with : a shocking determination that can see him play in his fifth World Cup.
An achievement reserved for only a few males: let’s see who has managed it and who may attain (and surpass) 5 World Cup appearances within the subsequent version.
Who will attain 5 appearances
MANUEL NEUER
As talked about, at 40 Neuer will guard Germany’s aim (most likely as a starter) once more in 2026 after first doing so in 2010: the very 12 months he gained the World Cup at 24 years previous.
YUTO NAGATOMO
The video of the previous and Cesena full-back (amongst others) went viral around the globe. And for good cause, as a result of Nagatomo began each match on the World Cup within the 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.
Luka Modric may simply have reached 6 World Cups as a result of the Croatian was already within the 2006 squad (in its place), when he was 21. Nonetheless, didn’t qualify for the 2010 World Cup, so Modric will “solely” attain 5 World Cup appearances within the subsequent version.
Who’s unlikely to get there due to age
: unlikely
Thiago Silva was included in Carlo Ancelotti’s preliminary squad record, however ’s protection is unlikely to make room for the 41-year-old from Porto.
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It’s price remembering that Thiago Silva was known as up in 2010 however by no means took the sector: so if he have been to participate within the 2026 version, that will make 5 call-ups, however his “editions with precise appearances” would nonetheless be 4.
: unattainable
Thomas Muller retired from the nationwide crew after Euro 2024 with Germany: technically he’s nonetheless energetic (MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps), however his possibilities of being known as up are zero. Additionally as a result of Germany’s assault just isn’t in need of choices.
: unlikely
One other true World Cup man: Xherdan Shaqiri introduced his retirement from the nationwide crew after Euro 2024. However what if the decision got here? At 34, he would nonetheless have the qualities to come back off the bench for , particularly contemplating his final season of 16 targets (together with 3 within the Europa League) with Basel.
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📸 ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT
Who’s already at 5 World Cups and who will attain 6
There are only a few retired gamers who ended their careers with 5 World Cups:
Lothar Matthaus (Germany)
There are additionally 3 gamers who’re already on 5 and, barring surprises, will make it to six World Cups performed:
The variety of Mexican gamers on this rating is unimaginable: the combination of national-team continuity (given the relative ease of qualifying) and the commonly low turnover of gamers on the highest degree has led to as many as 4 Mexicans in historical past enjoying in a minimum of 5 World Cups.
This text was translated into English by Synthetic Intelligence.