On Monday, Luis Suarez, the legendary Uruguayan forward, announced his retirement from international football. The 37-year-old confirmed that he will play his final match for Uruguay in Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in Montevideo. Emotional during the press conference, Suarez reflected on his decision, expressing that it was difficult but he plans to give his all until the final whistle.
Suarez, celebrated as one of the greatest forwards of his generation, will retire as Uruguay's all-time top scorer with 69 goals in 142 appearances. His career has been marked by notable successes, including leading Uruguay to win the 2011 Copa America, where he was named player of the tournament. The Copa America title, he stated, remains the pinnacle of his career and something he would not trade for anything.
Suarez’s career has also been marred by controversy. He was famously expelled from the 2014 World Cup for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini, receiving a four-month ban. Additionally, his 2010 World Cup handball on the goal-line against Ghana, which led to a penalty miss and Uruguay’s advancement, became one of the tournament’s most talked-about moments.
Despite these controversies, Suarez continued to make significant contributions to both his national team and club career. He was pivotal in Uruguay's qualifications for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and appeared in the recent Copa America, scoring his 69th international goal in a third-place play-off against Canada. His departure marks the end of an illustrious chapter in Uruguayan football.
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