Cristiano Ronaldo says next season likely his last in football

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, has said that the upcoming season with Saudi club Al-Nassr is likely his last as a professional footballer. In an interview with Vogue published on Sunday, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said, "This is probably my last year as a footballer, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy" Source: hoydo. He added that his future is "completely planned" Source: eldiado.

Contract and timeline

Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr, signed in December 2022, expires in June 2027, and he has indicated he is unlikely to renew Source: eldiado. CNN notes that the possible retirement date is May 29, 2027, when Al-Nassr faces Al-Hilal in the final match of the Saudi league Source: cnn.

Career milestones and goals

Ronaldo has scored 976 goals in his career, leaving him 24 short of the 1,000-goal milestone Source: euronewses. He has won five Ballons d'Or and five UEFA Champions League titles Source: eldiado. With Portugal, he won Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles, but a World Cup title eluded him after Portugal's elimination in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup Source: elcolombiano.

Life after football

Ronaldo plans to fill the "big void" left by football with travel, family, and padel Source: emolcl. He has invested millions in padel, including acquiring the Lisboa Racket Centre in 2024 for nearly €6 million Source: emolcl. His business interests also include hotels, hair-implant clinics, bottled water, and media Source: elmundoes.

Context and rivalry

Ronaldo's announcement comes days after Lionel Messi, 39, hinted he might retire soon following his father's death Source: eldiado. Ronaldo recently married Georgina Rodríguez in Cascais, Portugal Source: euronewses.