Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that the ongoing Saudi Pro League season could mark the conclusion of his illustrious football career. The 41-year-old star’s contract with Al-Nassr in Riyadh, inked in December 2022, is set to expire next June, with Ronaldo indicating to Vogue magazine that another season is improbable.
“I believe this year could be my final one in football, and I aim to leave behind a remarkable legacy,” Ronaldo stated. The Portuguese forward, renowned for his tally of 976 career goals, recently tied the knot with his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez.
“I have my future meticulously planned out. There are numerous pursuits awaiting me post-football, making it challenging to pinpoint just one. It’s essential to engage in various activities to fill the void that football’s absence may create, to relish life more, travel extensively, indulge in my passion for padel, and continue to cherish what I’ve achieved – what we’ve achieved. It’s been 25 years of immense dedication,” Ronaldo elaborated.
The ongoing 2026-27 SPL season marks Ronaldo’s 25th as a professional footballer. Over the course of his career, he has clinched five Ballon d’Or accolades and secured five UEFA Champions League titles.
Ronaldo’s exceptional performance last season, scoring 28 league goals, propelled Al-Nassr to clinch the Saudi Arabian championship in May, marking his first title since joining the club and the team’s first league triumph since 2019.
Following his return from his recent nuptials, Ronaldo was absent from Al-Nassr’s opening title defense match, witnessing the team’s 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh from the sidelines. Coach Ange Postecoglou expressed Ronaldo’s continuous support for the team, emphasizing his presence.
Looking ahead, Ronaldo may feature in the upcoming King’s Cup match against Al-Diriyah on Tuesday. Postecoglou emphasized the significance of recovery, particularly with a short turnaround time following the previous game.
Ronaldo’s reflections come in the wake of Lionel Messi’s recent revelation about contemplating retirement following his father’s passing. Messi, aged 39, expressed uncertainty about his future in football, stating, “I used to purely focus on playing football, but now I’m uncertain about how long I’ll continue.”