\"I won't live to be 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 more than just a tournament; it's a real watershed. This World Cup brings together two generations: great veterans, for whom this tournament may very well be the last, and bold young talents ready to carry the flag further. While some stars are taking on the role of mentors and reflecting on the end of their careers, others confidently declare that the future of football will be quite 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 leaving, new kings are coming

The 2026 World Cup marks a generational shift in world football. Recognized stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar are nearing the end of their national team careers. Soviet and Russian football legend Alexander Mostovoy emphasized the inevitability of this process: \"In every era, there are its icons. 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 wonderful because new talents always appear.\"

However, Mostovoy noted that replacing players of the scale of Messi and Ronaldo will be extremely difficult: \"Such players have set almost all the records that are possible. I think their achievements will be unbeaten for a long time. When they finish, many will be saying goodbye with tears in their eyes.\"

Mbappé: \"I won't play football at 40\"

One of the most memorable statements at the tournament was made by France captain Kylian Mbappé about Messi and Ronaldo's incredible longevity. When asked how they manage to stay at the top for over two decades, the 27-year-old striker replied with a smile but firmly: \"I won't play football at 40, you would have already kicked me out by then.\" With this phrase, he 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 privilege of the chosen few, calling Messi and Ronaldo \"exceptional cases in sports history.\" \"Clearly, Messi is the best in the world, as well as Cristiano. For 16 years, they have shown extraordinary quality. I'm just trying to do what I can,\" he added.

Courtois and Neymar: on the verge of ending

Several star players have thought about ending their national team careers directly during the 2026 World Cup. Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is 34 years old, admitted that he is inclined to retire from 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. This decision will be made solely for physical reasons and my condition. I do not think I will be able to 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.\"

Brazil striker Neymar, the best goalscorer in his country's history, may also end his career in 2026. After the Brazilians were eliminated at the 1/8 final stage, 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 career.

Modrić changed his mind: 40 is not the end

While legends are leaving, a new generation is coming to replace them, already defining the face of world football. It is expected that in the next decade, Kilian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Lamina Yamal, and Erling Haaland will dominate.

The main discovery and symbol of the new era has been the 18-year-old Spanish prodigy Lamina Yamal. Xavi, the former Barcelona coach, called him the future legend of football: \"Every time I hear the name of Lamina Yamal, I can't help but smile. ... At such a young age, he has already become a real leader on the field and is capable of changing the course of matches. Such feats were previously achieved by only a few - Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pele, and possibly Ronaldo.\" Xavi is convinced that the next 15-20 years may belong to Yamal if he really wants them.

Russia midfielder Alexey Batrakov also named the trio of main stars for the next five years: \"The main stars of world football for the next five years are probably Mbappé, Ollie, and Yamal.\" Michael Ollie, a winger for Bayern Munich and the French national team, is already leading the 2026 World Cup in assists.

New stars: who will own the future

As legends are leaving, a new generation is coming to replace them, already defining the face of world football. It is expected that in the next decade, Kilian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Lamina Yamal, and Erling Haaland will dominate.

The main discovery and symbol of the new era has been the 18-year-old Spanish prodigy Lamina Yamal. Xavi, the former Barcelona coach, called him the future legend of football: \"Every time I hear the name of Lamina Yamal, I can't help but smile. ... At such a young age, he has already become a real leader on the field and is capable of changing the course of matches. Such feats were previously achieved by only a few - Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pele, and possibly Ronaldo.\" Xavi is convinced that the next 15-20 years may belong to Yamal if he really wants them.

Russia midfielder Alexey Batrakov also named the trio of main stars for the next five years: \"The main stars of world football for the next five years are probably Mbappé, Ollie, and Yamal.\" Michael Ollie, a winger for 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 the human factor

The stars are not only thinking about their careers but also about where the game as a whole is heading. The 2026 World Cup has been the most technologically advanced in history. FIFA has introduced an improved semi-automatic offside detection system and created 3D-\"digital mirrors\" for all participants in the tournament. All 1248 players have undergone full 3D-body scanning so that referees and VAR can accurately model game events and record violations.

However, not everyone believes in \"modern football\" as a concept. Former Real Madrid star Marcelo said he does not accept the division into \"modern\" and \"non-modern\" football: \"There are simply players with different styles, and great footballers like Maradona would have been 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 are not waning. Former German midfielder Toni Kroos has previously expressed 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 served as a mirror reflecting all the main trends of modern football. We see how titans are leaving, how new superstars are born, how technology is changing the rules of the game, and how players themselves are making louder and 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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