Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Impending Retirement: “This Is Probably My Last Year of Football”

BERLIN, Aug 17 — Global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has offered his clearest indication yet that his legendary playing career is nearing its conclusion, revealing that the current season will likely be his last on the pitch.

The 41-year-old Al-Nassr striker disclosed his retirement timeline during an interview with Vogue magazine published on Sunday, held to mark his wedding to Georgina Rodríguez.

“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said.

Reflecting on his transition out of professional sports after a quarter-century at the highest level, the Portuguese forward stated that he has already planned for life after football.

“I have my future all mapped out,” Ronaldo explained. “I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.”

He added: “And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel (a racket sport similar to tennis), which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned – what we’ve earned. Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”

Ronaldo, who did not rule out having more children or hosting a larger second wedding celebration, had previously avoided addressing his international future following Portugal’s last-16 exit to eventual champions Spain at the World Cup in July. His latest comments render an appearance at Euro 2028 in the British Isles highly unlikely.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star remains the all-time leading international goalscorer in men’s football with 146 goals, ahead of long-time rival Lionel Messi, 39, who has 125 international goals.

Ronaldo has previously expressed an ambition to reach 1,000 career goals before hanging up his boots. Currently sitting on 976 goals, he will have his final season in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr—where his contract runs until June 2027—alongside potential farewell appearances for Portugal in the UEFA Nations League to reach the milestone.

–NMT