Cristiano Ronaldo has given his clearest indication yet that his playing career could be coming to an end, admitting that the 2026-27 season is ‘probably’ his final year in football.
The Portugal captain, now 41, made the revelation in an interview with Vogue while discussing his life away from the pitch and his plans for the future.
Ronaldo has spent more than two decades at the highest level and is currently entering another season with Al-Nassr. His contract with the Saudi Pro League club runs until June 2027.
Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on life after football
‘This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,’ Ronaldo said.
The comment represents a significant change in tone from his previous discussions about retirement. He had previously suggested he could continue for another year or two, while also confirming that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament.
Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the last 16, with Ronaldo scoring three goals during the competition. He also became the first player to score at six different World Cups.
Now, his focus appears to be shifting towards what comes after football.
‘I have my future all mapped out,’ Ronaldo said. ‘I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard.’
He explained that football could leave a ‘big hole’ in his life and that he wants to fill his time with family, travelling and padel.
‘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.’
There is still plenty left for Ronaldo to achieve before he walks away. He is 24 goals short of 1,000 senior career goals and remains Portugal’s all-time leading international scorer with 146 goals.
His club career has also produced remarkable numbers, particularly during his time at Real Madrid, where he scored 450 goals in 438 appearances.
Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Ors, five Champions League titles and major honours with Portugal. He also recently married Georgina Rodriguez, adding another major chapter to his life away from football.
For now, he remains with Al-Nassr. But after years of refusing to put a firm date on retirement, Ronaldo has finally offered a timeframe himself, and it could mean the football world has just one more season of one of its greatest ever players.
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