Five-time Balon d'Or and UEFA Champions League winner Cristiano Ronaldo revealed his future plans in professional soccer. In an interview published Sunday, Aug. 16, the Portuguese superstar told Vogue "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy." The 41-year-old acknowledged that the absence of soccer from his life could leave a huge hole, but he is prepared. "I have my future all mapped out," he said. "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's contract with his Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr ends in June 2027. He had previously confirmed that the 2026 World Cup would be his last, but had only ever given vague answers about his future in professional soccer, claiming he still had one or two more years left in him in late 2025.
When did Ronaldo address retirement? Though the interview with Vogue published on Sunday, Aug. 16, the interview actually took place five days before his wedding to Georgina Rodríguez on Aug. 11 this year. Where did Ronaldo play throughout his career? Ronaldo started his soccer career with Sporting CP. He also enjoyed successful stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before joining his current club Al-Nassr in January 2023. How did Ronaldo perform at the 2026 World Cup? Ronaldo scored three goals for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, as his team was eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the Round of 16. Is Lionel Messi also close to retirement? Messi also recently hinted at retirement in an Instagram post honoring his late father. In the post, he mentioned that he wasn't sure how long he would play after the death of his father and that his father was one of the biggest reasons he decided to play in the 2026 World Cup. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Ronaldo says 2027 could be final year of his professional soccer career