Cristiano Ronaldo has signaled that the 2026/27 season will likely be the final campaign of his 25-year professional career, telling Vogue in an interview published shortly after his marriage to Georgina Rodríguez that he is ready to transition to a life centered on family and personal interests.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” the 41-year-old Portugal captain said. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has spent nearly four years with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr, has one year remaining on his current contract. While he stopped short of announcing a definitive retirement date, the comments represent his clearest indication yet that his playing days are numbered.
Ronaldo said he has his future “all mapped out,” emphasizing the need to fill the void football will leave with varied pursuits. “Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one,” he explained. He cited plans to travel more, spend time with his family, and continue playing padel, a sport he has embraced in recent years. “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,” he added. “Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”
Despite the looming conclusion, Ronaldo remains on the cusp of another historic milestone. The Al-Nassr forward sits 24 goals shy of 1,000 senior career goals, a landmark that would further distinguish him as the most prolific scorer in the history of men’s football. He already holds the record for most goals in men’s international football and has won league titles in England, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia, along with five UEFA Champions League trophies.
Ronaldo has previously stated that the 2026 World Cup in North America will be his last international tournament. He has appeared in five World Cups to date, scoring at each edition — a record he shares with no other player. His long-time rival Lionel Messi has also recently expressed uncertainty about his own future, suggesting the era defined by their 13 combined Ballon d’Or awards may be drawing to a close.
With his wedding to Rodríguez now behind him and a post-playing career plan taking shape, Ronaldo appears increasingly at peace with the prospect of stepping away. “I will retire when I want to, not when you want,” he has insisted, underscoring a career-long autonomy he intends to maintain until the final whistle.
