08/17/26 05:01:00
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08/17 04:59 CDT 'This is probably my last year in football,' says Cristiano
Ronaldo
'This is probably my last year in football,' says Cristiano Ronaldo
RIYADH (AP) --- Cristiano Ronaldo says this Saudi Pro League season is likely
to be the last of his professional career.
The 41-year-old superstar's contract with Riyadh club Al-Nassr, signed in
December 2022, expires next June, and he has told Vogue magazine that another
is unlikely.
"This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular
legacy," Ronaldo said.
The Portugal forward, who has scored 976 career goals, married long-time
partner, Georgina Rodriguez, earlier this month.
"I have my future all mapped out," he said. "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."
The 2026-27 SPL season is Ronaldo's 25th as a professional. During his career,
he has won five Ballon d'Or awards and five UEFA Champions League titles.
Ronaldo's 28 league goals last season helped Al-Nassr become champion of Saudi
Arabia in May to secure his first trophy since arriving in Riyadh, and a first
league title for the club since 2019.
After returning from his wedding, he missed Al-Nassr's first game of its title
defense on Saturday, watching from the sidelines as it opened with a 3-0 win
over Al-Fateh.
"Cristiano is here today, and he is always present with us," Al-Nassr coach
Ange Postecoglou said after the game.
Ronaldo could play against Al-Diriyah in the King's Cup on Tuesday.
"The most important thing now is recovery, especially as we have only two days
after this match," former Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest coach
Postecoglou said.
Ronaldo's comments came days after long-time rival Lionel Messi revealed that,
following his father's death, he may soon retire.
"I don't know how to carry on," Messi, 39, said. "I used to just play football,
and now I'm really not sure if I'll carry on doing it for much longer."
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