Cristiano Ronaldo says this is probably his last year in football

Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the current season could be his last, saying he wants to leave a "spectacular legacy". The Portugal captain also spoke about his plans after retirement, including spending more time with family and pursuing interests beyond football

New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo has given his clearest indication yet that his glittering football career could come to an end after the current season, with the Portugal captain admitting that this is “probably my last year” in the sport.

The 41-year-old, whose contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr runs until June 2027, has previously admitted that retirement is approaching but has not specified a definite timeline for ending his playing career. However, in an interview with Vogue published on Sunday, Ronaldo suggested he may be entering the final phase of his career.

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“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said.

Last November, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he expected to continue playing for “one or two years” and stressed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament. Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the Round of 16 last month, with Ronaldo scoring three goals during the campaign.

Although he did not announce a definitive retirement date, his latest remarks suggest that the end of his playing career may now be much closer.

Ronaldo said he has already begun planning for life after football and is looking forward to spending more time with his family and pursuing interests outside the game.

“I have my future all mapped out,” Ronaldo told Vogue. “I have so many things to keep me busy that it’s hard to name just one.

“Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one. I also want to 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.

“After all, it’s been 25 years of sacrifice.”

The interview was conducted five days before Ronaldo married his long-term partner, Georgina Rodríguez, in Cascais, Portugal, marking another significant milestone during a period of major personal and professional change.

Retirement would bring an extraordinary career to a close. Ronaldo began his professional career at Sporting CP before moving to Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, and later joined Al Nassr in January 2023.

His nine-year spell at Real Madrid was the most successful period of his club career. In 438 appearances for the Spanish giants, he scored a club-record 450 goals, establishing himself as one of the most decorated and influential players in football history.

His latest retirement remarks also came after long-time rival Lionel Messi earlier this week expressed uncertainty over how much longer he would continue playing following the death of his father, Jorge.