Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that he may be approaching the final year of his professional playing career, expressing his desire to conclude his journey with an unforgettable legacy.
The veteran forward also disclosed that he has already outlined his post-retirement roadmap, with multiple ventures and personal interests ready to pursue.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy. 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,” Ronaldo told Vogue, as per ESPN.
Acknowledging that stepping away from the game could create a major void, Ronaldo outlined his intentions to remain active through travel, participating in padel, and enjoying the fruits of a quarter-century of dedication.
“Because 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,” he added.
World Cup heartbreak ended Ronaldo’s international career
Ronaldo last featured on the international stage during Portugal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, which ended with a round-of-16 exit in July.
A late strike from Mikel Merino secured Spain a 1-0 victory in a high-stakes fixture that featured top talents such as Bruno Fernandes, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Ronaldo.
Having confirmed before the Spain clash that it would be his final World Cup appearance, the legendary striker departed the pitch in tears following missed opportunities from both himself and Fernandes, concluding his career at the pinnacle event of international football.
Since Ronaldo made his World Cup debut, Portugal’s best run came with a fourth-place finish in 2006, followed by round-of-16 exits in 2010 and 2018, and a group-stage elimination in 2014.
While Portugal reached the quarterfinals in 2022, the tournament ultimately saw his long-time rival Lionel Messi capture the trophy for Argentina following a stellar individual campaign. Ronaldo will begin a new season with Al-Nassr, hoping to complete 1,000 career goals.
