defining the face of world football. It is expected that in the next decade, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal, and Erling Haaland will dominate.

The main revelation and symbol of a new era has become the 18-year-old Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal. Xavi, the former coach of Barcelona, called him the future legend of football: “Every time I hear the name Lamine Yamal, I can’t help but smile. ... At such a young age, he is already a true leader on the field and capable of changing the course of matches. Such was only possible for a few — Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pelé, and perhaps Ronaldo.” Xavi is confident that the next 15–20 years may belong to Yamal if he really wants it.

Russian midfielder Alexey Bata科夫 also named the trio of the main stars for the next five years: “The main stars of world football for the next five years are probably Mbappé, Oliise, and Yamal.” Michael Oliise, winger of Bayern Munich and the French national team, is already leading the 2026 World Cup in assists.

A Look at the Future of Football: Technology, Rules, and Human Factor

Stars are not only thinking about their careers but also about where the game is going in general. The 2026 World Cup has become the most technologically advanced in history. FIFA has introduced an improved semi-automatic offside detection system and created 3D-“digital mirrors” of all participants in the tournament. All 1248 players have undergone full 3D-body scanning so that referees and VAR can model game episodes with maximum accuracy and record violations.

However, not everyone believes in “modern football” as a concept. Ex-star of Real Madrid Marcelo said that he does not accept the division into “modern” and “non-modern” football: “There are just players with different styles, and great footballers like Maradona would be strong in any era. ... For me, football is always an element of surprise, and you need to adapt to every moment of the game.”

The heated discussions around the calendar and the load on players have not subsided. Previously, German midfielder Toni Kroos said that footballers feel like “puppets” in the hands of FIFA and UEFA. And Kylian Mbappé in one of his interviews questioned the readiness of players for a 60-game season. These voices say that the future of football will be determined not only by new talents and technologies but also by the struggle for the rights and health of the players themselves.

Conclusion: A Game That Never Stands Still

The 2026 World Cup has become a mirror reflecting all the main trends of modern football. We see how titans are leaving, how new superstars are born, how technology changes the rules of the game, and how players themselves are making louder claims about their rights. Messi and Ronaldo may be leaving, but Mbappé, Yamal, and Haaland are already ready to carry the flag. Most importantly, football continues to live, surprise, and unite millions, remaining the most beautiful game on the planet.

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