Cristiano Ronaldo Declares 2026-27 Season Will "Probably [Be] My Last Year of Football"
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner looks toward life after Al-Nassr and national team duty.
Summary
Cristiano Ronaldo has offered his clearest indication yet that he could retire from professional football at the end of the current season
Speaking in an exclusive interview published ahead of his wedding to Georgina Rodríguez the 41-year-old stated he wants to leave a spectacular legacy
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner confirmed he has already mapped out his post-football life including spending time with family and playing padel
Cristiano Ronaldo has offered his clearest indication yet that his legendary playing career is drawing to a close, declaring that the current campaign is “probably my last year of football.” In an interview published with Vogue, the 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward opened up about his timeline and his desire to exit on a high note.
Contracted with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, the Portuguese icon acknowledged that while stepping away will be a monumental change after 25 years of professional competition, he has already begun preparing for his transition away from the pitch. Ronaldo reflected on a career spanning Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr, noting that his future beyond the sport is fully mapped out.
Addressing the potential void created by walking away from competitive play, Ronaldo revealed plans to pivot toward family, travel, and personal hobbies like playing and watching padel. The candid admission follows Portugal’s run at the 2026 World Cup and comes alongside recent reflections on longevity from long-time rival Lionel Messi. Ronaldo told Vogue, “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy.” He added, “I have my future all mapped out. 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. 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.”
While Ronaldo continues his campaign with Al-Nassr for the 2026-27 season, the forward remains focused on cementing his legacy across his final appearances on the pitch.
