Cristiano Ronaldo says the upcoming year could be the final chapter of his playing career as the Portugal captain looks to leave a lasting legacy.
Cristiano Ronaldo has given his strongest indication yet that his remarkable football career could be approaching its final chapter, saying the upcoming year will probably be his last as a professional player.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain made the comments in an interview with Vogue, where he reflected on his career and his desire to leave behind what he described as a “spectacular legacy” when he eventually steps away from football.
Ronaldo has enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in the history of the sport. Since making his senior debut for Sporting in 2002, he has played for some of the biggest clubs in world football, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, before continuing his career with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
The Portuguese forward has also won the Ballon d’Or five times and collected numerous domestic and international trophies throughout his more than two-decade career.
However, one major prize has remained outside his collection: the FIFA World Cup. Portugal’s failure to win the 2026 tournament means Ronaldo will not add a World Cup title to his list of achievements.
Ronaldo has scored 976 goals for club and country and is now approaching the extraordinary milestone of 1,000 career goals. Reaching that figure would provide another landmark moment in a career already defined by record-breaking performances and longevity.
Despite his continued success, Ronaldo acknowledged that retirement would represent a major change in his life. Away from professional football, he said he intends to spend more time travelling, playing and watching padel, while enjoying a different lifestyle after years of intense competition.
His latest comments are likely to fuel further speculation about the timing of his retirement. If he does follow through with his suggestion, the football world could soon be preparing to say goodbye to one of the greatest and most influential players of the modern era.
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