Monday, August 17, 2026 -Superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that the current year could “probably” be his final one as a professional footballer, with the 41-year-old Portugal captain revealing his retirement plans in an interview with Vogue published on Sunday.
The 41-year-old, whose Al Nassr contract runs until June
2027, has previously acknowledged that retirement is approaching but has always
stopped short of setting a definitive timeline for the end of his playing
career.
However, speaking to Vogue in an interview published Sunday,
Ronaldo said: "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to
leave a spectacular legacy."
Ronaldo had said last November that he expected to continue
playing for "one or two years," while confirming that the 2026 World
Cup would be his last. Portugal were eliminated by Spain at the
tournament last month, although Ronaldo subsequently declined to specify
exactly when he would retire from football.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has now
said he has already begun planning for life after football and is looking
forward to spending more time with his family.
"I have my future all mapped out," Ronaldo added
to Vogue. "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."
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner started out at Sporting in
2002 before distinguished spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid and
Juventus. He briefly returned to Old Trafford before moving to Nassr and
becoming the face of Saudi football.
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