Cristiano Ronaldo hints at retirement, says upcoming year could be his last

Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that his retirement could be closer than expected, saying the upcoming year will probably be the final year of his playing career.

Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that his retirement could be closer than expected, saying the upcoming year will probably be the final year of his playing career.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain made the comments in an interview with lifestyle magazine Vogue, saying he wants to leave behind a “spectacular legacy” when he eventually walks away from football.

Ronaldo has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in football history. Since making his senior debut for Sporting in 2002, he has won major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and his current club, Al-Nassr. He has also won the Ballon d’Or five times.

Despite his extraordinary list of achievements, Ronaldo was unable to add a FIFA World Cup title to his collection after Portugal fell short at the 2026 tournament.

The forward has scored 976 goals for club and country during a career spanning more than two decades. He is now continuing with Al-Nassr as he approaches the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals.

Ronaldo also acknowledged that retirement would leave a major gap in his life. He said he plans to spend more time travelling, playing and watching padel, and enjoying life away from professional football.

His comments have intensified speculation about when one of football’s greatest careers will finally come to an end.