Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that his upcoming season with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr will likely be his last in professional football.
The 41-year-old sports icon revealed his intention to retire during an interview with Vogue magazine, explaining that he wants to finish his career on a high note and leave behind an extraordinary legacy.
Ronaldo stated that his new campaign with Riyadh-based Al-Nassr could serve as the final chapter of a professional career spent at the elite level of the sport for the past two decades.
Plans for life after retirement
Addressing his plans for retirement, Ronaldo said he has already mapped out his future after hanging up his boots. He acknowledged that leaving professional sport will create a significant void that requires careful planning to fill.
Ronaldo explained that he intends to diversify his interests rather than focusing on a single pursuit once his playing days are over. He stated that managing the transition out of football requires filling his time in multiple ways.
Among his personal goals after football, Ronaldo highlighted a desire to travel more, seek entertainment, and spend time watching and playing padel, a racket sport he enjoys deeply.
Reflecting on a quarter century of sacrifices
Ronaldo reflected on the physical and personal demands of his time in sport, noting that his career has spanned 25 years of sacrifices. He expressed a desire to enjoy the achievements he and his team have accumulated over those decades.
Having maintained a position among elite football players for 20 years, the veteran forward acknowledged that time inevitably catches up with every athlete as he prepares for his final season.
Background on a legendary career
Ronaldo is widely considered one of the greatest football players in history. After beginning his senior career in Portugal, he achieved global stardom with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, winning five Ballon d'Or awards and five UEFA Champions League titles.
He joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in late 2022, bringing international prominence to the Saudi Pro League. His arrival marked a major milestone in Saudi football as the league expanded its global reach with top international talent.
