New Delhi: The quarterfinals of the UEFA Euro 2024 are officially underway and we now know two of our four semi-finalists. Spain reached a second successive UEFA Euro semi-final after their 2-1 extra-time win over hosts Germany. They take on France, which overcame Portugal via penalties. With both Germany and Portugal now out of UEFA Euro 2024, last night marked the end of an era for four iconic footballers: Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Pepe, who have now played their last game in the UEFA European Championships.
Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller, two of Germany’s most iconic players of the last decade will no longer participate in UEFA Euro tournaments anymore. Toni Kroos had announced before the end of last season that the UEFA Euro 2024 would be his last involvement in football, with him set to retire after the tournament ends. Thomas Müller said in an interview with Sky Sports after Germany were knocked out, “It’s very likely that this was my last game with Germany, yes.”
Close friends and teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe also bid adieu to UEFA Euros as Portugal couldn’t make it to the semi-finals. Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo had long hinted that this would be his last European tournament and finally confirmed it last week in an interview as well. Pepe, meanwhile, had this to say when asked about his future by O Jogo,” Future? I have already made my decision and will reveal it soon.”
While Pepe and Müller haven’t officially said they have retired from International football, both have indicated that they will soon enough, and with the next UEFA Euro happening in 2028 when they will be 45 and 39, it is certain that last night was their last involvement in the UEFA European Championships as players.
1) Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos retires without ever winning the UEFA Euros (Photo by Qian Jun/MB Media/Getty Images)
Toni ‘Sniper’ Kroos, one of Germany’s most decorated players and one of the best midfielders of his generation, has officially retired from the beautiful game. Known for his precision passing, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game, Kroos gained prominence with Bayern Munich, whom he helped win three Bundesligas and one UEFA Champions League. While he was a household name while at Bayern, his move to Real Madrid made him into the global star we know now. Tens years on from that move to Madrid, four La Ligas and five more UCLs, Toni Kroos calls it time on his playing days.
In addition to his stellar club career, he achieved great success with the national team as well, with the best moment coming in the 2014 FIFA World Cup win. Kroos was instrumental in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph, delivering standout performances and scoring crucial goals. His ability to keep himself calm and composed while under pressure made him an indispensable asset for both club and country. Kroos’ retirement marks the end of an era on a legendary career and leaves big boots behind to fill at Real Madrid and the German National Team.
2) Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo finished the UEFA Euro 2024 campaign goalless. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s stint in the UEFA European Championships is nothing short of legendary. He is undoubtedly the ‘King of Europe’ given his performances in Europe’s premier International competition. Having announced that this would be his European campaign, he leaves the competition as the highest appearance maker, goal scorer and assist provider in UEFA Euro history.
His journey in the tournament reached its crowning moment in the 2016 edition of the UEFA Euros. Having advanced to the finals for the second time in his career, he was cruelly taken off early in the final due to an injury but the passionate forward, remained on the sidelines, motivating and guiding his teammates. Playing France in the final at the Stade de France, Ronaldo’s Portugal finally got their hands on a major trophy and the tournament’s most decorated player got his hands on the prize.
However, his career in the Euros ends in tears, just as it started back in the 2004 edition.
3) Thomas Müller
Müller leaves the competition without ever scoring in it (Photo by Stefan Matzke – sampics/Getty Images)
Thomas Müller, a Germany veteran at this point, has unofficially retired from the game at this point. His career potentially ends on a cruel note with his team crashing out in the quarterfinals on their home soil. The German International wasn’t as involved in the tournament as he had been for Die Mannschaft in the past, playing only 56 minutes in the tournament, ending his European dream without ever lifting the title.
Nevertheless, he has had an amazing International career, breaking onto the stage in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, scoring five goals as Germany lost to the same opposition as they did last night. He was also a member of the aforementioned 2014 World Cup-winning team, scoring another five goals as they lifted the title. His record in the UEFA Euros hasn’t been as impressive though, with Müller never scoring in the tournament and only garnering two assists in all his four UEFA Euro campaigns.
Known for his work ethic, intelligence, and versatility, Müller leaves behind a remarkable legacy in football, celebrated for his contributions to one of the sport’s most successful eras.
4) Pepe
Pepe became the oldest player in the history of UEFA Euros in the 2024 edition. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Lastly, to the oldest player of the tournament, former Real Madrid stalwart, Pepe. An ever-present rock in Portugal’s defence, he has been a prominent figure for the national team for nearly two decades. Making his debut in 2007, and still playing 2024 for his country, Pepe’s talents defy his age. He gave it his all in the UEFA Euro 2024 and was one of his country’s best players in the tournament and the game against France.
Having been a constant presence in the national team set-up, he was also a part of the UEFA Euro 2016 winning squad. The then 35-year-old Pepe was seen as a player on the edge of his career and still played all but one game in Portugal’s title-winning campaign, only missing the semi-final due to injury.
Pepe’s leadership on and off the field and his ability to deliver in crucial matches for both club and country earned him a reputation as one of the best defenders of his generation. His contributions have been vital to Portugal’s defensive solidity and overall success, making him a revered figure in Portuguese football history and one of the world’s best defenders to ever play the sport.
The wheels of the bus on the road to finals were set in motion yesterday as two heavyweights of the tournament, Germany and Portugal, were both eliminated. Find out who were the players that played in their last UEFA Euro game last night. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
