Cristiano Ronaldo hints at retirement after current Saudi Pro League season

Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that the current Saudi Pro League season could mark the final chapter of his illustrious professional career. The 41-year-old forward, whose contract with Riyadh club Al-Nassr runs until next June, shared his thoughts in a recent interview with Vogue magazine.

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This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy.

"This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy," Ronaldo stated. He elaborated on his future plans, indicating a desire to remain active and engaged beyond the pitch. "I have my future all mapped out," he said, hinting at a busy post-football life. "I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard."

Ronaldo, who has scored an astonishing 976 career goals, plans to fill his time with diverse pursuits. "Football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one," he explained. "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. Because after all, it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice."

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I have my future all mapped out.

The upcoming 2026-27 SPL season would mark Ronaldo's 25th year as a professional athlete. His tenure has been decorated with five Ballon d'Or awards and five UEFA Champions League titles. Last season, Ronaldo's 28 league goals were instrumental in Al-Nassr securing the Saudi Arabian league championship in May, his first trophy since joining the club. He was notably absent from Al-Nassr's opening match of their title defense on Saturday, watching from the sidelines as the team secured a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh.

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Football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one. 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. Because after all, it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.