Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Retirement as Al-Nassr Star Reveals Upcoming Season Could Be the Final Chapter of His Legendary Career

Cristiano Ronaldo has given his clearest indication yet that his legendary football career could soon come to an end, revealing that the upcoming season with Al-Nassr will “probably” be his final year in football. The 41-year-old Portugal captain said he wants to walk away having left behind a “spectacular legacy.”

Ronaldo made the comments in an interview with Vogue, published on Sunday, while discussing his career, family and plans for life after football. He stopped short of announcing a definite retirement date, but his remarks suggest that the 2026/27 season could represent the final chapter of a career that has lasted more than two decades.

The timing also fits his current situation at Al-Nassr. Ronaldo’s contract with the Saudi Pro League club runs until 2027, meaning the coming campaign could potentially be his final full season as a professional footballer. He joined Al-Nassr in late 2022 after leaving Manchester United and has since become one of the biggest names in Saudi football.

Despite his age, Ronaldo remains highly productive. He finished last season as Al-Nassr’s leading scorer and is still chasing one of the most remarkable individual milestones in football: 1,000 career goals. Reuters puts his current club-and-country total at 976, leaving him 24 goals short of the landmark.

His career has already produced an extraordinary collection of achievements. Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or awards, major domestic titles in England, Spain and Italy, five Champions League trophies and the European Championship with Portugal. He has also established himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in international football.

The 2026 World Cup was his sixth appearance at the tournament and is expected to be his final World Cup. Although he never lifted the trophy, Ronaldo leaves the competition having created a remarkable international legacy with Portugal.

Now, the focus is increasingly shifting towards what comes next. Ronaldo said he already has plans for life after football, including travelling more, spending time with his family and playing padel, a sport he has developed a strong interest in.

For now, however, retirement is not official. Ronaldo still has another season to play and another opportunity to add to his extraordinary goalscoring record. If he does decide to retire at the end of the campaign, football could soon be preparing for the end of one of the greatest and most recognisable careers in its history.