Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the current Saudi Pro League season may be his final one in professional football. The 41-year-old football icon’s contract with Al-Nassr, which he joined in December 2022, is set to expire in June, and he has expressed doubts about signing another contract.
In an interview with Vogue magazine, Ronaldo stated, “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy.” With a remarkable career that includes 976 goals, the Portuguese forward recently tied the knot with his long-time partner, Georgina Rodriguez.
Looking ahead, Ronaldo shared his plans for the future, saying, “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.”
Ronaldo emphasized the importance of diversifying his interests, mentioning his love for padel, traveling, and enjoying the rewards of his hard work over the past 25 years. His 2026-27 SPL season marks his 25th year as a professional player, during which he has claimed five Ballon d’Or awards and five UEFA Champions League titles.
Last season, Ronaldo’s impressive performance with Al-Nassr, scoring 28 league goals, led the team to win the Saudi Arabian championship, their first league title since 2019. Despite missing the season opener after his wedding, Ronaldo remains a vital presence for Al-Nassr, who secured a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh.
Al-Nassr’s coach, Ange Postecoglou, acknowledged Ronaldo’s ongoing impact, stating, “Cristiano is here today, and he is always present with us.” The team is preparing for their upcoming match against Al-Diriyah in the King’s Cup, with Postecoglou emphasizing the importance of recovery due to the tight schedule.
Ronaldo’s reflections on his potential retirement come in the wake of Lionel Messi’s recent comments about considering retirement following his father’s passing. Messi, 39, expressed uncertainty about his future in football, remarking, “I used to just play football, and now I’m really not sure if I’ll carry on doing it for much longer.”