Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted the coming season could be his last in football, with the Portugal captain beginning to plan life beyond a glittering 25-year career.
The 41-year-old made the revelation after marrying longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez on Tuesday. Ronaldo said he wants to leave football with a legacy he can savour before turning his attention to family, travel and other interests.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told Vogue in an interview about his wedding.
Ronaldo has built one of the greatest careers in football history. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards, five Champions League titles and league championships in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia.
He also remains the leading scorer in men’s international football and continues to lead Portugal.
Ronaldo has spent almost four years at Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr. He has one year remaining on his current contract, meaning his latest comments could signal the beginning of the final chapter of his playing career.
The forward said he has already considered how he will fill the space football leaves behind.
“I have my future all mapped out,” Ronaldo said. “Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.”
Travel, padel and family life feature prominently in those plans. Ronaldo also wants to enjoy the rewards of a career that has taken him from Sporting to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr.
Yet one major target remains.
Ronaldo needs 24 more goals to reach 1,000 senior career goals, a landmark that would add another extraordinary chapter to his record.
His future with Portugal also remains uncertain. Ronaldo has not confirmed whether the 2026 World Cup will mark his final appearance for his country.
He said in July that he would make that decision “with a calm head” after discussing it with his family.
Ronaldo’s comments come as Lionel Messi also faces questions about his own future. The Argentina captain recently admitted he remains unsure how much longer he will continue playing following the death of his father and longtime adviser, Jorge.
For Ronaldo, however, retirement now appears closer than ever.
The coming season could therefore become a farewell tour for one of football’s most decorated players, with the 1,000-goal mark and another World Cup potentially forming the final targets of an extraordinary career.
