Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped his clearest hint yet regarding his impending retirement, revealing that the current campaign might mark the final chapter of his illustrious professional football career. While the legendary Portuguese forward has previously acknowledged that his playing days were drawing to a close, he had consistently stopped short of setting a firm timeline.
Despite holding a contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr that runs until June 2027, the 41-year-old icon offered a candid outlook on his future during an interview with Vogue magazine published on Sunday. “This is probably my last year as a footballer, and I want to leave behind a great legacy,” Ronaldo stated.
Back in November, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner suggested he might play on for another year or two, previously framing the 2026 World Cup as his international swansong. Portugal’s World Cup campaign ultimately ended in the round of 16 following a defeat to Spain—a tournament in which Ronaldo scored three goals—yet he refrained from confirming a precise departure date at the time.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward disclosed that he has already begun preparing for life after football, expressing an eagerness to dedicate more time to his family.
“I have my entire future mapped out,” Ronaldo explained to Vogue. “There are so many things to do that it is difficult to pick just one. Stepping away from football will naturally leave a massive void, so I must channel my energy into various pursuits. I want to enjoy myself more, travel extensively, and play padel—a sport I am deeply passionate about. Above all, I want to savour everything we have achieved, because ultimately, it is the reward for twenty-five years of immense sacrifice.”
The publication of the interview arrived just five days prior to Ronaldo’s wedding to his long-term partner, Georgina Rodríguez, in the Portuguese town of Cascais.
Interestingly, Ronaldo’s retirement signals coincide with similar sentiments from his long-time rival, Lionel Messi. The Argentine maestro recently admitted uncertainty surrounding his own playing future following the passing of his father, Jorge.
Ronaldo began his professional journey at Sporting Lisbon before rising to global stardom at Manchester United. He then joined Real Madrid, where he enjoyed nine breathtaking seasons, scoring a club-record 450 goals in 438 appearances. Following a stint at Juventus, he completed a high-profile move to Al-Nassr in January 2023, setting the stage for what now appears to be the closing act of a monumental career.
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