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This year millions of football fans will not only see some brilliant young footballers displaying their talent but will also bid goodbye to some of the legends of the game. A few footballers who have influenced a generation will play their last World Cup in Brazil this year and will be determined to go out with a bang. Here is a list of 5 footballers who will take their last bow in football's biggest competition this year.
#1 Miroslav Klose
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Everybody's eyes will be on the dynamic striker as he lines up for Germany for the last time in a World Cup. The 35-year-old is currently Germany's joint top scorer with 68 goals; a record he shares with the great Gerd Muller along with being 2 goals short of breaking Ronaldo's record for most goals scored in a World Cup final which stands at 15. Klose has been one of Germany's best players and has been named the top scorer in two seperate editions of the World Cup which is an incredible feat.
The Poland born striker has still got a few years left in him but will be 40 when the next World Cup takes place which effectively rules out his chances of participating in the competition. Anyone taking his place will have some pretty huge boots to fill. It is going to be a very emotional time for the prolific forward but there is no way better way to bow out than break two long standing World Cup records.
#2 Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard, one of Englands favourite sons, will also be taking part in the World Cup for one last time this year. The 35-year-old midfielder has made 103 appearances for the Three Lions scoring 29 goals and is without doubt one of the best players to put on an England shirt and one of the better midfielders to grace the game. The two time England player of the year has been an integral part of the team for decades and it will be extremely difficult if not impossible to find a suiitable replacement for the stalwart.
Lampard, who is Chelsea's all time record scorer, is a free kick and penalty kick specialist which has been a big asset for England over the years and is even his country's most prolific penalty taker with nine goals to his name. England need to put in their best performance in this year's competition in order to give Lampard the fairytale ending he truly deserves.
#3 Xavi
The midfielder mastero will also be gracing the World Cup for one last time which will be the end of an era for one of Spain's best players and one of the greatest midfielders ever. The 34-year-old has been ever present for the national team since 2000 and has made 130 appearaces for La Roja scoring 13 goals. Xavi is known for his extraordinary passing skills and clinical vision along with his ability to find space in the toughest areas. The 34-year-old has already won 3 major titles with Spain and could win one more this year if all goes well.
The Barcelona man will be sorely missed when he hangs up his boots for good and both his club and country will find it very difficult to find a suitable replacement for him, Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke has a similar playing style to Xavi and can step into his shoes for Spain. A World Cup final would be a fitting tribute to the legendary pass master who is inspiring and will continue to inspire midfielders for years to come.
#4 Gianluigi Buffon
One of the best goalkeepers ever will be making his last World Cup appearance this year and goes by the name of Gianluigi Buffon. The 36-year-old has made 138 appearances for Italy and also lifted the World Cup with them in 2006. The Italian stopper has won a host of awards including the IFFHS's Worlds Best Goalkeeper four times in a row, Best European Goalkeeper in 2003, the Yashin award in 2006 and has been included in the UEFA Team of the Tournament twice.
The World Cup winner is highly respected by his peers and will leave a gaping hole for his country when he takes off his enormous gloves. The keeper is known for his shot stopping skills, positioning and reflexes which have been extremely valueble to his country on countless occasions. Italy have something to smile about though as he will most likely take part in the Euro 2016 in Russia before retiring.
#5 Andrea Pirlo
Midfield mastero Andrea Pirlo will be playing his last World Cup this year. The bearded pass master has been an extremely important part of the national team over the years and was one of the key players in the 2006 World Cup and the Euro 2012. The 34-year-old is a set piece and penalty specialist which has helped his country alot most notablty in the penalty shoot-out victory over England; a game for which he was declared the man of the match during the Euro 2012 competition.
The midfielder will be a key player for Italy in the World Cup and will be a player to watch out for. The Italian is known for his passing, dribbling and technical ability which has led to critics naming him one of the best players in his position for over a decade. The opposition had better brace themselves for this incredible player who is set to threaten them for one final time.
