10 World Cup stars whose contracts expire this season

FT Desk

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:56 CDT
• 3 min read

The winter World Cup is a chance for some players to put themselves firmly in the shop window before their contracts run out in the summer. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi aren't alone in this regard…

Portugal star Ronaldo might not even be at Manchester United beyond the winter transfer window after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, in which he took aim at Erik ten Hag, the Glazers, Wayne Rooney and others.

But if the unlikely happens and the 37-year-old sees out the rest of his contract at Old Trafford, he will still be on a free in the summer, at which point David Beckham's Inter Miami, Sporting Lisbon and others are ready to pounce.

READ: Out of contract in 2023: The best free agents available on a Bosman

Ronaldo's great career rival Messi - looking to lead Argentina to World Cup glory after firing his nation to the Copa America last year - is also out of contract with PSG. Miami, or former club Barcelona, appear to be his most likely destinations should he decide not to extend his stay in the French capital.

Portugal and Argentina aren't the only big teams in Qatar who have talismans who are available on a free transfer at the end of the season. Netherlands top scorer Memphis Depay and Croatia midfield metronome Luka Modric are out of contract at Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.

READ: Revealed: What happens if Ronaldo refuses Man Utd sacking?

Ronaldo's fellow Man Utd and Portugal teammate Diogo Dalot also has a deal reaching its conclusion next summer, although the club have an option to extend it by another year.

Germany - the most successful European nation in World Cup history - have two players who could be picked up without a transfer fee next summer in Ilkay Gundogan and Youssoufa Mokoko, stars for Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund respectively.

Among the most valuable players who are also out of contract in the summer are Youri Tielemans (Belgium and Leicester), Marcus Rashford (England and Man Utd) and Marco Asensio (Spain and Real Madrid).