Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that his current campaign could mark the conclusion of his illustrious professional soccer career. The 41-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, has amassed five Ballon d’Or awards and numerous major trophies throughout his time in the sport. Following his marriage to Georgina Rodríguez this past Tuesday, the forward told Vogue that he is preparing for a transition, stating, “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy.”
Currently under contract with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr for one more season, Ronaldo has his future “all mapped out.” He expressed a desire to prioritize family time after dedicating 25 years to the game. “Because, after all, it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice,” he noted. The athlete plans to fill the void left by retirement with various activities, including traveling and playing padel, explaining that he has many projects to keep him occupied once he steps away from the pitch.
Ronaldo’s career has spanned stints at elite clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He has recorded 976 goals for club and country to date and remains focused on reaching the 1,000-goal milestone while competing in the Saudi league this season. This summer, he set an all-time record by participating in and scoring during his sixth World Cup for Portugal.
Reflecting on the shift away from professional competition, Ronaldo acknowledged the difficulty of leaving the sport behind. “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. As he enters what may be his final year, the veteran forward aims to balance his competitive ambitions with a new chapter of personal enjoyment. The report also notes that winning five Ballon d’Or awards in addition to a host of major trophies and record-breaking achievements, the 41-year-old is widely considered one of the best players in history.
