Cristiano Ronaldo (41, Al Nassr) has announced his intention to retire from professional soccer at the conclusion of the upcoming season.
In a recent interview with Vogue magazine, Ronaldo revealed that this season will likely be the final chapter of his soccer career. He aims to leave behind a lasting legacy.
Should Ronaldo hang up his cleats following the 2026-27 season, it would mark the end of a remarkable 25-year professional career.
The Portuguese superstar kicked off his pro journey in 2002 with Sporting CP before embarking on a globetrotting adventure that saw him don the jerseys of Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently, Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Throughout his illustrious quarter-century in the sport, Ronaldo has amassed an impressive trophy haul, including five Ballon d’Or awards, a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) European Championship title, five UEFA Champions League crowns, and eight domestic league titles.
Moreover, his goal-scoring prowess has seen him net a staggering 976 goals for club and country, leaving him on the cusp of the coveted 1,000-goal milestone.
As he prepares to close the curtain on his stellar playing career, Ronaldo mused that post-retirement, he’ll need to diversify his time. Even after stepping away from the pitch, he anticipates a bustling schedule.
The soccer icon added that he’s looking forward to traveling, indulging in his passion for padel, and watching matches from the sidelines. After 25 years of dedication and sacrifice, he’s eager to fully savor the fruits of his family’s and his own labor.