Cristiano Ronaldo surprises and reveals that he is close to retiring: "This is probably my last year"

Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old Portuguese football legend, has revealed in an interview with Vogue published on Sunday that this could be his final season as a professional player. The statement marks a potential turning point in the career of one of the sport’s most iconic figures, who has spent over two decades competing at the highest level. Ronaldo, who has scored 950 goals across club and international play, stated that his retirement will come “soon,” within “one or two years.” He emphasized that this might be his last year in football, expressing a desire to leave behind an “spectacular legacy.” According to the interview, Ronaldo has already planned extensively for life after football, though he declined to specify exactly what those plans entail. The retired star mentioned that he has many interests that would keep him occupied post-retirement, including travel and playing padel. He acknowledged that football could leave a void in his life, which he intends to fill through multiple avenues rather than just one. Ronaldo, who previously played for clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, added that he wants to continue enjoying the success he and his family have achieved over the past 25 years, years marked by immense sacrifice. Earlier this week, Ronaldo married his partner, Spanish influencer and model Georgina Rodríguez, in an intimate ceremony in Cascais, near Lisbon. The couple has been together since 2017 and has three children. Ronaldo described their union as a continuation of the joy they have shared throughout their journey in football and beyond. With Portugal, Ronaldo helped secure major titles, including the European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. Recently, he participated in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, guiding Portugal to the round of 16 before the tournament begins. Following that campaign, Ronaldo is set to return to Al-Nassr, the Saudi Arabian club he joined in early 2023, for the upcoming season of the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo's comments follow a period of speculation regarding his future in football, particularly after his move to Saudi Arabia, which was viewed by some as a sign of winding down his career. However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has consistently maintained that he is still focused on performing at the top level. His recent remarks suggest that while he is preparing for life after football, he is not yet ready to step away from the game entirely. Ronaldo’s potential retirement comes amid ongoing discussions about the physical demands of modern football and how players manage their careers over extended periods. While he has remained active on the field despite his age, the prospect of stepping back into a different phase of life appears increasingly likely. His transition off the pitch will undoubtedly be watched closely by fans around the world, given his unparalleled influence on the sport. Ronaldo’s decision to reveal these thoughts publicly underscores the significance of this moment in his career. As he prepares to enter what he calls his “last year” or possibly “two years” in professional football, the focus shifts toward how he will continue to shape his legacy both on and off the field. His next steps remain uncertain, but one thing is clear, he has already begun planning for the chapter ahead.