Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that the 2026/27 season could be the final campaign of his remarkable football career, with the Portugal captain already planning for life beyond the sport.
The 41-year-old made the admission in an interview with Vogue shortly after marrying his long-time partner, Georgina Rodríguez, as he considers a future increasingly centred on family, travel and other interests.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said.
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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in football history, winning league titles in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia, as well as five Champions League trophies.
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He is also the leading goalscorer in men’s international football and remains Portugal’s captain.
Ronaldo plans life after football
Ronaldo, who has spent almost four years with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr, has one year remaining on his current contract.
While he has not given a definitive retirement date, his latest comments represent his clearest indication yet that his playing career could soon come to an end.
“I have my future 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.”
Ronaldo said he hopes to travel more, spend time with his family and continue playing padel, one of his favourite activities.
“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.”
1,000-goal milestone in sight
Despite approaching the final stage of his career, Ronaldo remains within touching distance of another historic milestone.
The Al-Nassr forward is just 24 goals away from reaching 1,000 senior career goals, a landmark that would further cement his status as one of football’s greatest-ever goalscorers.
He recently featured at his sixth World Cup with Portugal, having already confirmed before the tournament that the 2026 edition would be his last.
However, Ronaldo previously insisted that he would decide the timing of his retirement himself.
“I will retire when I want to, not when you want,” he said.
He became the first player to score at six different World Cups and finished the tournament with 11 goals from 27 appearances.
Ronaldo and Messi nearing the end
Ronaldo’s retirement comments come shortly after his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, also expressed uncertainty about how much longer he would continue playing.
The pair have dominated world football for more than a decade, combining for 13 Ballon d’Or awards.
While Messi led Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, Ronaldo’s Portugal were eliminated in the round of 16.
Ronaldo had previously said he would discuss his future with his family before making a final decision.
With his wedding to Rodríguez now behind him and his playing career entering its final stretch, the Portugal legend appears increasingly prepared for the next chapter of his life.
