Cristiano Ronaldo announced the 2026-27 season is likely his last as a professional footballer during a Vogue interview published August 16, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The 41-year-old Portuguese forward, currently playing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, is under contract through June 2027 [2, 3, 4, 5].
Ronaldo has scored 976 goals for club and country in a career spanning more than 25 years. He aims to reach 1,000 career goals before he retires [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. He officially retired from international football after Portugal was eliminated by Spain in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup held in July. Ronaldo is the record holder for most international goals with 146 and has earned 233 caps [3, 5, 6, 7, 8].
In the interview, Ronaldo said, "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy" [1]. He acknowledged football will leave a big void after retirement, explaining, "I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one" [1]. His planned activities include traveling, playing padel, and spending time with family [1, 3]. "My future is all mapped out," Ronaldo said recently [3].
Ronaldo married longtime partner Georgina Rodríguez on August 11, 2026, in Cascais, Portugal, just days before his interview [2, 3, 4, 9, 7].
Over his decorated career, Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Or awards and trophies with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr [1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 7]. He is one of the highest-paid athletes globally, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion and annual earnings around $235 million from his Al-Nassr contract [6].
Ronaldo previously said the 2026 World Cup would be his last international tournament but left open the possibility of farewell appearances for Portugal [3, 5, 6]. Meanwhile, rival Lionel Messi has also hinted at retirement but remains undecided [2, 6, 10].
Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr expires in June 2027, marking the likely endpoint of his professional playing career [2, 3, 4, 5].
