Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that the 2026/27 campaign could be his final season as a professional footballer.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain made the revelation in an interview with Vogue magazine, saying he wants to end his career by leaving a lasting legacy.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said.
The veteran forward has previously spoken about retirement, saying it could come within the next one or two years, but his latest comments suggest he is now closer to bringing an extraordinary career to an end.
Ronaldo has scored more than 950 goals for club and country and has enjoyed spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, among others.
He is currently preparing to return to Al Nassr ahead of the new Saudi Pro League season after representing Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo also admitted that retirement could leave a significant gap in his life after more than two decades 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, pointing to travel and padel among the activities he plans to enjoy.
The Portuguese superstar also recently married his longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez in an intimate ceremony in Cascais.
Reflecting on his career, Ronaldo said he wants to enjoy what he has achieved after 25 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.
