When the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off in the United States, it’s not only a prestigious tournament on a global scale. For a number of legends of European football they may play their final matches as professionals in the tournament. As they gear up for one last time on the pitch in an international club tournament, this unusual, large tournament offers a global platform for these players to savour their last presentational bow. Given the summer schedule, there won’t be conflicts with the domestic leagues; it will provide a formal farewell opportunity.
This article at 96 Online game provides an update on 5 legends of football who may retire following the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, based on their playing form, contract situation, and announcements.
1. Manuel Neuer: Bayern Munich (Age: 39)
At 39, Manuel Neuer is still relevant in Bayern Munich’s plans. He was the goalkeeper for Bayern’s first match of their 2025 Club World Cup campaign, which was a 10–0 thrashing of Auckland City. The German goalkeeper signed a one-year extension with Bayern in May 2025, but many think that was mostly a symbolic paper that will allow him to have a final “retirement” on the world stage after the summer.
In the 2024–25 Bundesliga, Neuer played 22 matches and had 13 clean sheets while conceding 12 goals. Considering that, he had a save percentage of over 60%, impressive for any goalkeeper and especially one of his age and stature. In nearly 550 matches played for Bayern Munich combined over the years and 260 clean sheets, Neuer does not waver regardless of the foe. He also brought his overall German total to 117 caps for his country and helped Germany win the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
2. Luka Modrić – Real Madrid(Age: 39)
Luka Modrić confirmed that he will retire from international competition after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will also mark the end of his tenure at Real Madrid. He signed a short extension of his contract earlier this year so that he could play in the tournament boldly part of it, before ultimately retiring from the club in which he spent 13 seasons.
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Modrić has made over 560 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 43 goals and providing 95 assists. He has helped the club win a total of 28 titles during his time there, including six UEFA Champions League titles and five FIFA Club World Cups. In the 2024–25 season, Modrić made 39 appearances in all competitions this year, mostly as a substitute, sometimes starting, always bringing his vision and control, while still helping the team’s performance.
At age 39, he is now the oldest player ever to play a competitive match for Real Madrid.
3. Thomas Müller – Bayern Munich (Age: 35)
Thomas Müller, another Bayern Munich stalwart, will also retire after the 2025 Club World Cup. Bayern announced in April that Müller would not continue into the 2025–26 season but granted Müller a short-term extension to add the summer tournament in the United States.
Throughout his career, Müller has appeared in over 740 matches for Bayern and scored 247 goals and added 273 assists. He ranks among the most decorated players of all time with 33 major trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles, twelve Bundesliga titles, and the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany.
Although his minutes have decreased from years past, Müller’s presence on the team and in the locker room has always been enormous. If Müller does indeed retire after next summer, it will signal the end of an era for Bayern Munich and German football.
4. Toby Alderweireld – Royal Antwerp (Age: 35)
Royal Antwerp may not have qualified for the Club World Cup, but Toby Alderweireld is set to formally retire shortly after. In late autumn 2024, Toby Alderweireld announced that the 2024–25 season would be his last. Alderweireld has had a long career at a number of major clubs like Ajax, Atlético Madrid, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Antwerp. He has made over 550 professional appearances, scoring more than 40 goals, a respectable number for a central defender. Alderweireld has played for the Belgium national team on 127 occasions and was part of their golden generation, reaching the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup.
Widely regarded for his unflappable demeanour and exceptional range of passing, Alderweireld is likely to enter a coaching or ambassador role following retirement.
5. Jesús Navas – Sevilla (Age: 39)
Jesús Navas has already announced that he will retire after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which makes him one of the few players with a verifiable retirement date. At 39 years of age, he is still playing with Sevilla, the very club that claimed qualification to the Club World Cup through their UEFA exploits.
Navas has already achieved more than 680 appearances with Sevilla in two stints, and he is their all-time appearance leader. In the 2024–25 season, he played 28 matches, mostly as a right-back, and provided both defensive solidity and leadership for the team. He also had spells at Manchester City, not to mention, he was a part of Spain’s golden generation, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Euro 2008, and Euro 2012.
Navas retired from international duty after Euro 2024 and will retire from club football as well following this tournament, with Sevilla expected to put on an official send-off.
Conclusion
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup may be remembered not only for its football but also for its emotional farewells. Manuel Neuer, Luka Modrić, Thomas Müller, Toby Alderweireld, and possibly Thibaut Courtois are all expected to retire shortly after the tournament. Their contributions to European and international football have been immense, and this summer may be their final moment in the spotlight.
For fans around the world and viewers on 96.com, this tournament will offer both footballing excellence and historic goodbyes.
