This is probably my last year of football, Ronaldo hints retirement

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Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that he could retire from professional football after the 2026-27 season, saying he wants to leave a “spectacular legacy.”

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The 41-year-old Portugal captain made the revelation in an interview with Vogue published on Sunday, as he discussed his future following his wedding to partner Georgina Rodríguez.

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“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said.

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The Al-Nassr forward, who began the new season on August 15, said he is already looking ahead to more time with his family.

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“I have my future all mapped out,” he said. “I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard.

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“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.

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“Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”

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The comments mark one of the clearest indications yet from the Portuguese star about the approaching end of a career that has included major titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Portugal.

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Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2023 after leaving Manchester United.

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He has continued to play at the highest level and featured for Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored more than 900 senior career goals for club and country.

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He and Rodríguez married in an intimate ceremony at their home in Cascais, Portugal, on August 11, the 10th anniversary of the day they first met.

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In the Vogue interview, the couple said they were looking forward to spending more time together and with their children.

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Ronaldo said he had already planned his life after football, suggesting that retirement would mark the beginning of a new phase rather than an end to his activities.

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