Riyadh: Cristiano Ronaldo has said the 2026-27 season is likely to be the final campaign of his professional football career, bringing to a close one of the most successful careers in the history of the sport.The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward made the remarks in an interview with Vogue magazine, saying he is already planning for life beyond football."This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy," Ronaldo said.Ronaldo's current contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, which he joined in December 2022, expires in June 2027.The Portugal captain said he has already mapped out his future and plans to focus on a variety of interests after retirement."I have my future all mapped out," he said. "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."Ronaldo recently married longtime partner Georgina Rodríguez, following a relationship that has spanned more than a decade.Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo, Georgina Rodriguez and their children Bella Esmeralda, Alana Martina and Mateo before the Al Nassr v Al Fateh match, Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. REUTERSWidely regarded as one of football's greatest players, Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Or awards, five UEFA Champions League titles, and has scored 976 career goals for club and country.His 28 league goals last season helped Al-Nassr capture the Saudi Pro League title, securing both his first major trophy since moving to Saudi Arabia and the club's first league championship since 2019.After returning from his wedding celebrations, Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr's opening league match of the new season, watching from the sidelines as the team defeated Al-Fateh 3-0 on Saturday.Al-Nassr coach Ange Postecoglou said Ronaldo remains an important presence within the squad."Cristiano is here today, and he is always present with us," Postecoglou said after the match.Ronaldo could make his return when Al-Nassr face Al-Diriyah in the King's Cup on Tuesday.His comments came shortly after longtime rival Lionel Messi also raised the prospect of retirement, saying he remains uncertain about how much longer he will continue playing following the recent death of his father.
