Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the current season in the Saudi Pro League may mark the end of his illustrious career. The 41-year-old football icon’s contract with Al-Nassr in Riyadh, inked in December 2022, is set to expire next June, and he expressed doubts about signing another deal.
“I believe this could be my final year in football, and I aim to leave behind a remarkable legacy,” Ronaldo shared in an interview with Vogue magazine. The Portuguese forward, renowned for scoring 976 career goals, recently tied the knot with his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez.
“My future plans are well laid out,” he remarked. “There are numerous endeavors that will keep me occupied. Football has been a significant part of my life, and transitioning away from it will require engaging in various activities to fill the void left by the sport.”
Furthermore, Ronaldo emphasized the importance of embracing new experiences, such as traveling more, engaging in his favorite sport, padel, and cherishing the rewards of his hard work over the past 25 years. The ongoing 2026-27 SPL season marks Ronaldo’s 25th as a professional player, during which he has clinched five Ballon d’Or awards and five UEFA Champions League titles.
Ronaldo’s exceptional performance last season, culminating in 28 league goals, propelled Al-Nassr to clinch the Saudi Arabian championship in May, securing his first trophy since joining the club and the team’s first league title since 2019. Despite missing Al-Nassr’s season opener following his wedding festivities, Ronaldo remains a steadfast presence for the team, as confirmed by Al-Nassr coach Ange Postecoglou.
Looking ahead, Ronaldo is poised to potentially feature in the upcoming King’s Cup match against Al-Diriyah. Postecoglou highlighted the significance of prioritizing recovery given the tight schedule following the current game.
Notably, Ronaldo’s contemplation on retirement aligns with his longtime rival Lionel Messi’s recent statements about his future in football following his father’s passing. Messi, aged 39, expressed uncertainty about continuing to play the sport that has defined much of his life.
