Ronaldo hints current season at Al-Nassr will be his last in football

Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated he expects to retire at the end of the current season, telling Vogue: “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy.”

The 41-year-old made the admission as he prepares for the new Al-Nassr campaign under manager Ange Postecoglou, who is tasked with defending the Saudi Pro League title. Ronaldo is contracted to the Saudi club until 2027, but his latest comments suggest he may not see out that deal.

The Portuguese forward arrived at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico having already hinted that retirement was “soon” or within “one or two years”. At the tournament he became the first player in history to appear at six World Cups, though Portugal’s campaign ended in the last 16 with a defeat to Spain.

Ronaldo, who married his partner Georgina Rodríguez in Cascais last week, told Vogue he has his life after football “all mapped out”. “I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard,” he said. “Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.” He added that he wanted to “continue to enjoy what I’ve earned — what we’ve earned. Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”

With 950 goals for club and country, the immediate target is the 1,000-goal milestone, which he is expected to pursue with Al-Nassr and the Portuguese national team. Beyond that, the motivation to continue appears limited. Ronaldo has already claimed five Ballons d’Or, five Champions League titles, league honours in England, Spain and Italy, and international trophies at Euro 2016 and the Nations League.

Speculation had previously circulated that Ronaldo might extend his career to play at a seventh World Cup in 2030, when Portugal is among the co-host nations — a tournament he would enter at 45. His latest comments make that scenario appear unlikely.

If Ronaldo does complete the season with Al-Nassr, his final professional matches would fall in May 2026.