Veterans set for final appearances as Club World Cup kicks off

This edition of the Club World Cup, held on American soil, carries a unique emotional weight. The timing of the tournament and players' contract situations have prompted several veterans to stay on for one last month with their clubs before moving on.

A series of farewells has been set in motion. Among the most high-profile are Luka Modric and Thomas Muller – Real Madrid and Bayern Munich legends. But they are not alone; others will also bow out once this competition concludes.

Modric has already had his emotional send-off at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he left fans with a now-iconic farewell: "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

It was his final appearance in Madrid, though not his last in a Real shirt. He remains part of the squad for the Club World Cup, a transitional moment before the beginning of the Xabi Alonso era. Nearly 600 appearances – 591 heading into the tournament – and 13 glittering seasons later, his journey is almost at its end.

Thomas Muller finds himself in a remarkably similar situation – perhaps even more remarkable. He's been with Bayern Munich's first team since the 2008/09 season, clocking up over 750 matches and scoring 248 goals. Like Modric, he isn't hanging up his boots, but he will cease to be a one-club man once this competition ends.

Flying slightly under the radar is Lucas Vazquez, who will also part ways with Real Madrid in the US. His contract is set to expire, and there are no plans for renewal.

The Spaniard has been a key figure this season, making 51 appearances – 37 of them as a starter – and stepping up during Dani Carvajal's absence. Whether or not he will seek a new club remains to be seen.

Angel Di Maria, meanwhile, has already revealed his next move. His involvement in the Club World Cup was in question, but the Argentinian will indeed play before leaving Benfica and returning to his boyhood club, Rosario Central.

At 37, he's heading home to Argentina, the country he left for Benfica at the start of his illustrious career.

A similar situation surrounds Leroy Sane, who has already signed for Galatasaray. The German winger will leave Bayern Munich for Turkey – but only after completing his Club World Cup duties.

"I hope we can say goodbye with a trophy," Cesar Azpilicueta remarked ahead of Atletico Madrid's trip to the United States. Though he hasn't spent long in red and white, his impact under Diego Simeone has been notable. Axel Witsel also looks set to depart once the tournament wraps up.

Elsewhere, Franco Mastantuono and Alvaro Carreras are expected to join Real Madrid shortly, pending official confirmation. As their deals weren't finalised in time, they'll represent River Plate and Benfica, respectively, during this final tournament.

The Club World Cup, then, is shaping up to be not just a battle for silverware – but a stage for some of football's modern greats to take their final bow.