Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that he expects the 2026-27 season to be his final campaign.
In an interview with Vogue, the 41-year-old Al Nassr captain said: "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy."
The comment comes as Al Nassr begin their Saudi Pro League title defence without Ronaldo, who was absent from the squad for their opening 3-0 win over Al Fateh, with Ronaldo only recently back in training after the World Cup and his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez.
What Cristiano Ronaldo Said About His Retirement
Ronaldo spoke to Vogue alongside his wife, Georgina Rodriguez, in an interview published on Sunday, August 16. He directly addressed the long-running speculation about when he will stop playing.
“It’s likely that this will be my final year in football, and I want to leave an incredible legacy,” he told the magazine. He added that he has already begun planning for life after football and is looking forward to spending more time with his family.
"I have so many things to keep me busy that it’s hard to name just one. Football can leave a huge void, so you have to fill your time in several ways, not just one. And also enjoy yourself more, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and keep enjoying what I have achieved and what we have achieved. At the end of the day, it has been 25 years of a lot of sacrifice."
The Portugal captain had previously stopped short of setting a firm retirement date. Last November, he said he expected to continue for "one or two years" while confirming that the 2026 World Cup would be his final tournament with Portugal.
The comments are the clearest indication yet that the end of his 25-season professional career is approaching.
Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Contract and When He Could Return
Ronaldo's contract with Al Nassr runs until June 2027, making the 2026–27 campaign the final season of his current deal. He signed a two-year extension last year, keeping him at the club until the age of 42.
Ronaldo missed Al Nassr's season opener on 16 August, watching from the stands as his side beat Al Fateh 3-0. Club sources and local reports say he only returned to training shortly before the match following the World Cup and his wedding.
He is expected to make his season debut against Al Riyadh on 21 August, although Al Nassr first faces Diriyah Club in the King's Cup Round of 32 on 18 August.
