Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal and the 41-year-old global football superstar, has suggested that he could bring his illustrious professional career to an end at the conclusion of next season. In an interview with Vogue, Ronaldo said that the coming year would likely be his final year in professional football.
Ronaldo said he wants to conclude his playing career in a way that leaves behind a lasting legacy in the sport. Having begun his professional career in 2002, he is now approaching the end of more than two decades at the highest level of world football.
The Portuguese forward has represented clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr, and is widely regarded as one of the most decorated players in football history. For many years, he has also been one of the sport’s most prominent global figures.
Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or awards and has scored 976 goals for club and country over the course of his career. He is now closing in on the historic milestone of 1,000 career goals a record that could become one of the final major targets of his playing career.
In another part of the interview, Ronaldo also spoke about life after football. He said he plans to spend more time travelling, enjoying himself and playing padel in order to fill the void left by the sport. After 25 years as a professional and making numerous sacrifices throughout his career, he said he wants to enjoy the achievements and rewards of his time in football.
Following Portugal’s failure to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo is expected to continue with Al-Nassr and compete in the new Saudi Pro League season. As he enters the final stage of his career, he will aim to reach the 1,000-goal milestone before eventually bringing his playing days to an end.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
