A HOST of names are looking to burst on to the global stage at the World Cup — although some of the biggest stars on show will also be the oldest.
The upcoming showpiece could be the final act for some of the game’s all-time greats.
The World Cup will have players competing who are age more than 20 years apart Credit: EPA
From the golden oldies to stars of tomorrow, it is a packed set of stars Credit: Getty
Golden oldies will be lining up for their respective nations, ready to set records just by appearing in the tournament.
Here’s a look at the very best of those who may be making their final bows – and the secrets behind their sustained success – as well as the teenagers to watch…
CRISTIANO RONALDO (41 years, 126 days)
The Portuguese icon is the second-oldest player at the tournament, only behind Scotland’s 43-year-old .
He heads to his record sixth World Cup having confirmed this will be his final attempt at lifting the one trophy missing from his jam-packed cabinet.
, and despite his days at the elite level being numbered, he remains in incredible condition.
This is not only down to his four-hour daily workouts but also his stringent and bizarre health routine, too.
eats up to SIX meals a day, with fish a big part of his diet, especially swordfish, tuna and braised cod.
For breakfast it’s ham and cheese and low-fat yoghurt, or instead he has avocado toast for snacks during the day.
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Lunch No 1 could consist of chicken and salad, while No 2 might be tuna with salad, eggs, and olives.
He fills his boots at dinner with more meat or fish, even sometimes breaking it up in two separate sittings.
Since 2013, Ronaldo has also sworn by cryotherapy and had a £50,000 chamber installed in his Spanish mansion when he played for .
He also likes his sleep — taking up to five naps a day instead of getting all his shuteye in one stretch.
LIONEL MESSI (38 years, 352 days)
Just like long-time rival Ronaldo, is also off to a record sixth World Cup finals.
While his build-up has been dominated by injury struggles, he is aiming to eclipse the late, great by leading to successive crowns.
Still shining in the for David Beckham’s , Messi takes his recovery work perhaps the most seriously of all, receiving individual treatment and massages.
He has never been one to dart around the pitch like a madman. But once he has the ball at his feet, Messi can still work his magic.
Cristiano Ronaldo is among the oldest and looking to complete his trophy cabinet Credit: Getty
Lionel Messi has ambitions of going back-to-back with Argenina Credit: Getty
And that is down to ensuring his workouts are all about keeping his body up to speed.
He divides sessions into different sections. For basic movement he focuses on lunges, hamstring stretches and skips and acceleration drills.
Then it is a focus on leg muscles before darting past diagonal hurdles and cones to maintain his agility.
in 2014.
And his daily eating regime is based around five key foods — water, olive oil, wholegrain, fresh fruit, and vegetables.
LUKA MODRIC (40 years, 276 days)
The midfield magician helped reach the 2018 final — where they lost out to — as well as a third-place finish in 2022.
He heads to his fifth and final World Cup desperate for a grand farewell.
Despite recently undergoing cheekbone surgery, the ace knows his nation still heavily rely on his playmaking abilities.
has never been one for running from box-to-box.
He is instead much more methodical, controlling games with his tactical intelligence and flawless passing rather than raw physicality in the middle of the park.
with tailored exercise instructions from personal fitness coach Vlatko Vucetic.
His workout routines consist of standing heel raises, push-ups, sprints, and resistance bands.
Every morning, without fail, Modric spends at least 45 minutes doing routine exercises.
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner has been doing it for the past 12 years — even when on holiday.
Luka Modric continues to defy age in midfield Credit: Reuters
Edin Dzeko will captain Bosnia and Herzegovina at the tournament Credit: Reuters
Like Ronaldo, he also follows a well-balanced diet to go with his workout routine.
That includes protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, and fish in his meals.
And he is also another that places a high importance on his sleep routine.
EDIN DZEKO (40 years, 86 days)
Ten years ago the thought of still playing, never mind appearing at a World Cup, had not even entered Dzeko’s head.
But the ex-Manchester City striker has been re-born and will now captain his country in their first World Cup since 2014.
Like Ronaldo and Modric, is hoping to become just the second person past 40 to score a tournament goal.
His ability to still find the net consistently is not down to sheer luck, it is down to hard work in the gym.
And the decision a decade ago to put in the age-defying hard work is reaping their reward.
Dzeko will always get into training 45 minutes early to hit the gym. And he stays an extra half hour afterwards for specialised injury prevention.
The routine is based around reducing wear and tear to his body.
He focuses on strengthening his lower limbs, core stability and works on his mobility, which remains a key part of his game up top.
Dzeko is also a big advocate of a healthy Mediterranean Diet as opposed to strict calorie-counting.
Whole grains, vegetables, and rice are his primary fuel sources, along with grilled fish and premium lean meats to repair muscle tissue.
FOUR WHO CAN BLAZE TRAIL
THE World Cup was the stage for a host of big teenage breakthrough moments.
, then 17, led to glory in in 1958 and went on to become an all-time great.
A 19-year-old cemented his status as the next big thing by firing France to success eight years ago.
This summer there are 22 teens looking to make their mark on their World Cup bows.
Here’s a look at four up-and-coming kids – including their age on day one of the tournament – who could take the tournament by storm…
GILBERTO MORA – MEXICO (17 years, 240 days)
Real Madrid, , and several Premier League sides are already watching this Mexican midfielder.
The youngest player on show this summer, he has already made waves in Liga MX at Tijuana and starred for his country in last year’s Gold Cup triumph.
Mora burst on the scene back in August 2024, becoming the youngest to start and score in the Mexican first division at 15.
He was also the youngest to represent his nation on the senior stage after making his bow at 16 in January 2025.
And the star will be looking to dazzle once more come the big kick off against on Thursday.
LAMINE YAMAL – SPAIN (18 years, 333 days)
The Spanish superstar needs no introduction.
The talisman behind their 2024 European Championship triumph, .
Messi has already passed the torch, naming him as the best player of the new generation.
Like the Argentine, is left-footed and blessed with the same dribbling intelligence.
Gilberto Mora of Mexico is the youngest of the lot heading to USA and Canada Credit: AP
Lamine Yamal has been crowned as the best of the next generation Credit: Getty
He terrorises full-backs and has even showed a cool head under-pressure, lapping up the responsibility of being Barca’s penalty taker.
Yamal already has a CV better than most. But if he can deliver the world crown for La Roja, then his status as the planet’s greatest will be cemented.
RAYAN – BRAZIL (19 years, 312 days)
Could prove to be Carlo Ancelotti’s surprise Ray of hope this summer.
, but a stunning first five months at Bournemouth made everyone on these shores sit up and take notice.
and are the youngest players selected for a Brazil World Cup squad since the original Ronaldo in 1994.
The son of Valkmar, a former Vasco de Gama player too, his father will be cheering his boy on with pride as looks to be let off the leash and conquer the world.
Endrick is on a comeback arc since moving to France Credit: AFP
Rayan has been a breakout bolter since joining Bournemouth Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
ENDRICK – BRAZIL (19 years, 325 days)
The pressure is always on whenever a teenage forward emerges from Brazil.
Endrick captured the hopes of a nation with his displays at before Real Madrid pounced to snap up the boy thought to be South America’s next top prospect.
got Madrid fans excited ahead of his arrival but he endured a difficult start to life at the Bernabeu.
After thriving in France on loan at , he heads to the tournament full of confidence.
And he will be vying with established stars such , Vincius Junior and to finally show what all the fuss was about.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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