CRISTIANO Ronaldo appears ready to bring down the curtain on his legendary playing career, with the Portuguese superstar indicating that the 2026-27 season will likely be his last after roughly 25 years in professional football.
The 41-year-old Ronaldo, who is under contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr until June 2027, gave his clearest timeline yet for retirement in an interview with Vogue, saying he wants to end his career by leaving a lasting mark on the sport.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said in the interview published Sunday.
Ronaldo had previously acknowledged that retirement was approaching but stopped short of setting a definite timetable. Last November, he said he expected to continue playing for another one or two years and confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his last.
Portugal’s World Cup campaign ended with a round-of-16 defeat to Spain last month, potentially marking Ronaldo’s final appearance on football’s biggest international stage.
Ronaldo scored three goals in the tournament, adding another chapter to a career that has established him as one of the most prolific and decorated players in football history.
With his international swan song behind him, Ronaldo said he has already begun preparing for life after football and expects to devote more time to his family and other interests once he hangs up his boots.
“I have my future all mapped out,” he said. “I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he intends to travel, play and watch padel, and enjoy opportunities that were difficult to pursue during a career defined by relentless competition and training.
“Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice,” Ronaldo said.
His latest comments came days before his marriage to longtime partner Georgina Rodríguez in Cascais, Portugal.
Ronaldo began his professional career with Sporting CP before emerging as a global superstar during spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. He joined Al Nassr in January 2023.
His greatest scoring years came at Real Madrid, where he established a club record with 450 goals in 438 appearances during a remarkable nine-year stint.
Ronaldo’s retirement plans also come as questions surround the future of longtime rival Lionel Messi, who recently admitted uncertainty over how much longer he will continue playing following the death of his father, Jorge.
If Ronaldo follows through on his latest indication, the 2026-27 campaign will serve as the farewell season for one of football’s most celebrated players — and close a career that has spanned generations, clubs and continents./PN
