Ronaldo hints at retirement as 1,000-goal dream nears

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo has given his clearest indication yet that the end of his extraordinary football career could be approaching, saying the upcoming season may be his final one as a professional.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain, however, appears determined to make his final chapter memorable. Ronaldo is chasing the extraordinary milestone of 1,000 goals and wants to leave the sport with a legacy that reflects more than two decades at the highest level.

“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told Vogue in an interview published on Sunday.

Ronaldo made his senior debut for Sporting CP in 2002 and has since built one of the most decorated careers in football history. He has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before continuing his career with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has also become one of international football’s most prolific scorers with Portugal.

Ronaldo currently has 976 goals for club and country, leaving him just 24 goals short of the unprecedented 1,000-goal mark. Reaching that figure before retirement would add another remarkable achievement to a career already filled with records.

Yet one major prize remains missing from his collection: the FIFA World Cup. Portugal’s failure to win the 2026 tournament means Ronaldo will likely finish his international career without lifting football’s biggest trophy.

Despite his latest comments, Ronaldo has not announced a specific retirement date, leaving open the possibility that he could continue beyond the coming season.

The veteran forward has also begun thinking about life away from football. He said he has plenty of interests that could keep him occupied once he finally steps away from the game.

Ronaldo mentioned travelling more, playing padel and enjoying the rewards of a career built on years of discipline and sacrifice.

For now, though, his focus remains on football — and perhaps the most eye-catching target of all: becoming the first player to reach 1,000 career goals.