Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that his extraordinary football career could come to an end after the 2026/27 season.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain made the revelation in an interview with Vogue magazine, saying he wants to step away from the game after building a legacy he can be proud of.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said.
The forward has spoken several times about retirement in recent years, previously suggesting that he could stop playing within one or two years. His latest comments, however, suggest that the end of his career may now be closer than previously thought.
Ronaldo has scored more than 950 goals for club and country during a career that has included spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, among other clubs.
He is preparing to return to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr ahead of the new Saudi Pro League season after featuring for Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While looking ahead to life after football, Ronaldo acknowledged that retirement could create a major void after spending more than two decades competing at the highest level.
“Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one,” he said, mentioning travel and padel among the activities he hopes to enjoy.
Ronaldo also recently married his longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez in a private ceremony in Cascais, Portugal.
Reflecting on the years he has spent at the top of the sport, the Portuguese star said he now wants to enjoy the rewards of a career built on years of sacrifice.
“Continue to enjoy what I’ve earned, what we’ve earned. Because after all, it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice,” he said.
