FULL LIST: From Messi to Fofana: Footballers who announced international retirement - Punch Newspapers
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked the end of international careers for several established football stars, with a number of veterans announcing their retirement from international football following the tournament. From World Cup winners to long-serving national team captains, the list includes players from Europe, Africa and South America. PUNCH Online takes a look at 10 notable players who have ended their international careers or announced their departure from international football following the 2026 World Cup. 1. Lionel Messi — Argentina Argentina captain Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football after the 2026 World Cup, where his side reached the final. The 39-year-old remains Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, with 207 caps and 125 goals. FIFA reported that Messi will make a farewell appearance for Argentina against Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6. 2. Neymar — Brazil Brazilian superstar Neymar also brought his international career to an end after the World Cup. The forward, who made his Brazil debut in 2010, played at four World Cups. Following Brazil’s elimination, Neymar confirmed that his international journey was over. 3. James Rodríguez — Colombia Colombia captain James Rodríguez announced his international retirement on September 15, 2026. The 35-year-old played at three World Cups and leaves the national team as Colombia’s all-time leader in appearances, with 131, and assists, with 43. He is also Colombia’s leading scorer at the World Cup, with six goals. 4. Manuel Neuer — Germany Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer ended his international career after the 2026 World Cup. The 40-year-old had previously retired from international football after Euro 2024 but returned to the national team for the World Cup. His Germany career included the country’s 2014 World Cup triumph. 5. Guillermo Ochoa — Mexico Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa also ended his international career after the tournament. Ochoa became one of Mexico’s most recognisable players during a career that included multiple World Cup appearances. He made a brief appearance during Mexico’s 2026 campaign before receiving a farewell from teammates and supporters. Messi returns to Argentina squad for final farewell against Benin Argentina to begin post-Messi era with Bolivia friendly African players shine across Europe’s top leagues 6. Riyad Mahrez — Algeria Former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez retired from international football after Algeria’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Mahrez, who made his World Cup debut in 2014, scored twice at the 2026 tournament before Algeria were eliminated by Switzerland. 7. Édouard Mendy — Senegal Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy announced his international retirement in September. The 34-year-old finished his Senegal career with 59 appearances and was part of the team that won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. 8. Iñaki Williams — Ghana Ghana forward Iñaki Williams announced his international retirement after Ghana’s defeat by Colombia in the Round of 32. Williams ended his four-year international career with 28 appearances for the Black Stars. 9. Edin Džeko — Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Džeko announced on September 3, 2026, that he would retire from international football. The 40-year-old is scheduled to play his final match for Bosnia and Herzegovina against Sweden on October 2 in the UEFA Nations League. Džeko has been one of the most important players in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s history and is the country’s record goalscorer and appearance-maker. 10. Seko Fofana — Côte d’Ivoire Côte d’Ivoire midfielder Seko Fofana announced his retirement from international football on September 14, 2026, at the age of 31. Fofana made 34 appearances and scored seven goals for the Elephants. He was also part of the Côte d’Ivoire squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in 2024. Gilbert Ekugbe Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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