Ronaldo Retires, Plans Future
Soccer Icon Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Imminent Retirement, Plans for 'Spectacular Legacy' and Businesses
Cristiano Ronaldo, the most decorated footballer of his generation, has announced he is approaching the end of his playing career. In a rare interview with Vogue magazine, the 41-year-old Portuguese forward said this is "probably my last year" as a professional player, signaling that his time with Saudi club Al Nassr will likely be his final season.
Ronaldo sat for the interview alongside his wife, model Georgina RodrÃguez. He said he plans to leave a "spectacular legacy" — both on and off the pitch. The announcement marks the beginning of the end for a career that spanned more than two decades and six World Cups, according to NBC Bay Area.
Ronaldo's Own Words on Walking Away
Ronaldo did not mince words in the Vogue sit-down. "Probably my last year," he said, referring to his current season at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He told the magazine he is ready to step away from the game, according to NBC Washington. At 41, he remains one of the oldest active players at the top level of professional soccer.
He spoke openly about what comes next. Ronaldo said he wants his exit to feel "spectacular" — a word he used to describe the legacy he hopes to leave behind. He did not name a specific retirement date, but the tone of his comments made clear the end is near, NBC Boston reported.
A Career Built on Records and Five Ballon d'Or Titles
Ronaldo turned professional in the early 2000s and went on to win five Ballon d'Or awards — the sport's highest individual honor. He played for Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and returned to Manchester United before joining Al Nassr in 2023. He has scored over 900 career goals across club and country.
He also appeared in six FIFA World Cups with Portugal — a record he shares with very few players in history. Portugal never won the tournament during his career, but Ronaldo became his country's all-time leading scorer. His international goal tally stands at 133, the highest of any male player ever, according to Marca.
Business Empire Already Lined Up for Life After Soccer
Retirement will not mean slowing down for Ronaldo. He already runs a wide range of businesses. These include hotels, hair implant clinics, a bottled water brand, and media ventures, according to NBC Miami. He told Vogue he already has concrete plans in place for each of these areas once his playing days are over.
His wife Georgina RodrÃguez, who appeared with him in the Vogue feature, is also a public figure in her own right. She stars in her own Netflix reality series. The couple's joint interview signals that both are thinking carefully about their public image beyond Ronaldo's football career, NBC Connecticut noted.
What Comes Next for Al Nassr and Portugal
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January 2023 on a reported deal worth over $200 million per year. His move helped put the Saudi Pro League on the global map. Several other top players followed him there, including Karim Benzema and Neymar. His departure will be a major moment for the league's ongoing effort to build credibility.
For Portugal, the picture is already shifting. A new generation led by Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres and midfielder Vitinha is rising. Ronaldo's retirement will close one of the longest and most dominant chapters in European football history, according to Marca.
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