End Of GOATs: One Tournament Changed Everything!

Article by Kumar Published on: 11:35 am, 21 July 2026

It is already known that football is the most followed and celebrated sport in the world, and this is the reason why the FIFA World Cup final is generally the most watched event of all time.

We just had a FIFA World Cup final a couple of nights ago as Argentina and Spain came up against each other, and it was Spain who ended up on the top.

But more importantly, the discussion is regarding the overall tournament and the kind of significance associated with the same as it marked the end of several great players.

Firstly, we have the lives of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne, and several others who are likely to quit the international format.

There are certain reports that Ronaldo might be continuing for another World Cup, but considering the fact that he will be 45 by that next World Cup, his practical reach will be very limited.

The greatest player in the history of the sport, Lionel Messi has also practically retired from the format after losing the final to Spain. Neymar had communicated his departure from Brazil squad.

Kevin De Bruyne who had been one of the hallmark players for Belgium, and is still regarded as one of the best play makers in the sport has also quit the game. There are several leather Great players who have collectively decided to retire from the international format after this World Cup.

It needs to be said that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the most emotional one for this generation of football fans, as it could practically be the end of some of the greatest players in the history like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.