Cristiano Ronaldo hints at retirement, says upcoming year could be his last
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Cristiano Ronaldo looking dejected after Portugal were eliminated from the World Cup in July 2026. Sport’s biggest prize remains absent from his trophy cabinet.
PHOTO: IMAGN IMAGES
- Cristiano Ronaldo hints that the upcoming year will likely be his last in professional football as he aims to leave a spectacular legacy.
- He has scored 976 goals over a 25-year career, playing for major clubs and his country, but missed out on a World Cup title.
- Ronaldo plans to continue playing for Al-Nassr this season while exploring other interests like travel and padel after retirement.
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LONDON – Cristiano Ronaldo has fuelled speculation about his retirement plans after saying that the upcoming year will probably be the last of his playing career.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain is one of the most decorated players of all time, winning major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current club Al-Nassr since making his senior debut for Sporting Lisbon in 2002.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, was unable to add a World Cup title to his list of honours after Portugal fell short at the 2026 tournament, leaving the sport’s biggest prize absent from his trophy cabinet.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” he told lifestyle magazine Vogue in an interview published on Aug 16.
The forward has scored 976 goals for club and country during a career spanning more than two decades.
“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,” he said.
“And also 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.”
Ronaldo married his long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez in an intimate ceremony in the Portuguese resort of Cascais last week.
He will continue playing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr this season as he closes in on a milestone of 1,000 career goals. REUTERS, AFP
