Cristiano Ronaldo: ‘This Could Be My Final Year in Football’

Cristiano Ronaldo could be approaching the final chapter of his remarkable football career. The Portuguese superstar has suggested that he may retire from professional football at the end of the current season, following the expiration of his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

At the same time, Ronaldo has revealed that he already has an idea of how he wants to spend the next stage of his life—enjoying more freedom, travelling, spending time with his family and pursuing activities away from football.

The 41-year-old is currently just 24 goals away from reaching the extraordinary milestone of 1,000 career goals. Speaking to Vogue magazine about the possibility of retirement, Ronaldo admitted that his time on the pitch could soon come to an end.

“Possibly this is my last year in football. I want to leave an incredible legacy,” Ronaldo said.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also explained that he has already thought about life after football. Rather than committing himself to a single plan, however, he wants to keep his options open and make the most of his life beyond the sport.

Ronaldo acknowledged that retiring from football would leave a significant void in his life. After spending more than two decades at the highest level, he believes he will need to fill that space with new experiences and activities.

“I want to have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel. I also want to enjoy what I have achieved and what we have achieved, because, in the end, it is the result of 25 years of sacrifice and hard work,” Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo began his professional career 24 years ago with Portuguese club Sporting CP in Lisbon. After spending six years at Manchester United, he moved to Real Madrid in 2009 and went on to establish himself as one of the greatest players in football history.

During his nine seasons with the Spanish giants, Ronaldo scored 450 goals in 438 appearances. He later spent three seasons with Italian side Juventus before returning to Manchester United for a second spell.

His second stint at Old Trafford ultimately came to an end, and in January 2023, Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.

Ronaldo’s current contract with Al Nassr runs until June 2027. However, his latest comments suggest that he could decide to walk away from professional football at the end of the current season, well before his contract officially expires.

If that happens, football could soon witness the retirement of one of its most decorated and influential figures—just as Ronaldo closes in on one final historic milestone: 1,000 career goals.