Cristiano Ronaldo indicates retirement in interview: ‘Probably my last year’
Renowned player Cristiano Ronaldo announced on August 16, 2026 that the 2026/2027 season will possibly end his career in professional football. At 41 years old, the Portuguese athlete declared that this period should be his last on the field, signaling the beginning of preparations for a new chapter in his personal and professional life. The revelation came during an interview with “Vogue” magazine, given amid discussions about his recent marriage to Georgina Rodríguez.
In his own words, Cristiano Ronaldo expressed: “This is probably my last year in football and I want to leave a spectacular legacy.”
Before hanging up his boots, Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to reach the impressive milestone of a thousand official goals. The Portuguese striker is less than 30 goals away from this feat and his contract with Al-Nassr extends until July 2027, when he will turn 42 years old. This final period can, therefore, combine the search for an unprecedented record with his final season on the fields.
Learn more: 1,000th goal: understand Lionel Messi’s last challenge in football
Athlete already outlines plans for the period after the field
Although he did not set an exact date for retirement, the Portuguese star assured that his future path is already outlined. The striker admitted that moving away from football will bring a considerable transformation after 25 years of dedication to professional life, but revealed that he is already thinking about different occupations for his daily life.
The player detailed his plans: “My future is all planned out. I have so many things that keep me busy that it’s difficult to single out just one. As football can leave a big void, you need to fill your time in several ways, not just one. And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play paddle tennis, which I really enjoy, and continue to enjoy what I’ve achieved.”
Ronaldo’s statements also show his concern with the post-football moment. The Portuguese athlete highlighted the impact of the great sacrifices made throughout his career and expressed his desire to enjoy more moments away from the spotlight on the pitch.
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He concluded by explaining: “Because, after all, it was 25 years with many sacrifices.”
On the same topic: Cristiano Ronaldo aims for 1000 career goals, but chances of historic milestone in the 2026 World Cup are reduced
The conversation with the magazine took place shortly after Cristiano Ronaldo’s wedding ceremony with Georgina Rodríguez. The couple formalized their union after years together, taking advantage of the star’s vacation, who had recently returned to activities with Al-Nassr.
Search for a thousand goals could be the end point of your career
The imminence of retirement coincides with the moment in which Cristiano Ronaldo approaches one of the most significant milestones in his career. The striker has accumulated 976 goals in 1,330 official games and needs less than 30 to reach the thousand mark, an unprecedented feat for any player in elite football.
Recently, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Al-Nassr training after his vacation and witnessed his team’s 3-0 victory against Al Fateh, in the opening of the Saudi championship, from the stands. The Portuguese athlete did not participate in the match.
More on this story: Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, approaches the historic milestone of a thousand goals in his career
His contract with the Saudi club remains in force until July 2027. If he fully complies with the agreement, Ronaldo will turn 42 during the period in which his remarkable career can be concluded.
