Cristiano Ronaldo has fuelled speculation about his retirement after suggesting that the upcoming year could be the final season of his remarkable football career.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain, one of the most decorated players in football history, said he wants to leave behind a “spectacular legacy” when he eventually steps away from the sport.
Ronaldo prepares for final chapter
In an interview with Vogue published on Sunday, Ronaldo said the coming year would “probably” be his last year of football.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning more than two decades. Since making his senior debut for Sporting in 2002, he has won major honours with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and his current club, Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo has scored 976 goals for club and country and is now closing in on the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals.
Football may leave a big hole
Ronaldo acknowledged that retiring from football would represent a major change after 25 years devoted to the sport.
He said football could leave a “big hole” in his life and that he would need to find different ways to fill his time.
The Portuguese forward said he looked forward to travelling more, playing and watching padel, having more fun and enjoying the rewards of a career built on years of sacrifice.
A legendary career nearing its end
Ronaldo’s career has included domestic league titles, European triumphs and international success with Portugal. However, the World Cup remains absent from his collection of major honours after Portugal fell short at this year’s tournament.
For now, Ronaldo will continue playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League as he pursues the 1,000-goal milestone.
If his latest comments prove accurate, the coming season could mark the beginning of the final chapter of one of football’s most extraordinary careers.