Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the current campaign will likely mark the end of his illustrious playing career. The 41-year-old, who married his partner Georgina Rodriguez earlier this week, is now looking toward a future centered on family life.
A five-time Ballon d’Or winner and five-time Champions League champion, Ronaldo has secured league titles in England, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia. He also stands as the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football. The Portugal captain has spent nearly four years with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr, where he has one year remaining on his contract.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told Vogue in an interview discussing his wedding.
“I have my future all mapped out. I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one,” he added. “Have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned — what we’ve earned. Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”
Ronaldo sits 24 goals shy of reaching 1,000 senior career goals. His long-time rival Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, recently expressed similar uncertainty regarding his own playing future.
The pair’s most recent World Cup campaigns offered a stark contrast: Messi netted eight goals and captained Argentina to the final, while Ronaldo’s Portugal exited in the round of 16. When asked in July if his sixth World Cup would be his last, Ronaldo stated he would decide “with a calm head” alongside his family.
Al-Nassr began their Saudi Pro League title defense against Al Fateh on Saturday. Ronaldo did not feature in the match but watched the champions secure victory from the stands alongside his family.
