New Delhi: The year 2026 is going to be packed with sporting action as several mega events across different disciplines are scheduled to take place over
the next 12 months. While2025 delivered many sporting firsts, with teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Hobart Hurricanes, Paris-Saint Germain (PSG), Crystal Palace, and Tottenham Hotspur broke years of curse to lift major titles.
The year 2026 could be the last for many great sports personalities. Several long-serving players are approaching the last stage of their careers. There are many major sporting events scheduled to be played throughout the year.
In cricket, the U19 men’s Cricket World Cup, the men’s and women’s T20 World Cup will be played in 2026. All four tennis Grand Slams will take place this year, while the FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 12 in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Here are a few players who could announce retirements in 2026.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese footballer has hinted that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to be his last. Ronaldo has scored more than 950 goals for the club and country after making his debut at Sporting CP in 2002. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player is also aiming to complete the massive milestone of 1000 goals, and will look to end his career on a high by winning the World Cup title and achieving the elusive feat.
MS Dhoni
The legendary wicketkeeper-batter has played a crucial role for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the years. He captained the franchise to seven titles (5 IPL, 2 CLT20) and also scored more than 5000 runs in 278 league matches. MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket in August 2019, but continued his IPL career with the CSK.
His continued appearances for the franchise every season have sparked debate, but with the Chennai-based team bringing in Sanju Samson as a succession plan, Dhoni might bid goodbye to fans in the IPL 2025. There is still a possibility that he might play next year, but Dhoni has struggled with injuries in the last two seasons, and could announce his retirement during or after the IPL 2025.
Lionel Messi
The Argentine footballer was expected to bid farewell after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but he chose to continue his career. His decision felt more personal rather than competitive, as he’s still one of the best on the field. But the 2026 World Cup could be the final chapter of his incredible career, as Argentina have learned to function without their greatest player.
Over the years, Messi has delivered several match-winning performances for the club and country, and the star footballer will look to do the same as Argentina’s title defence will start on June 17.
Novak Djokovic
The Serbian legend’s career has been built on fighting challenges. Djokovic is the last active member of the Big Three, competing at the highest level, but the game around him has changed a lot.
He showed his quality and qualified for the semifinals of all four Grand Slams last year, but failed to advance to the final. However, the spotlight has shifted to young stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, while Djokovic has been fighting injuries. He is aiming for the record-breaking 25th Grand Slam, and if he manages to achieve that in 2026, it will be the end of one of the greatest sporting careers.
