SOME of the world’s best footballers may never play in front of fans again.
Most football is expected to be played inside empty stadiums until the end of next season as the world battles with coronavirus.
Football’s top leagues are frantically trying to work out a way to restart the current campaign despite the ongoing threat of Covid-19.
But one thing is for certain… supporters will not be allowed back inside stadiums for the foreseeable future.
Governments will be doing everything in their power to prevent mass gatherings until a vaccine has been found which realistically could take years.
And it means that for some world stars they have played in front of a live audience for the last time if they are considering retirement.
SunSport compiled a world-class XI of stars that may hang up their boots before fans are allowed back into grounds.
Gianluigi Buffon
Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon remains one of the most notable names in the XI as he reaches the end of his career.
The Juventus stopper, 42, is out of contract this summer having signed a one-year deal at the beginning of the campaign.
Dani Alves
Barcelona legend Alves turns 38 on his next birthday and is likely to be considering calling it time on his illustrious career.
He is currently enjoying a swansong back in Brazil with Sao Paulo.
Alves is one of the most highly-decorated players in history with 21-major pieces of silverware at club level.
Giorgio Chiellini
The Juventus centre-back will be out off contract at the end of the season.
At the age of 35, the Italian has is widely regarded as one of the most consistent centre-backs of his generation.
Sergio Ramos
Real Madrid’s stalwart still has a year left on his contract but his future will be left uncertain at the end of next campaign.
A Spain legend, he turns 35 on his next birthday and may feel he has already won everything in the game.
Leighton Baines
Everton hero Baines has proved a peripheral figure at the Toffees this campaign having made just five league appearances.
The 35-year-old is out of contract in the summer and could turn to a coaching role with the club once he decides to hang up his boots.
Luka Modric
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner is out of contract at Real Madrid at the end of next season and is thought to be “considering his options.”
Modric is now no longer the first name on the team-sheet under Zinedine Zidane and is unlikely to remain at the Bernabeu when his contract is up.
Wayne Rooney
The Manchester United and England legend is enjoying a final swansong with Championship side Derby.
Rooney has a contract with the Rams until 2021 and is expected to convert his part-time coaching role with the club to a full-time position.
Andres Iniesta
The former Barcelona magician is enjoying the twilight of his career in Japan but is expected to announce his official retirement from the game this summer or next.
He will be remembered as one of the greatest midfielders the game has produced following his success for club and country including his winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final.
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of those that may not play in front of a live crowdCredit: Reuters
David Silva
The Manchester City maestro is leaving the Etihad this summer following ten hugely successful years in the Premier League.
His next move is still unknown but he may fancy one last season before opting to retire.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese ace is not done yet but as he turns 36 on his next birthday he may want to go out on a high.
Ronaldo has enjoyed a career at the very top and will be keen to ensure he is remembered that way – despite a desire to go on as long as he can.
One final tournament at Euro 2021 could be the fitting time to call it a day.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Ibra is also out of contract this summer but AC Milan have the option to extend it for another year.
The Swede considered retirement before sealing his switch to the San Siro but the Italian giants are likely to be his last club.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
