Cristiano Ronaldo have made the revelation during an emotional interview with Vogue, where he reflected on more than two decades at the top of the game and what he wants life to look like after football.
Ronaldo while speaking in the interview that it is probably my last year Ronaldo suggested he is already preparing for the end of his playing career.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy.”
While he stopped short of officially announcing his retirement, the Portuguese icon’s comments are the strongest sign yet that the countdown has begun.
Ronaldo also revealed that his post-football life is already “all mapped out.” After spending around 25 years competing at the highest level, he said he looks forward to travelling more, playing padel, and enjoying quality time with his family—things that have often taken a back seat throughout his career.
What did Cristiano Ronaldo say about his retirement?
“I have a lot of things that will keep me busy, to the point that it’s difficult to tell you just one thing. I have just planned it all. When football is gone, it can leave a big void, and you have to fill your time with different things planned… not just one thing. I am ready to enjoy myself more, travel more, watch and play padel, which I love very much. So I want to continue enjoying what I have earned… and what we have earned together. Because it was 25 years filled with a lot of daily sacrifices”.
Even with retirement on the horizon, Ronaldo still has unfinished business on the pitch. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains in pursuit of the incredible milestone of 1,000 career goals, a feat no player has officially achieved in modern football.
Whether he reaches that landmark or not, Ronaldo’s legacy is already secure after winning league titles in England, Spain and Italy, lifting the Champions League five times, and leading Portugal to major international trophies.
Ronaldo’s comments mark the beginning of what could be his farewell season. Every goal, celebration and appearance may now carry added significance as one of the sport’s greatest-ever players prepares to bring an extraordinary career to a close.