Ronaldo drops retirement hint: ‘This is probably my last year of football’

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football legend, has hinted that 2026/27 season might be his final year in professional football. During an interview with Vogue, the star declared, "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy." Ronaldo expressed his excitement about the future, stating, "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." He mentioned that football could leave a significant void in his life, urging him to diversify his activities. Ronaldo also revealed his newfound interest in padel, a sport he thoroughly enjoys. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has amassed over 1,000 goals throughout his career.

Ronaldo recently made history by participating in his sixth World Cup, held in the United States, where Portugal suffered a heartbreaking loss to eventual champions Spain in the Round of 16. Ahead of the match, Ronaldo had confirmed that 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his last appearance in the prestigious tournament. The football icon recently tied the knot with his longtime partner, model and influencer Georgina Rodriguez, in a civil ceremony in Portugal. The couple, who have been together for ten years, were seen as Portugal's 'wedding of the year'.