Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement Plan: ‘My Last Year In Football’

Last Updated:August 16, 2026, 9:41 PM IST

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, hinted at retiring from football in 2028 after his Al Nassr contract expires. He aims for a “spectacular legacy” and more family time.

Cristiano Ronaldo could retire this year. (Picture Credit: AP)

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that he will ‘probably’ retire from football in 2028. His Al Nassr contract expires next summer, and the Portuguese striker hinted that he might not be involved in the sport after that.

He was speaking after his marriage to his long-term partner Georgina Rodriguez earlier this month. The 41-year-old is one of the all-time great footballers. Having already left the most competitive European leagues in 2020, he played in the recent FIFA 2026 World Cup for Portugal, his final appearance at the marquee stage. Despite scoring two goals, he looked quite far off his best.

“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said in an interview with Vogue.

He’s only 24 senior goals shy of reaching an unprecedented 1,000 and has often spoken about wanting to make that mark. Portugal’s new manager Jorge Jesus, too, called him a ‘symbol of Portuguese football’ after his appointment in July and confirmed he will continue to select the forward as long as he is fit and playing.

What would Ronaldo do after retirement?

Ronaldo seems to want to spend more time with his family, which is blended with five children.

“I have my future all mapped out. 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. And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned — what we’ve earned. Because after all, it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice,” he said.

Ronaldo’s next match for Al-Nassr is in the King’s Cup Round of 32 against Diriyah Club on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. He recently returned to training under manager Ange Postecoglou.

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Could Ronaldo reach 1,000 career goals before 2028?

Cristiano Ronaldo is 24 senior goals shy of reaching 1,000 career goals and has often expressed his desire to achieve this milestone. He has hinted that 2028 will likely be his last year in football.

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