Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that the 2026-27 season will probably be his final campaign as a professional footballer.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has one year left on his contract with Al-Nassr, meaning the Portuguese icon could be approaching the final months of a career that has lasted for more than two decades.
Cristaino Ronaldo made the revelation in an interview with Vogue while discussing his life away from football. He admitted that he already has plans for what comes next, with retirement now firmly on the horizon.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy. I have my future all mapped out.”
Ronaldo preparing for life after football
The 41-year-old has spent the last few years playing in Saudi Arabia after leaving European football behind, but he has shown little sign of slowing down.
Still, Ronaldo appears to be thinking seriously about what happens when the game finally comes to an end.
“I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.”
Ronaldo also admitted that he wants to enjoy life away from the relentless demands that have followed him throughout his career.
“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.”
He then pointed towards some of the things he wants to do more often once his playing days are over.
“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.”
For United supporters, the prospect of Ronaldo finally walking away from the game will carry some weight. His two spells at Old Trafford helped turn him into one of the biggest stars in the club’s history.
Cristiano Ronaldo still has more records to chase
There is still a little more football left, though.
Ronaldo is just 24 goals away from reaching 1,000 senior career goals, giving him another huge milestone to chase during what could be his final season.
He has won five Ballon d’Or awards and five Champions League titles during a career that has also brought league championships in England, Spain and Italy.
His international career is another part of that legacy. Ronaldo remains Portugal’s captain and the leading scorer in men’s international football.
Jorge Jesus, who previously managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr and now leads Portugal, has also suggested that the door remains open for the veteran to continue representing his country.
“He is incredibly easy to work with. I need to speak with him to find out what he wants to do. He has always told me that he wants to finish his career at Al-Nassr. If he is in a position to be called up, I will do so.”
After 25 years at the top, Cristiano Ronaldo looks ready to enjoy his final chapter before finally closing the book on one of football’s greatest careers.
