‘Probably my last year of football, want to leave a spectacular legacy’: Cristiano Ronaldo

Riyadh: Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that the 2026–27 Saudi Pro League season with Al-Nassr will likely be his final year in professional football.

The 41-year-old forward, whose contract with the Riyadh-based club expires next June, addressed his upcoming retirement in an interview with Vogue magazine following his recent marriage to long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez.

“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said.

Reflecting on his 25-year career—which includes five Ballon d'Or awards, five UEFA Champions League titles, and 976 professional goals—Ronaldo shared his vision for life after hanging up his boots.

“I have my future all mapped out,” he said. “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.

“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.”

Recent success and team outlook

Ronaldo helped secure Al-Nassr’s first Saudi Pro League title since 2019 back in May, scoring 28 league goals during the campaign. He missed Al-Nassr's season-opening 3-0 victory against Al-Fateh on Saturday following his wedding, observing from the sidelines instead.

“Cristiano is here today, and he is always present with us,” Al-Nassr coach Ange Postecoglou said after the game.

Postecoglou indicated that Ronaldo could return to the squad for Tuesday's King’s Cup match against Al-Diriyah.

“The most important thing now is recovery, especially as we have only two days after this match,” the former Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest manager added.

Ronaldo's retirement hint comes shortly after his long-time rival Lionel Messi, 39, signaled that he may also be nearing the end of his career following the passing of his father.

“I don’t know how to carry on,” Messi said. “I used to just play football, and now I’m really not sure if I’ll carry on doing it for much longer.” (AP)