Cristiano Ronaldo has given his clearest indication yet that his playing career could be approaching its final chapter. In a recent interview with Vogue, the 41-year-old Portugal captain said the 2026–27 season will “probably” be his final year in football, although he stopped short of announcing a firm retirement date.
The comments represent a significant change from Ronaldo's previous statements about retirement. He has discussed the subject several times in recent years but generally avoided committing to a specific timeline. His latest remarks, however, suggest that the end of his 25-year professional career could now be much closer.
Ronaldo Finally Puts a Timeline on Retirement
Ronaldo has previously acknowledged that retirement is approaching, but his comments were usually deliberately vague. In November 2025, he said he expected to continue for another year or two while confirming that the 2026 World Cup would be his final tournament.
His latest statement goes further. Ronaldo said the upcoming season is “probably” his last year of football and explained that he wants to leave what he described as a spectacular legacy.
The wording still leaves room for uncertainty. Ronaldo did not announce a specific retirement date, meaning he could theoretically change his plans. Nevertheless, the statement is the strongest public indication so far that his playing career may end during the 2026–27 campaign.
A Career That Has Lasted More Than Two Decades
Ronaldo's professional career began with Sporting CP before he moved to Manchester United in 2003. His rise continued at Real Madrid, where he became the club's all-time leading scorer and won multiple Champions League titles.
He later played for Juventus and returned to Manchester United before joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in 2023.
Across those clubs and Portugal, Ronaldo has built one of the most statistically productive careers in football history. He has won five Ballon d'Or awards, five Champions League titles and major domestic trophies in England, Spain and Italy. With Portugal, he won the 2016 European Championship and the Nations League.
The 2026 World Cup Was Already the End of an Era
Even before his latest comments, Ronaldo had confirmed that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament.
At 41, he became the first player to appear at six men's World Cups. He also scored at his sixth tournament, adding another record to a career filled with international milestones.
Portugal's campaign ended in the round of 16 against Spain. Ronaldo scored three goals during the tournament, taking his World Cup career total to 11 goals across 27 appearances.
Although Portugal did not reach the later stages, the tournament marked the conclusion of Ronaldo's World Cup career.
His latest comments now suggest that the end of his club career could follow much sooner than previously expected.
Al-Nassr Contract Runs Until 2027
Ronaldo remains under contract with Al-Nassr until June 2027, meaning his current deal already covers most of the season he has identified as potentially his final campaign.
That makes the timing of his comments particularly notable.
If Ronaldo follows through with his current plan, his final professional season could take place entirely with Al-Nassr. The club has been the home of the later stage of his career since his move to Saudi Arabia in December 2022.
His eventual final match could therefore become a major moment for both Al-Nassr and Saudi football.
The 1,000-Goal Milestone Remains in Sight
One of the major individual targets still ahead of Ronaldo is the 1,000-goal milestone.
Ronaldo has repeatedly spoken about his desire to reach that figure, and his continued scoring has kept the possibility alive as he enters what could be his final season.
According to The Times of India, he was still 24 senior goals short of reaching 1,000 after the 2026 World Cup.
That target could become one of the defining storylines of his final season.
Rather than simply counting down to retirement, Ronaldo could spend the campaign pursuing one last statistical milestone that would further extend his already extraordinary goalscoring record.
Ronaldo Already Knows What Comes After Football
Ronaldo also discussed what he wants his life to look like once his playing career ends.
He said he has already mapped out his future and expects to spend more time with his family. He also mentioned traveling and playing or watching padel as activities he wants to enjoy after football.
The comments suggest that retirement is no longer an abstract idea for Ronaldo.
After spending roughly 25 years at the highest level, he appears to be actively considering how he will fill his time once professional football is no longer part of his daily routine.
Family Will Become a Bigger Part of His Life
Ronaldo has often spoken about the importance of his family, and his comments about retirement indicate that family life will become an increasingly important part of his next chapter.
He has five children with Georgina Rodríguez and recently married Rodríguez after nearly a decade together. Their wedding took place in August 2026, adding another major personal milestone during a year already filled with significant changes.
Stepping away from professional football would give Ronaldo considerably more freedom to spend time with his family, travel and pursue interests that have been difficult to prioritize during an elite sporting career.
For a player who has spent most of his adult life following an intense training and competition schedule, the transition would represent a major lifestyle change.
Portugal's Era With Ronaldo Is Also Changing
Ronaldo's potential retirement comes shortly after the end of his international career at the 2026 World Cup.
He remains Portugal's all-time leading men's international goalscorer and had scored 146 international goals by the end of the tournament.
Portugal's new manager, Jorge Jesus, has continued to regard Ronaldo as an important figure in the national team while he remains active and available. However, the conclusion of the World Cup means Portugal is now entering a new period regardless of exactly when Ronaldo decides to stop playing.
The transition could eventually involve younger Portuguese forwards taking on larger roles while Ronaldo moves toward the final stage of his career.
A Final Season Could Bring New Records
If the 2026–27 campaign is indeed Ronaldo's final season, there will be plenty of individual milestones to follow.
The most obvious is the pursuit of 1,000 career goals. His scoring record, international goals, Champions League achievements and longevity also provide numerous statistical benchmarks that could receive renewed attention throughout the campaign.
There is also the possibility of Ronaldo adding more silverware with Al-Nassr.
His career has already produced league titles in England, Spain and Italy, as well as European and international trophies. A final season with Al-Nassr would give him one more opportunity to compete for honors before potentially stepping away from professional football.
Ronaldo Wants to Leave a Lasting Legacy
Ronaldo's use of the word “legacy” is particularly significant.
Throughout his career, his achievements have been measured not only by trophies but also by goals, records and longevity. He has remained at the center of world football for more than two decades, competing across different generations of players.
His latest comments suggest that he is now thinking about how that career will ultimately be remembered.
Rather than focusing only on the moment of retirement, Ronaldo appears interested in completing his career in a way that reflects the standards he has maintained throughout his professional life.
The End Is Near, but Not Here Yet
Despite the headline surrounding his latest comments, Ronaldo has not officially retired.
His use of “probably” leaves some uncertainty, and his contract with Al-Nassr continues through June 2027. That means there is still a full season of football ahead before any final decision becomes official.
The distinction matters because Ronaldo has previously adjusted his retirement timeline. His 2025 comments suggested that he expected to retire within one or two years, while also emphasizing that he was still enjoying football and performing at a high level.
For now, the 2026–27 season should therefore be viewed as a possible final chapter rather than a confirmed retirement date.
A Legendary Career Approaches Its Final Chapter
Few football careers have lasted as long or produced as many records as Ronaldo's.
From Sporting CP and Manchester United to Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr, he has played across multiple generations and footballing cultures. His rivalry with Lionel Messi also defined a large part of the modern game, with the pair competing for major individual awards and breaking scoring records for more than a decade.
Now both players are approaching the end of their careers.
Messi has also recently expressed uncertainty about his playing future following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Ronaldo's latest comments add another major indication that an era of football could soon be coming to a close.
What Could Come Next?
For Ronaldo, the immediate priority remains football.
He still has matches to play with Al-Nassr, records to pursue and another season in which he can compete for trophies. His focus is therefore unlikely to shift entirely toward retirement until the season progresses.
Beyond football, however, Ronaldo already appears to have a clear idea of what he wants.
More family time, travel, padel and other personal interests could become part of his routine once the demands of professional football disappear. After a career defined by constant competition, that transition could be as significant personally as the retirement itself.
Overall
Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that the 2026–27 season will probably be the final year of his playing career. Speaking to Vogue, the 41-year-old said he wants to leave a spectacular legacy and has already started thinking about life after football.
Ronaldo's comments do not represent a formal retirement announcement, but they provide the clearest timeline he has given so far. His Al-Nassr contract runs until June 2027, and he still has another season in which to compete, score goals and pursue the 1,000-goal milestone.
After more than two decades at the highest level, Ronaldo's possible final season could become a remarkable farewell tour for one of football's most recognizable careers. For now, the next chapter remains on the pitch—but the countdown to the end may have officially begun.
