Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the 2026–27 season could be the final chapter of his professional football career, bringing one of the sport’s most remarkable careers closer to an end.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain made the revelation in an interview published by Vogue, saying he expects to retire from professional football soon but wants to make the final stage of his career memorable.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said.
The statement represents one of his strongest indications yet that he is preparing to walk away from professional football. However, Ronaldo stopped short of announcing a definitive retirement date.
One of Ronaldo’s biggest remaining ambitions is reaching 1,000 career goals before he retires.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner currently has 976 goals for club and country, leaving him 24 goals short of the historic milestone. Ronaldo has previously spoken openly about his desire to reach the four-figure mark, and his latest retirement comments suggest he wants to accomplish the feat before ending his playing career.
Reaching 1,000 goals would provide another extraordinary achievement to a career already defined by records and individual honours. The Portuguese star has spent more than two decades at the highest level, scoring for Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al-Nassr and Portugal.
Ronaldo is entering the final year of his current contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, with the agreement reportedly running until June 2027.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United and has since become one of the biggest names in the Saudi Pro League.
Despite turning 41, he has continued to play and score at a remarkable rate.
Ronaldo’s comments also come after what became his final FIFA World Cup appearance.
Portugal exited the 2026 World Cup after losing to Spain in the Round of 16, bringing an end to Ronaldo’s participation in the tournament after six appearances.
The forward had already indicated that the 2026 tournament would be his last World Cup.
Although Portugal’s elimination ended his hopes of adding a World Cup title to his collection of international honours, Ronaldo leaves the tournament with a remarkable legacy.
He helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League titles, while establishing himself as the country’s all-time leading scorer.
The footballer said his life after retirement is “all mapped out” and revealed some of the activities he expects to pursue once he leaves professional football.
“I have a lot of things in mind,” he said, while highlighting family, travel and padel among his interests.
Ronaldo has previously spoken about his passion for padel, a racket sport that has grown significantly in popularity worldwide.
He also acknowledged that retirement will represent a major adjustment after spending roughly 25 years playing professional football.
Leaving the sport will mean stepping away from the daily routine that has defined much of his adult life.
Ronaldo’s potential retirement would close one of the most decorated careers in football history.
He has won five Ballon d’Or awards, five UEFA Champions League titles and multiple domestic league titles across England, Spain and Italy.
He also became the first player to score in six different Champions League campaigns and has accumulated numerous individual scoring records throughout his career.
His achievements with Portugal further cement his status as one of the greatest players in international football.
Beyond trophies, Ronaldo has built a global brand that extends well beyond the pitch, with interests in fashion, hospitality, fitness and other businesses.
With 976 goals already recorded and 1,000 within reach, the 2026–27 season could provide the Portuguese star with one final historic target.
