Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that his remarkable football career could be approaching its final chapter, revealing that the coming season may be his last in professional football.
The 41-year-old made the admission while discussing his recent marriage to Georgina Rodriguez in an interview with Vogue.
Ronaldo said he already had plans for life beyond the sport and was determined to end his playing days by leaving behind a lasting legacy.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said.
A new chapter beyond the pitch
Ronaldo acknowledged that retiring after more than two decades at the highest level would leave a significant gap in his life.
However, he said he had already considered how he would spend his time once his playing career ends.
The Portugal captain said he wants to travel more, spend time enjoying life, watch and play padel and make the most of everything he and his family have achieved.
He also reflected on the sacrifices required to maintain a career at the elite level for so long, noting that his football journey has involved roughly 25 years of intense commitment.
Wedding marks a personal milestone
Ronaldo’s comments came during an interview focused largely on his relationship with Rodriguez and their recent wedding.
The couple married privately at their home in Portugal on August 11, choosing the date because it marked 10 years since they first met.
The ceremony brought together their families as the pair celebrated a major milestone away from the spotlight.
Yet the interview unexpectedly produced one of the biggest revelations of Ronaldo’s career, with the forward offering a glimpse into his plans for retirement.
Ronaldo’s extraordinary journey
A retirement after the upcoming season would bring an extraordinary era in elite football closer to its conclusion.
Ronaldo began his senior career with Sporting Lisbon before establishing himself as a global superstar during spells with Manchester United and Real Madrid.
He later moved to Juventus, returned to Manchester United and eventually joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr three years ago.
Across those chapters, he has maintained an exceptional level of longevity, remaining a major figure in world football well into his forties.
World Cup ambitions could now have a deadline
Ronaldo’s comments also raise questions about whether he intends to feature for Portugal beyond the next major international cycle.
Portugal’s most recent World Cup campaign ended with a round-of-16 defeat in the United States, seemingly closing one possible chapter of Ronaldo’s international career.
With Portugal among the hosts of the 2030 World Cup, however, there had previously been speculation that he could attempt an extraordinary final appearance at the tournament at the age of 45.
His latest remarks suggest such a scenario may now be far less likely.
Messi also raises questions about his own future
Ronaldo’s revelation comes shortly after Lionel Messi appeared to cast doubt on his own playing future.
The 39-year-old Argentina icon was mourning the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who died aged 68.
In an emotional tribute, Messi reflected on the possibility that his own relationship with football could be nearing its end.
“I only played football and now I have serious doubts that I’ll continue doing that for much longer,” Messi wrote in his tribute.
The comments prompted widespread discussion about whether one of football’s greatest players could also be approaching retirement.
Ronaldo offers support to his longtime rival
Ronaldo responded to Messi’s emotional message with a brief show of solidarity, sending his longtime rival a message of support during the difficult period.
“A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength,” Ronaldo wrote.
Now, with Ronaldo himself acknowledging that his playing career may have only one season remaining, football could be preparing to say goodbye to one of its defining figures.
After decades of records, trophies and global recognition, the Portuguese superstar appears to have begun planning life beyond the game that made him one of the most famous athletes in history.
