When will Cristiano Ronaldo retire? Al Nassr, Portugal star says this season 'probably my last year'

When will Cristiano Ronaldo retire? Al Nassr, Portugal star says this season 'probably my last year' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

As one of the greatest players to ever play football, fans have been following the final years of Cristiano Ronaldo's glittering career, wondering when he could choose to hang up his boots.

That day could be coming soon, as the 41-year-old is apparently closing in on the final chapter of his illustrious football career.

After a 2026 FIFA World Cup that fell short of expectations, Ronaldo may be on the final stretch of his playing days, having scored more goals than any other player in the history of the game.

The Sporting News takes a look at when Ronaldo could call time on his legendary career and what he has amassed throughout his time on the pitch.

MORE:Messi vs. Ronaldo GOAT scorecard | Why the GOAT debate is no longer a fair fight

When will Cristiano Ronaldo retire?

According to the man himself, speaking to Vogue in an interview published on Sunday, August 16, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to begin what will be "probably my last year of football."

Ronaldo, now 41 years old, has put together one of the greatest careers in the history of the game, and said he is aiming to "leave a spectacular legacy" in his final campaign.

Ronaldo is prepared for retirement. "I have my future all mapped out," he said to Vogue. "I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard.

"Because [retiring from] 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."

When is Cristiano Ronaldo's last match?

If the 2026/27 campaign does end up being Cristiano Ronaldo's last season of football, then his final club match could come on May 29, 2027 as they meet rivals Al Hilal on the final day of the Saudi Pro League season.

However, there could more to it than that.

If Ronaldo continues to play international football through his final club campaign, he could decide to conclude his football days with an international swansong in the summer of 2027. If Portugal make the semifinals of the UEFA Nations League, they would play the semifinals and finals next June, and he could choose for those games to be his last.

Cristiano Ronaldo net worth

According to CelebrityNetWorth earlier this year, Cristiano Ronaldo was named the richest football player on the planet, and the fifth-richest athlete in the world with a net worth of $1.2 billion.

The report claims that Ronaldo is worth over $300 million more than the next-highest football star, Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo officially became a billionaire in June of 2025 when he signed the huge contract extension with Al Nassr.

MORE:Cristiano Ronaldo buys 25% stake in Spanish club Almeria

Cristiano Ronaldo career earnings

For the entirety of his football career, Ronaldo has earned over $1 billion in contractual income, according to Forbes.

According to Capology, he has earned over $850m in salary and bonuses alone since they began tracking financial data in 2013.

As per to CelebrityNetWorth, once Ronaldo reaches the end of his current contract with Al Nassr, he will become the first football player to surpass $2bn in career earnings from salary and endorsements.

How many trophies has Cristiano Ronaldo won?

Throughout his illustrious football career, Cristiano Ronaldo has won 33 total team trophies between club and country.

The big ones are his five Champions League titles, including four won with Real Madrid.

Ronaldo has also won one European championship and one UEFA Nations League with Portugal.