Cristiano Ronaldo has said the upcoming year will probably be the last of his playing career, offering his clearest indication yet that he may retire after the season. The 41-year-old Portugal captain made the comments in an interview published on Sunday.
Ronaldo will continue playing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr this season as he approaches 1,000 career goals. His wording signals a likely retirement timeline, but does not amount to a confirmed retirement announcement.
What Ronaldo said about retirement
“This is probably my last year of football and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told lifestyle magazine Vogue. He also said football could leave a “big hole” in his life and that he would need to fill his time in different ways after stepping away.
Ronaldo described possible post-football activities including travelling, watching and playing padel, and continuing to enjoy what he and others around him have earned after 25 years of sacrifice.
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A career nearing its final milestone
Ronaldo has scored 976 goals for club and country during a career spanning more than two decades. Reaching 1,000 goals is now a major target as he continues with Al-Nassr.
The Portugal captain made his senior debut for Sporting in 2002 and has won major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr. He is also a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
What remains unresolved
Ronaldo’s comments point to the upcoming year as probably his final playing season, rather than confirming a fixed retirement date. He is expected to remain active for Al-Nassr during the current season.
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Portugal’s failure to win the World Cup means that title remains absent from Ronaldo’s honours, according to the source material.
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