Soccer

Cristiano Ronaldo Reveals Likely Retirement Date Ahead Of New Al-Nassr Season

Updated Aug. 16, 2026 1:34 p.m. ET

The legendary career of Cristiano Ronaldo may be reaching its final act sooner than expected.

Following the curtain call on his international career with Portugal at the World Cup, speculation mounted over how much fuel football's ultimate showman had left in the tank.

Now, we finally have an answer. In a recent interview with Vogue about his recent wedding, Ronaldo revealed that this is "probably" his last year of football.

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

Cristiano Ronaldo was left heartbroken after Portugal's loss in the round of 16 against Spain at the World Cup. (Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

At 41 years old and entering what is expected to be his final professional season, Ronaldo is heading into his fourth season with Al-Nassr FC in the Saudi Pro League. Last season, Al-Nassr won the league on the final day of the campaign to seal Ronaldo's first trophy with the club since 2023.

Ronaldo has scored 976 goals in his career between club and country. If he stays fit and is able to play a full season for Al-Nassr, he will likely reach 1,000.

Ronaldo has been in the world's football spotlight since his Sporting CP debut in 2002, as a 17-year-old. He signed for Manchester United in 2003 before moving to Real Madrid in 2009.

His goal for retirement? Relax.

"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," Ronaldo said. "Because, after all, it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice."

Ronaldo is coming off a strong World Cup run with Portugal after leading the team to the Round of 16 by beating Croatia in the Round of 32. Portugal was eliminated in a close 1-0 matchup after losing to the eventual tournament winner in Spain.