CRISTIANO RONALDO ADMITS THIS COULD BE HIS FINAL YEAR IN FOOTBALL
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again opened the door to retirement, admitting that the 2026/27 campaign could potentially be his final year as a professional footballer.
“Will it be my last year? Maybe. We’ll see, it also depends on how my body feels,” Ronaldo said.
“I really don’t know. I’m saying that from the heart.”
At 41, the Portugal captain is approaching the end of a remarkable career that has lasted more than two decades. From Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has established himself as one of the most prolific and decorated footballers in history.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has won five UEFA Champions League titles, major domestic trophies in England, Spain and Italy, as well as the European Championship and two Nations League titles with Portugal.
His international career has also produced another historic achievement. At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo became the first player to score at six different editions of the men’s World Cup. Portugal were eventually eliminated by Spain in the Round of 16, with Ronaldo subsequently confirming that the tournament had been his final World Cup.
Now, the focus has shifted toward the possible end of his entire playing career.
Ronaldo has previously described the 2026/27 season as probably his last and said he wants to leave a “spectacular legacy.” He has also discussed his plans for life after football, including spending more time with his family, travelling and enjoying padel.
Yet he has stopped short of announcing a definitive retirement date.
One of the biggest remaining targets of his career is the pursuit of 1,000 goals for club and country. Ronaldo was reported to have 976 goals, leaving him within 24 of the extraordinary milestone.
However, his latest comments suggest that personal health and physical condition may ultimately determine whether he continues.
For now, Ronaldo remains involved with Portugal and continues his club career with Al-Nassr. His inclusion in Portugal’s latest squad under new head coach Jorge Jesus shows that his playing career is still active.
But the countdown may have begun.
After more than 20 years at the summit of world football, Cristiano Ronaldo is now contemplating a future without the game that has defined his life.
Whether the 2026/27 season becomes his final campaign remains uncertain.
As Ronaldo himself put it: “Maybe. We’ll see.”
One thing is certain: whenever the final whistle eventually comes, the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s playing career will mark the conclusion of one of the most remarkable eras in football history.
