This is probably my last year of football, Ronaldo hints retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo. Photo: BBC

Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that he could retire from professional football after the 2026-27 season, saying he wants to leave a “spectacular legacy.”

The 41-year-old Portugal captain made the revelation in an interview with Vogue published on Sunday, as he discussed his future following his wedding to partner Georgina Rodríguez.

“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said.

The Al-Nassr forward, who began the new season on August 15, said he is already looking ahead to more time with his family.

“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.”

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The comments mark one of the clearest indications yet from the Portuguese star about the approaching end of a career that has included major titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Portugal.

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2023 after leaving Manchester United.

He has continued to play at the highest level and featured for Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored more than 900 senior career goals for club and country.

He and Rodríguez married in an intimate ceremony at their home in Cascais, Portugal, on August 11, the 10th anniversary of the day they first met.

In the Vogue interview, the couple said they were looking forward to spending more time together and with their children.

Ronaldo said he had already planned his life after football, suggesting that retirement would mark the beginning of a new phase rather than an end to his activities.