Cristiano Ronaldo says upcoming year may be his last in football after Vogue interview

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, said “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” in an interview with Vogue published on Sunday (August 16, 2026). The statement was made as he discussed the prospects for his playing future.

A five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo began his senior career at Sporting CP and later played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. He is Portugal’s all-time leader with 233 caps and 146 goals and in 2026 became, alongside Lionel Messi, one of two men to appear in six World Cups. Ronaldo has announced his retirement from World Cup play but did not rule out further appearances for the national team.

“I have my future all mapped out,” Ronaldo told Vogue. “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. 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.

Ronaldo scored three goals in the 2026 World Cup but was the subject of criticism from disappointed fans. Despite that reaction, he has previously stopped short of giving a precise timeline for when he will finally end his playing career.

The interview appears amid his continued club commitment: his contract with Al Nassr runs until June 2027. The timing of that contract end provides a concrete date for the final season he referenced in the Vogue interview.

Published - August 17, 2026 02:00 am IST