Portugal captain and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that the current year could be his final year as a professional footballer.
The 41-year-old Al Nassr forward revealed his retirement plans in an interview with Vogue published on Sunday, saying he wants to end his playing career while leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo, whose contract with Al Nassr runs until June 2027, has previously acknowledged that retirement is approaching but had stopped short of giving a definite date.
In November last year, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he expected to continue playing for “one or two years” and confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final World Cup.
Portugal were eliminated by Spain at the tournament last month, although Ronaldo initially declined to reveal when exactly he planned to retire.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward has now indicated that he is already preparing for life after football.
Ronaldo said he has “so many things” planned for the future and is looking forward to spending more time with his family.
“I have my future all mapped out,” he told Vogue.
“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.”
Ronaldo began his professional career with Sporting CP in 2002 before establishing himself as one of football’s greatest players during distinguished spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
He later returned briefly to Manchester United before moving to Saudi Arabia, where he joined Al Nassr and became one of the biggest figures in the country’s rapidly growing football scene.
If Ronaldo follows through with his latest comments, the 2026–27 season could mark the end of one of the most celebrated professional football careers in history.