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World Cup Nation's Captain Hints at Retirement After 2026 Tournament
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- World Cup Nation's Captain Hints at Retirement After 2026 Tournament
The World Cup is the peak of football. It is what international football revolves around and national teams build their team cycles keeping in mind.
Careers are launched and legends are made at the World Cup. But at the same time, it is also the event after which the sun sets on many legendary careers.
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Of course, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are widely expected to be playing at their last World Cup. They are not be the only national team legends set to hang up their boots either.
Kalidou Koulibaly is the captain of the Senegal national team . He has guided his team to glory at the continental level. And the centre-back is also set to play at his third-straight World Cup.
For context, Senegal are going to be featuring at the World Cup for just the fourth time. This is their golden generation and Koulibaly has been at the centre of it.
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He does not intend to overstay his welcome though. The centre-back is 34 years old and has been playing in the Saudi Pro League for the last three seasons. And he has hinted at retirement from international football after this summer's event.
Senegal national team pose for a team photo ahead of the International friendly football match between Brazil and Senegal at The Emirates Stadium in London on November 15, 2025. (Photo by Ian Kington / AFP) (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images
According to GOAL , Koulibaly said in an interview with Senegalese website Media Car: "I think this will be my last World Cup; I won't be playing in the World Cup when I'm 39."
Koulibaly has appeared 103 times for the Senegalese national team. There are few who have achieved as much as him, at both club and international level.
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Koulibaly will go down as one of the greatest players in Senegal history. And the defender will surely be hoping to make an impact at the 2026 World Cup.
They made it to the Round of 16 in 2022 but many felt that they underachieved, considering the level of talent that they have. Do not be surprised if Senegal makes a deep run this time around, with Koulibaly as their captain.
Related: Former Germany Coach Joachim Low Linked to 2026 World Cup Job
Related: Lionel Messi's Message Draws Attention Amid 2026 FIFA World Cup Uncertainty
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the World Cup section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
