Football lovers are enlivened by the actions of wonderkids who have taken attention this season. Until finally forgotten, they will soon be abandoned by some legendary players who hang shoes in 2019.
Unfortunately for the ball, 35 years and above are old brands. In fact, the continuity of such age is still enough for humans.
The world is open enough for names like Philip Lahm, Frank Lampard, Xabi Alonso, Francesco Totti, Ricardo Kaka, to Andrea Pirlo. All players hang their shoes.
Then who will follow them?
Here are 5 football legends that might be retired:
1. Iker Casillas
While some may not believe that this could happen in 2019. But it seems that Spanish legend is predicted to stop this year, especially if he doesn't reach the World Cup in Russia.
This legendary goalkeeper has a brilliant career with Real Madrid. Despite leaving the club, it cannot be denied that he made Blancos grow rapidly until now.
Casillas has won every title as a soccer player. Be it the World Cup or Champions League, he has won everything and remains the biggest goalkeeper in Spanish and Real Madrid history. At age 36, he might hang his shoes this year.
2. Andrea Barzagli
At age 36, it was only a matter of time before Barzagli surrendered to football as a player. The Juventus defender has been consistent for years and might consider retiring later this season.
Last season, he claimed he would not retire because he still loved this sport. However, one year is a long time in football and opinions can change in that period. It should also be noted that the center back has retired from his duties in the national team.
The legendary defender has won 7 league titles at the club and also lifted the 2006 World Cup. He is someone who is regularly regarded as the best defender of his generation and also a great mentor in turning Leonardo Bonucci from a defender who tends to be a world class player like currently.
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3. Xavi
The legendary Spanish midfielder is now in the retirement zone because he is 37 years old and plays for Al Sadd in Qatar. The Maestro midfielder is the brain behind the dominance of Spain and Barcelona in the world for a span of four years.
That's when he is the brightest and no one else can arrange as many match temples as possible. However, obviously at this age, it is no longer feasible for soccer players.
Like Casillas, Xavi has won everything and will retire as an incomparable legend in him. Is it worth waiting for Xavi to end his career as a player later?
4. Samuel Eto'o
When reading Samuel Eto'o's Wikipedia page, one prominent line is that he is the most valued African player. He is part of two legendary club teams and has a unique record for his name.
Eto'o won the treble with Barcelona in 2009 and then went on to repeat the same thing with Inter in 2010. The most interesting thing was that he was under two different coaches in terms of playing style, namely Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho.
This only serves as evidence of its ability to adapt to various situations. He is a winner and has won everything at club level. He may not win the World Cup with his country, but has won the African Cup twice.
And now, at the age of 37 and playing for Antalyaspor in Turkey, he can immediately end his career as a player. The choice of being a coach might attract his attention.
5. Andres Iniesta
Admittedly, the retirement opportunity for Iniesta at the end of the season was very slim because it was still 33 years old and still quite often relied on. He also never played for clubs other than Barcelona and may also decide to stay like that.
With the arrival of Philippe Coutinho, that Barca had gently reached the successor to Iniesta. He is known as a midfielder with a brilliant vision with his passes.
However, he has slowed down. He might consider retiring after the end of the World Cup. Iniesta also won everything as a player, like Casillas and Xavi.