Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the ongoing Saudi Pro League season could mark his final one as a professional player. The 41-year-old football icon’s current contract with Al-Nassr, based in Riyadh, is set to end in June next year, with Ronaldo expressing doubt about extending his career beyond that. “This season is likely my last in football, and I aim to leave behind a remarkable legacy,” Ronaldo shared in a recent interview with Vogue magazine.
Having scored a total of 976 goals throughout his illustrious career, the Portuguese forward recently tied the knot with his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez. Ronaldo emphasized his future plans by stating, “I have my post-football life well planned out. There are numerous endeavors awaiting me, making it difficult to pinpoint just one. Football’s departure may create a significant vacuum, necessitating the pursuit of diverse interests to fill the void.”
He further added, “I intend to have more fun, travel extensively, engage in padel matches, a sport I deeply enjoy, and continue savoring the fruits of our labor. It has been a journey of 25 years marked by immense sacrifices.” Ronaldo’s current season with Al-Nassr marks his 25th as a professional, during which he clinched five Ballon d’Or accolades and secured five UEFA Champions League titles.
His standout performance last season, bagging 28 league goals, contributed to Al-Nassr clinching the Saudi Arabian championship in May, marking his first title victory since joining the Riyadh-based club and their first league triumph since 2019. Following his recent wedding, Ronaldo was absent from Al-Nassr’s season opener, which resulted in a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh, with the footballer observing from the sidelines.
Speaking after the match, Al-Nassr coach Ange Postecoglou acknowledged Ronaldo’s ongoing commitment, stating, “Cristiano is always with us in spirit.” Ronaldo is expected to potentially feature in the upcoming King’s Cup clash against Al-Diriyah on Tuesday. Postecoglou emphasized the significance of recovery ahead of the match, underscoring the tight schedule with only a two-day gap between fixtures.
Ronaldo’s reflections on his future in football coincided with comments from his longtime rival Lionel Messi, who recently hinted at a potential retirement following his father’s passing. “I am unsure about my future trajectory,” Messi, aged 39, remarked. “Football used to be my sole focus, but now I am uncertain about its longevity in my life.”