Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that the upcoming year could be his last in professional football as he aims to leave a spectacular legacy.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted at his potential retirement from football, stating that the upcoming year could be his last. Speaking in an interview published in Vogue on Sunday (August 16, 2026), the 41-year-old stated, "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy." Ronaldo's current contract with Al Nassr runs until June 2027.
Ronaldo began his career at Sporting CP before competing with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Internationally, he announced his retirement from World Cup play, though he did not close the door on future appearances for Portugal. He stands as Portugal's all-time leader in caps (233) and goals (146). In 2026, he joined Argentina's Lionel Messi as the only men to appear in six World Cups, scoring three goals in the 2026 tournament despite drawing criticism from disappointed fans.
Reflecting on his post-retirement transition after 25 years of sacrifice, Ronaldo stated he has his future mapped out. "Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one," Ronaldo told Vogue. "And also 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."
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Sport. Photo courtesy The Hindu Sport.