Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the current football season will likely be his final one as a player, concluding a career marked by numerous accolades.
The 41-year-old athlete recently married Georgina Rodriguez and is reportedly focusing on his family life. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and a five-time Champions League champion, has secured league titles in England, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia. He also holds the record for the most goals scored in men's international football.
Ronaldo has spent nearly four years with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr, with one year remaining on his contract. "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy," Ronaldo stated in an interview with Vogue regarding his wedding.
He further elaborated on his post-football aspirations, saying, "I have my future all mapped out. 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." Ronaldo also mentioned plans to "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." He reflected that his career has involved "25 years with a lot of sacrifice."
Ronaldo is currently 24 goals shy of reaching 1,000 senior career goals. His contemporary and long-time rival, Lionel Messi, who has won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, has also recently expressed uncertainty about the duration of his own playing career.
The contrasting performances of the two players in their respective World Cup campaigns were notable. Messi led Argentina to the final, scoring eight goals, while Ronaldo's Portugal exited the tournament in the round of 16.
When asked in July about his potential participation in a sixth World Cup, Ronaldo stated he would make a decision "with a calm head" after consulting with his family.
Al-Nassr began their Saudi Pro League title defense against Al Fateh on Saturday. Ronaldo did not participate in the match but was present in the stands with his family to watch the team secure a victory.