The English Football League has signed off for the summer as attention turns to the international game and the most watched sporting event on the planet: the FIFA World Cup in North America.
It’s a tournament which will be watched by fans throughout in bars and venues throughout the city, with many putting their United and Wednesday rivalries aside for a brief fleeting moment to unite with the hope of cheering England on to their first piece of silverware since 1966.
However, it’s not just the Three Lions matches that Blades and Owls fans will keep an eye on with members from both squads jetting off to get involved at North America - along with a whole host of familar faces from years gone by.
With all that in mind, we’ve decided to compile a list of Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday stars past and present that are set to compete on the world stage - as well as a few slightly less obvious links to the clubs.
1. Tahith Chong - Curacao
Tahith Chong, who failed to score in 21 appearances last season, is expected to be a key figure for Curacao at this summer's tournament. The Blue Wave, who are ranked 82nd in the world, are competing in their first ever World Cup and are managed by 78-year-old Dick Advocaat. | Getty Images
2. Yan Valery - Tunisia
The Owls have a contracted player heading to the World Cup for the first time since John Sheridan played all four matches for the Republic of Ireland in 1994. Ironically that also came in the USA all those years ago. Valery joined Sheffield Wednesday in 2024 and racked up 63 appearances in two seasons for Danny Rohl's outfit before spending last term on loan at Swiss side BSC Young Boys. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Tyler Bindon - New Zealand
Tyler Bindon didn't have the best start to his Sheffield United career under Ruben Selles but made huge strides in the second half of the campaign under Chris Wilder. The 26-time international, who was signed last summer on loan from Nottingham Forest, is likely to be a regular fixture in Darren Bazeley's side. | Getty Images
4. George Hirst - Scotland
George Hirst only played just two matches for Sheffield Wednesday in the 2016/17 campaign before departing. Now of Ipswich Town, the 27-year-old has been selected to represent Scotland at the World Cup. His dad David also scored over 100 goals for the Owls between 1986 and 1997 so bonus points for that one I guess. | Getty Images