Cristiano Ronaldo says this season 'probably' will be his last

Cristiano Ronaldo said in a Vogue interview published on Saturday, August 15 that this season might be his final year as a professional footballer. The 41-year-old forward currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo turned 41 this year and recently represented Portugal at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where he scored three goals. Portugal reached the Round of 16 at that tournament. He has long admitted he might be approaching the end of his career, and his recent comments have fuelled further retirement rumours.

On the possibility of stepping away, Ronaldo told Vogue: "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy." He went on in the interview: "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 also outlined activities he hopes to pursue after football, saying: "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." He added: "Because after all, it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice."

Following Portugal’s elimination there was speculation that Ronaldo would retire from international football. The new national team head coach, Jorge Jesus, said that he would call up Ronaldo if the player agreed.

Ronaldo recently married his long-term girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, on August 11 in a private civil ceremony in Cascais, Portugal. As a result, he did not feature in Al-Nassr’s opening league match against Al Fateh. A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

Ronaldo won his maiden Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr last season, and his contract with the Middle Eastern side runs until the end of this season. If Ronaldo indeed calls time on his career, he will want to do it on a high.