Cristiano Ronaldo has made one of his most definitive statements yet regarding retirement, suggesting that the current season might be his last, as he noted, “This is probably my last year.”
The 41-year-old star, whose contract with Al Nassr extends until June 2027, has hinted at the possibility of retirement before but has refrained from providing a concrete timeline for his exit from the sport.
In an interview with Vogue released on Sunday, Ronaldo expressed: “I want to leave a spectacular legacy.” This sentiment signals a significant moment in his illustrious career.
Last November, he mentioned he might continue playing for “one or two years” while confirming that he intends for the 2026 World Cup to be his final tournament. Following Portugal’s exit against Spain last month, Ronaldo did not clarify his exact retirement plans.
The legendary forward, known for his spells at Manchester United and Real Madrid, has begun planning for life beyond football, looking forward to spending more quality time with his family.
“I have my future all planned out,” Ronaldo shared with Vogue. “There are so many things to keep me occupied that it’s hard to pick just one.” He emphasized the importance of finding ways to stay engaged after football, including traveling, playing padel, and enjoying well-deserved leisure time following a lengthy 25-year career filled with sacrifices.
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Ronaldo’s comments, made just five days prior to his marriage to long-time partner Georgina Rodríguez in Cascais, Portugal, raise the possibility of ending one of football’s most illustrious careers.
His announcement follows remarks from longtime rival Lionel Messi, who recently expressed uncertainty about his future in the sport after the passing of his father, Jorge.
A five-time Ballon d’Or recipient, Ronaldo began his career at Sporting CP before achieving stardom at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He has been part of Al Nassr since January 2023. His nine years at Madrid were particularly notable, where he scored a record 450 goals in 438 appearances.
Ronaldo netted three goals during this summer’s World Cup, contributing to Portugal’s progression to the round of 16.