End Of An Era: Ten Greats Who Will Bid Goodbye To The World Cup in Qatar

The World Cup 2022 will mark an end of an era for footballers who are already in the twilight of their careers. Here are 10 greats for whom the tournament in Qatar will be the last chance to claim the coveted Jules Rimet Trophy

Robert Lewandowski, Poland

If there ever was a doubt about his ability to adapt outside his comfort zone of Bundesliga, Robert Lewandowski has buried it in the first few months of his first season at Barcelona. Lewandowski has carried his gluttonous appetite for the goal to Spain, but now it's time to replicate the same for Poland, whose campaign starts with a tricky fixture against Mexico. In the qualifiers, the Polish skipper led from the front, scoring nine goals. Lewandowski wasn't very upbeat about Poland's chance, stating that they are in a tough group, but vowed to put his best foot forward, and live up to the expectations of his countrymen. Now 35, he is likely to hang up his boots before the next edition of this tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

The empire of Cristiano Ronaldo has reached the dusk of its sporting mortality. Even though Ronaldo has made a career out of defying odds, turning every adversity into opportunity, and doing things that the world told him he can't, it's hard to imagine him, or any sportsperson for that matter, beating the challenge thrown by the growing age. By the time the next World Cup arrives, he will be 41- the age at which it's easier to imagine him chilling and basking in the glory of his legendary career rather than pushing for the Jules Rimet Trophy with Portugal. Ronaldo will be walking into his retirement with the record for scoring the most number of goals in men's international football.

Lionel Messi, Argentina