Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that the upcoming 2026-27 season may be the final chapter of his playing career, as the Portuguese forward approaches both retirement and the landmark of 1,000 professional goals.
The 41-year-old, who recently married longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez, discussed his future in an interview with Vogue, acknowledging that his time as a professional footballer could be nearing its end.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is preparing for the 24th season of his senior career and currently has 976 goals, leaving him just 24 short of the 1,000-goal milestone.
Ronaldo, who previously starred for clubs including Manchester United and Real Madrid, currently represents Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr and recently played for Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He said he had already begun planning for life beyond football and expected to devote more time to travelling, playing padel and enjoying the rewards of a career that has required decades of sacrifice.
“I have my future all mapped out,” Ronaldo said, adding that retirement would leave a significant gap in his life that he intended to fill with a variety of activities.
Despite approaching the end of his career, Ronaldo remains a prolific goalscorer. He finished last season with 28 Saudi Pro League goals and 39 across all competitions, ranking third in the league’s scoring standings.
After roughly a quarter-century at the highest levels of the sport, Ronaldo said his priority now was to finish his career with a lasting legacy.