Cristiano Ronaldo hints 2026-27 season could be his last

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that the 2026-27 season could be his last at the top level. The 41-year-old Portuguese star told Vogue magazine: "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy." Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, is chasing 1,000 career goals and currently has 976.

Ronaldo said he has his future mapped out and plans to travel more, play padel, and enjoy what he has earned after 25 years of sacrifice. His contract with Al-Nassr runs until June 2027. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, and 101 for Juventus over his career.

Ronaldo retired from World Cup play after the 2026 edition but did not rule out future national team appearances. He and Lionel Messi are the only men to have appeared in six World Cups. Ronaldo scored three goals in the 2026 tournament but faced criticism from some fans.