Ronaldo hints current season is 'probably my last year' in football

Cristiano Ronaldo has signalled that his time as a professional footballer may be drawing to a close, saying the current season at Al-Nassr is likely to be his last. The 41-year-old, who married his long-term partner Georgina Rodriguez this week, made the revelation in an interview with Vogue magazine.

A future beyond football

"This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy," Ronaldo told the publication. He described his post-football plans as wide-ranging: more time with family, more travel, playing padel — a sport he has grown passionate about — and enjoying what a 25-year career has afforded him. "After all it's been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice," he said.

Ronaldo holds one year remaining on his contract with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr and said he would use the season to produce a fitting end to his playing days. He sits 24 goals short of the 1,000 senior career goals milestone, a figure that could motivate one final push.

A record-breaking career

A five-time Ballon d'Or winner and five-time Champions League champion, Ronaldo has claimed league titles in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia. He remains the all-time leading scorer in men's international football. His long-time rival Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or holder, also recently indicated uncertainty about the length of his playing future, though Messi enjoyed a far more successful 2026 World Cup campaign — scoring eight goals as Argentina reached the final — compared to Portugal's early exit in the round of 16.