Cristiano Ronaldo hints at retirement after Al Nassr contract

Cristiano Ronaldo has said he will “probably” retire from football when his Al Nassr contract expires next summer, adding he plans to have “more fun” once his playing career ends.

The 41-year-old Portugal international, widely recognised as one of the greatest footballers of all time, was speaking following his marriage to long-term partner Georgina Rodriguez earlier this month.

“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said in an interview with Vogue. “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: “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.”

Career milestone in sight

Ronaldo is just 24 goals shy of reaching 1,000 throughout the entirety of his senior career. In November 2025 he said he was not planning on remaining in football after his playing career as he wanted to spend more time with his family and pursue “other passions”.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner began his professional career 24 years ago with Sporting CP in Lisbon, Portugal, before a six-year spell at Manchester United, nine seasons with Real Madrid where he scored 450 goals in 438 appearances, three seasons at Juventus, a return to United before joining Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in January 2023.

World Cup farewell and Messi parallel

The comments from Ronaldo, who is under contract with Al Nassr until June 2027, follow his long-term rival Lionel Messi, 39, speaking of his doubts over continuing his own playing career “for much longer” following the death of his father, Jorge, this month.

Ronaldo scored three goals at this summer’s World Cup as Portugal reached the last-16 stage. He confirmed ahead of the tournament that the 2026 edition would be his last World Cup.