Cristiano Ronaldo hints at retirement: It will probably be my last year playing football
Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that the 2026-27 season could be his final one in professional football, admitting that he will “probably” retire from the game at the end of the campaign.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told Vogue.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain has stopped short of announcing his retirement, but the comments offer his clearest indication yet that he is considering the end of his playing career.
There is still plenty left for Ronaldo to chase. He has scored 976 goals in 1,330 games for club and country and is just 24 goals away from reaching 1,000.
His numbers at Al Nassr remain strong too. Ronaldo scored 28 goals in the Saudi Pro League last season, finishing third in the scoring charts, and found the net 39 times in all competitions.
That came at the end of a career that has taken him from Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before his second spell at United and his move to Al Nassr in 2023.
Ronaldo has scored 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United across his two spells and 138 for Portugal. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards, five Champions League titles and the European Championship with Portugal.
At 41, he remains Portugal’s captain and one of Al Nassr’s main attacking threats. But for the first time, Ronaldo is speaking openly about what comes after football.
LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL
Ronaldo says he has already thought about how he will spend his time once he stops playing.
“I already have my entire future planned. I have so many things to keep me busy that it’s difficult to name just one,” he said.
He also knows that walking away from football will not be easy.
“Since football can leave a great void, it’s necessary to fill the time in various ways, not just one.”
Travel and padel are among the things he wants more of once his playing career is over.
“And also to have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really enjoy, and continue to enjoy what I’ve achieved – what we’ve achieved,” Ronaldo said.
“After all, it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”
Ronaldo’s comments came shortly after his marriage to Georgina Rodriguez. The couple married in a private ceremony at their home in Cascais, Portugal.
BUSINESS, NOT COACHING
Ronaldo has previously spoken about staying involved in football after retirement, although not as a coach. He said in 2023 that owning a club was something he would consider.
“I don’t rule out becoming a club owner,” Ronaldo said.
“It’s something I thought about a few years back. I probably would like to own a [football] club. I’m at the end of my career, two to three years maximum.”
Coaching does not appeal to him. “When I leave the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance and it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a very well thought-out one,” he said in an interview with Portuguese publication NOW.
“I’m not thinking about being a coach of the first team or any team. It doesn’t even cross my mind. I’ve never thought about it. I don’t see my future going through that. I see myself doing other things outside of football, but only God knows what the future holds.”
For now, Ronaldo’s focus remains on the pitch and the 1,000-goal target.
He needs 24 more goals to reach the mark. Whether he gets there before retirement is one of the biggest questions hanging over the final stage of his career.
Ronaldo has not put an exact date on his retirement. But if his latest words are anything to go by, the 2026-27 season could be his last.
– Ends
