James, Messi and Neymar: The end of a golden No10 era

The South American trio have all confirmed they will be hanging up their international boots following the World Cup 2026.

The number 10 shirt has a special significance in South America. In Argentina, the magic of Diego Maradona hovered, and still hovers, over the dreams of millions of children taking their first footballing steps. In Colombia, the presence of Carlos Valderrama, an icon closely associated with the street game, has always held a particular fascination. In Brazil, the conveyor belt of Pele’s successors has rolled tirelessly, producing the likes of Zico, Romario, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.

Whether playing in the street, on a dirt pitch or in a small-sided game, the number 10 is often the first player to catch the eye. At international level, that number was worn by three superstars who defined an era for their respective countries. In the aftermath of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, all three decided to bring their international careers to a close, signalling the end of a golden era.

Despite emerging from different backgrounds, James Rodriguez, Lionel Messi and Neymar belonged to the same generation and have now relinquished their number 10 shirts at international level, while continuing in club football.

Their farewells bring to an end a period of over a decade in which, regardless of trophies or results, the three South American nations had a figurehead on and off the pitch. The number 10 who took responsibility when the team needed him and whose name every fan wanted on the back of their shirt. Symbols that defined an era.

James made his Colombia debut in 2011 as a raw talent with enormous potential. Just three years later, his blistering performances at the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ propelled La Tricolor back to the forefront of the international game. They eventually succumbed to hosts Brazil in a tight quarter-final, but the midfield livewire had delivered his best throughout the tournament.

James Rodriguez | Goal of the Tournament | 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™James Rodriguez | Goal of the Tournament | 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™

The Hyundai Goal of the Tournament, first awarded in 2006, is determined by a poll of the general public.The Hyundai Goal of the Tournament, first awarded in 2006, is determined by a poll of the general public.

As both a standard-bearer and a number 10, James played a pivotal role in a new generation that allowed a footballing nation to dream again on the international stage. Before that crop emerged, the nation had gone 16 years without qualifying for the World Cup. Their previous appearance had ended with a group-stage exit at France 1998, which followed the painful disappointment of USA 1994. After missing out on Korea/Japan 2002, Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010, Jose Pekerman’s charges restored hope to a nation, with James the heartbeat of a side that produced Colombia’s best World Cup performance to date.

That campaign remains etched in the memory of an entire country.  The stunning goal against Uruguay, the celebrations in Brazil, the passes that nobody else could see. In 2024, Nestor Lorenzo’s side reached the CONMEBOL Copa America final as James was named the Player of the Tournament.

The left-footer also performed well at the 2026 edition despite Colombia’s elimination by Switzerland in the Round of 16, bringing a senior international career spanning over a decade to an end.

“Today I want to speak to you from the heart,” said Jamees in a tearful message posted on social media. “I feel that the time has come to close one of the most important chapters of my life.”

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Everyone could see that Lionel Messi was destined for a glittering career from the moment he made his Barcelona debut and then appeared at his first World Cup before turning 20 in 2006. Few, however, could have foreseen quite how extraordinary it would become.

At the age of 39, the number 10 published an emotional post on social media confirming his retirement from La Albiceleste .

Lionel Messi | All FIFA World Cup goalsLionel Messi | All FIFA World Cup goals

Watch every goal Lionel Messi has scored at the FIFA World Cup.Watch every goal Lionel Messi has scored at the FIFA World Cup.

“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply,” Messi wrote on Instagram. “I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”

His farewell represents a natural conclusion, although perhaps not an entirely logical one given the level that he showcased in the USA. Despite some physical limitations, the Argentinian continued to find an edge, drawing on his innate ability and wealth of experience on the biggest stage, with Lionel Scaloni’s side providing the platform for ' La Pulga' to shine.

There had been widespread calls for Neymar to return to the Brazil fold prior to the 2026 global bonanza. After some encouraging performances at club level for Santos, Carlo Ancelotti included him in the squad, giving the last of the trio of number 10s one final chapter with the Seleção .

Injury ruled him out of the 2014 semi-final and third-place play-off, while Samba hopes were dashed by Belgium in the quarter-finals in 2018. Four years later, despite an impressive individual display, Croatia halted Brazil’s progress at the same stage following a penalty shootout. Neymar never got his hands on the famous trophy, but will always be remembered as a leading figure for his country and an exponent of the most traditional form of the jogo bonito .

A Colombian with an exquisite passing range, refined technique and a special knack for the final pass. A left-footed Argentinian captain and relentless goalscorer capable of dribbling past whatever stood in his way. A Brazilian who served up optical illusions, produced the unexpected and made the professional game look like football played barefoot in the street. One shirt number, but three different ways of playing, each shaped by the distinctive footballing identities of their respective countries.

It is too soon to talk about successors. New names and stories will emerge, but they will do so in the shadow of a firmly established legacy. James, Messi and Neymar were all so different from one another, yet they shared a similar role: for over a decade, whenever their national teams needed to conjure up something special, they had a recognisable number 10 to turn to.