Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Retirement After Upcoming Season
Cristiano Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players in history, is contemplating the end of his illustrious career. In a recent interview with Vogue, he indicated that this upcoming season could be “probably my last year of football,” especially following his recent marriage to Georgina Rodríguez.
Ronaldo began his professional soccer journey in 2002 with Sporting CP, quickly gaining prominence after joining Manchester United in 2003. Known for his immense popularity, his potential departure from the sport raises questions among fans as he approaches his 41st birthday.
He participated in the recent 2026 World Cup, marking it as the conclusion of his international career, during which he scored an impressive 146 goals in 233 appearances for the Portugal national team.
Currently, Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, a club he has been with since 2023. Throughout his tenure, he has made 107 appearances and netted 102 goals.
Reflecting on his anticipated retirement, Ronaldo expressed his desire to leave behind a “spectacular legacy.” He also shared insights into his future plans post-football, noting his readiness to engage in various activities to fill the void left by the sport.
“I have my future all mapped out. 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.
And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, 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.”
With five children, Ronaldo emphasized that a significant motivation for stepping back from football is the desire to spend more time with his family. He even mentioned the possibility of expanding their family, though Rodríguez has her reservations.
“Another baby now would be overbooking [she uses the English word] at home. But when the youngest are 15 or 16 we’ll still be young, so why not? It’s true that I can’t imagine myself without small children, so we’ll see.”
If this season is indeed Ronaldo’s last, Al-Nassr will kick off their campaign on August 18 against Al Diriyah, concluding the season on May 28 against Al Hilal. This finale could signal the legendary player’s final appearance on the field.
Cristiano Ronaldo is considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time and is close to hanging up his cleats.
The legendary player told Vogue in an interview that, following his recent wedding to Georgina Rodríguez, this upcoming season is “probably my last year of football.”
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Ronaldo has been playing professional soccer since 2002, when he joined Sporting CP and then really burst onto the scene with Manchester United the following year.
He is one of the most popular players in the world, but it is hard to imagine the sport without him. But the fact remains that he is 41 years old.
Ronaldo played in the recent 2026 World Cup and said it would be the end of his international career. He finished his international career with the Portugal national team with 146 goals in 233 appearances.
He is currently signed to Al-Nassr, which plays in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo has been with that club since 2023 and has played in 107 matches with 102 goals.
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When talking about his potential retirement, he said, “I want to leave a spectacular legacy.”
Ronaldo already has an idea of what he wants his future after soccer to look like.
“I have my future all mapped out. 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.
And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, 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 has five children, so a big impetus for moving away from football is to spend more time with his family. He even said that he and his wife could expand the family in the future, but Rodríguez had a slightly different opinion.
“Another baby now would be overbooking [she uses the English word] at home. But when the youngest are 15 or 16 we’ll still be young, so why not? It’s true that I can’t imagine myself without small children, so we’ll see.”
If this is it for the footballer, Al-Nassr begins its season on August 18 against Al Diriyah. Their season is set to end on Friday, May 28, against Al Hilal, which could be Ronaldo’s last match if this is his last season.
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