Cristiano Ronaldo hints this could be final year of football career

Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that he could be approaching the final year of his football career, saying he wants to leave the game with a legacy he can be proud of.

The Portugal captain made the comments in an interview with Vogue around his recent marriage to Georgina Rodríguez. Ronaldo said he had already started thinking about life after football and planned to spend more time with his family, travel and play padel, a sport he enjoys.

“Maybe this is my final year in football and I want to leave a great legacy,” Ronaldo said. “I already have plans for the future. I have many things to keep me busy.”

The 41-year-old said retirement could leave a significant gap in his life after 25 years of professional football, but he believes taking part in different activities would help him adjust.

“I think there will be a big void when I stop playing football,” he said. “I don’t think you can fill it with just one thing. It has to be different activities.”

Ronaldo is continuing his professional career in Saudi Arabia and is preparing for the new season, which he said is due to begin on 15 August.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also spoke about wanting to enjoy life more after football. He said he hoped to travel more, spend time with his family, play padel and make the most of what he has achieved during his career.

Ronaldo and Rodríguez married on 11 August after being together for around a decade. The couple chose a private family ceremony at home rather than a large public celebration.

After the wedding, Ronaldo and Rodríguez travelled to Fátima in Portugal. Ronaldo has previously indicated that he prefers to stay away from large crowds and keep important moments in his personal life private.

While Ronaldo has not given a firm retirement date or explained exactly what role he might have in football after hanging up his boots, his comments suggest that the end of one of the sport’s most remarkable playing careers is becoming increasingly close.

Ronaldo and Rodríguez have also left open the possibility of having more children in the future. Rodríguez said their family life is already very busy, but suggested they could consider expanding their family later.

For now, Ronaldo remains focused on football. But after a career spanning a quarter of a century, his remarks have offered one of the clearest indications yet that his time as a professional player may be nearing its end.