Cristiano Ronaldo has signaled that his storied playing career may be drawing to a close, telling Vogue that the current campaign is likely to be his last as he seeks to cap off his football journey on a high note.
The 41-year-old forward, who this year became the first player in history to appear at six World Cups after featuring for Portugal in the tournament hosted across the USA, Canada and Mexico, spoke candidly about the prospect of retirement in a wide-ranging interview.
"This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy," Ronaldo said, adding fuel to speculation that has followed him for months about the timing of his eventual departure from the sport. He had previously indicated that retirement could come "soon" or within "one or two years," but this latest comment appears to be his clearest suggestion yet that the end is near.
Ronaldo, who has amassed an extraordinary 950 goals across his club and international career, made clear that he has already begun planning for life after football. "I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard," he explained. "Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one."
The Portuguese superstar recently married longtime partner Georgina Rodríguez in a ceremony in Cascais, and he touched on wanting to savor the rewards of a career built on relentless dedication. "I want to continue to enjoy what I've earned – what we've earned," he said. "Because after all it's been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice." Away from the pitch, Ronaldo revealed that travel and padel have become two of his favorite pastimes.
Notably, Ronaldo's tone in the Vogue interview marked a shift from his more combative stance during the World Cup, when he grew frustrated with persistent questions about his future ahead of Portugal's last-16 exit to Spain. At the time, he firmly stated, "I will retire when I want to, not when you want."
Despite the retirement hints, Ronaldo is expected to continue chasing personal milestones in the near term, most notably the pursuit of 1,000 career goals, a target he could realistically reach with Al-Nassr, where he remains under contract until 2027, as well as through continued appearances for the Portuguese national team.
His résumé already places him among the sport's most decorated figures, having claimed five Ballon d'Or awards, five Champions League titles, domestic league championships in England, Spain and Italy, plus international honors including the European Championship and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal. With Portugal set to co-host the 2030 World Cup, some observers had speculated Ronaldo might even extend his career far enough to play a seventh World Cup on home soil at age 45, though his latest remarks make that scenario seem less likely.
For now, Ronaldo has returned to Al-Nassr under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, who is tasked with building the squad around the veteran forward as the Saudi club looks to defend its Saudi Pro League crown from last season. Should Ronaldo indeed play out this campaign as his last, his final competitive matches with Al-Nassr could come as early as May next year, closing the book on one of football's most decorated careers.
Based on reporting from The Independent.