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Cristiano Ronaldo hints at retirement at end of season
17th August, 2026 09:39 AM
Cristiano Ronaldo has fuelled speculation about his retirement plans after saying the upcoming year will probably be the last of his playing career.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain is one of the most decorated players of all time, winning major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and current club Al-Nassr since making his senior debut for Sporting in 2002.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was unable to add a World Cup title to his list of honours after Portugal fell short at this year’s tournament, leaving the sport’s biggest prize absent from his trophy cabinet.
Leaving a legacy
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told lifestyle magazine Vogue in an interview published on Sunday.
The forward has scored 976 goals for club and country during a career spanning more than two decades.
“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 said.
Years of sacrifice
“And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I have earned—what we have earned. Because, after all, it has been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”
Ronaldo will continue playing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr this season as he closes in on the milestone of 1,000 career goals.
His admission comes days after he affirmed his personal commitment to his long-term partner, Georgina Rodriguez, by tying the knot on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
The football icon and his wife announced their marriage on social media via a joint Instagram post showing the newlyweds in white and wearing rings on their left ring fingers.
The wedding happened at a private ceremony in Portugal, coming exactly one year after Georgina announced their engagement on August 11, 2025, though the pair’s relationship began back in 2016.
