Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement plans, goals for final year
The newly married 41-year-old is already forming his post-retirement plans
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement plans, potentially leaving the sport sooner than anticipated. The 41-year-old soccer star opened up to Vogue about his decision, stating, "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy." Ronaldo's retirement plans come after a whirlwind summer filled with personal milestones and sporting achievements.
The marriage to Georgina Rodriguez, which marked the 10th anniversary of their first meeting at a Gucci store in Madrid, was celebrated on August 11. This coincided with Ronaldo's remarkable performance at the 2026 World Cup, where he scored two goals against Uzbekistan. This historic feat made him the first player to score in six World Cups and the second-oldest player (41 years, 138 days) to score a goal in World Cup history, surpassing Roger Milla's record from 1994.
Ronaldo's decision to retire comes at the end of a 25-year career, during which he has played in the UEFA Champions League qualifying match at the age of 17. With his final year in professional football uncertain, Ronaldo is already thinking about his next chapter. He expressed his eagerness to fill the void left by his potential departure from soccer, stating that he has numerous activities to keep him occupied, including pursuing his passion for padel, traveling, and continuing to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
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