New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted at retirement from football after the upcoming season. One of the greatest footballers of all time, Ronaldo revealed that this year will ‘probably’ be his last in football.
The 41-year-old opened up about his future plans after recently tying the knot with his long-term partner Georgina Rodriguez.
Despite being 41, Ronaldo has been one of the most consistent performers for his current club Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. He led Portugal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 earlier this year, potentially marking his swansong in the premier tournament. Ronaldo scored two goals in the tournament but looked far from his best as Portugal were knocked out of the round of 16.
Speaking in an interview with Vogue, Ronaldo said he is considering retiring from football after the 2026-27 season and wants to leave a legacy. “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told Vogue.
Cristiano Ronaldo eyeing 1000-goal milestone
Despite being 41, Ronaldo has been a goal machine for Al Nassr and is eyeing the milestone of 1000 goals in what has been an illustrious career. The Portuguese legend has so far scored 976 goals in his international and club career, spanning two decades.
He is only 24 goals short of becoming the first player to achieve the elusive milestone of 1000 goals. Recently, Portugal’s newly appointed manager Jorge Jesus called Ronaldo a ‘symbol of Portuguese football’ and said he will continue to pick the 41-year-old for the national team if he is fit and wants to play.
However, Ronaldo seems to have already mapped out his plans and wants to focus on other things in life after football. The legendary Portuguese forward revealed that he wants to spend more time with his family, children and try his hand at playing padel after retiring from football.
“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,” said the 41-year-old.