Ronaldo Signals Likely Retirement After Current Al-Nassr Season
The 41-year-old forward, who has scored 976 career goals, says he has mapped out post-football plans including travel and padel, though he remains 24 goals short of the 1,000-goal milestone.
Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the current campaign is likely to be his final year as a professional footballer. The 41-year-old Portugal captain made the remarks in an interview with Vogue following the national team's elimination from the World Cup, casting a shadow over his future with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr FC.
Speaking after Portugal's Round of 16 exit to eventual champions Spain, Ronaldo acknowledged the end of an era. "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy," he said. He noted that he has "mapped out" his future, intending to fill the void left by the sport with a variety of activities rather than a single pursuit.
Ronaldo is entering his fourth season with Al-Nassr, whose contract runs until 2027. The club secured the Saudi Pro League title on the final day of the previous campaign, marking Ronaldo's first trophy with the side since 2023. He has been a central figure in world football since his debut for Sporting CP in 2002, with subsequent stints at Manchester United and Real Madrid defining his career.
With 976 goals scored across his club and international career, Ronaldo is currently 24 goals away from the 1,000-goal milestone. While he expressed a desire to reach this mark, he cautioned that his ability to play a full season depends on his fitness levels. The uncertainty of his timeline means the milestone remains a possibility rather than a certainty.
The forward emphasised that his post-retirement focus will shift towards personal time and leisure. "Have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned," he stated. He reflected on the 25-year duration of his career, citing the significant sacrifices made to reach his current status.
Ronaldo's comments come shortly after he married Georgina Rodriguez and followed a period where he was seen watching Al-Nassr matches from the stands. While he has not confirmed a specific retirement date, his use of the word "probably" suggests a strong intention to conclude his playing days after the current season concludes.
