AAP Soccer

Ronaldo: 'This is probably my last year of football'

By AAP Newswire

Aug 17, 2026

soccer Ronaldo — Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo says he's "probably" in his final year as a soccer player. -EPA

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has given his strongest hint yet that he's on the final lap of his great career at 41.

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"This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy," the Al-Nassr striker told Vogue magazine in an interview on Sunday to mark his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez.

"I have my future all mapped out," said the Portuguese great. "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.

"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. Because after all it's been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice."

More children and a bigger second wedding have not been ruled out.

Ronaldo's great rival Lionel Messi also revealed in the week that he's uncertain about how much longer he will continue playing, following the death of his father Jorge, whose passing has left the Argentina captain devastated

Ronaldo has previously said he would like to score 1000 career goals before departing. He is on 976 and would have one season in Saudi and possibly a farewell game for Portugal or in the Nations League to top the milestone.