Logos Press has already presented a symbolic team of young geniuses, who are designed to make the upcoming “Mundial” bright and cheerful.
But the soccer legends, admired by fans for the last two decades, are not going to the next tournament as “tourists”. Such personalities as Manuel Neuer, Virgil van Dijk, Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and others still play a key role in their national teams.
The symbolic team of legendary stars looks powerful. And it is hard to imagine how the match would have ended if young geniuses and idols of millions had met.
The stars do not go out
Like any symbolic national team, the veteran team’s lineup can cause debate among fans. But who says that’s a bad thing! So here’s the Logos Press version.
Goalkeeper – Manuel Neuer, Germany, 40 years old. In contrast to the national team of young talents, here just the choice of worthy ones is quite extensive. The key position in the goal could be occupied by Thibaut Courtois (Belgium), Emiliano Martinez (Argentina) or Alison Becker. For each of them, the 2026 World Cup could be their last (although this is far from a fact).
But for this role, the goalkeeper of the German national team is beyond competition. Even at the age of 40, the legendary German can remain a figure capable of playing another big tournament.
Right defender – Kyle Walker, England, 35 years old. Speed and experience make him one of the few age fullbacks who can still match the level of the World Cup and help their national team.
Central defender – Virgil van Dijk, Netherlands, 34 years old. Remains a pillar of Liverpool’s defense and a symbol of the “golden” generation of the Netherlands.
Central defender – Nicolas Otamendi, Argentina, 38 years old. The 2022 World Cup champion is still in the ranks and ready to fight for Argentina to retain the title.
Left-back – Danilo, Brazil, 34 years old. The captain of the five-time world champions can play equally well on both flanks of the defense. He is one of only two players in the world to have won championships in England, Spain and Italy.
Supporting midfielder – Luka Modric, Croatia, 40 years old. The main veteran of the generation and a symbol of soccer longevity.
Central midfielder – Kevin de Bruyne, Belgium, 34 years old. World Cup-20026 will almost certainly be the last chance for great success for the Belgian national team, which in the last decade had a lot of talented players, but it failed to achieve notable success. Kevin de Bruyne is the brightest of this generation.
Central midfielder – Neymar, Brazil, 34 years old. “The Wizard” could turn the 2026 World Cup into an emotional end to his international career after years of injuries, pressure and expectations. Although he plays more often on the left wing of the attack, it is not uncommon for Neymar to play as a central attacking midfielder as well.
Left winger – Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, 41 years old. Will become a participant of the sixth World Cup. The status Portuguese is not going to rest on his laurels, but is ready to break new records.
Center forward – Robert Lewandowski, Poland, 37 years old. Although the Polish national team has not reached great heights in soccer, Lewandowski continues to show the highest skill and score goals.
Right striker – Lionel Messi, Argentina, 39 years old. Will also go to his sixth World Cup, where their rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo will continue. The owner of a record seven “Golden Ball” is not against repeating the championship success of the Argentine national team and leave soccer undefeated.
They are also worthy
As with the formation of any team, including the symbolic one, no more than 11 people can be included in the squad. Although they are no less worthy.
So it is with our team of star players, for whom this championship may be the last. Therefore, in the expanded lineup of legends can be rightfully included Mohamed Salah (Egypt, will be 34 years old during the championship), Harry Kane (England, 32 years old), Son Heung-min (South Korea, 33 years old), James Rodriguez (Colombia, 34 years old, Edin Dzeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina, 39 years old), Ivan Perisic (Croatia, 36 years old) and many others.
All these legends not only of the past, but also of the present world soccer, are going to the World Cup not just to bid a beautiful farewell to the game of millions. But also in the hope of winning with their teams the main trophy in the life of any footballer.
