Cristiano Ronaldo hints 2026/27 could be his final football season

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, has indicated that he may be nearing the end of his professional football career. The Portugal captain has suggested that the 2026/27 season could be his final campaign.

Ronaldo has also made clear that he wants to finish with a lasting legacy. He said his plans for life after football are already taking shape, while leaving open the possibility that his playing career will end soon.

The forward remains active with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr and continues to hold an important role with Portugal. His possible retirement would therefore affect both his club career and his involvement with the national team.

Ronaldo’s career has included spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before his continued work in Saudi Arabia. He has collected domestic and international trophies as well as individual honours across those years, establishing himself as one of football’s most celebrated players.

A departure after the 2026/27 season would bring an end to a career that has remained at the highest level for an unusually long period. Ronaldo’s age and the timeframe he has mentioned provide the clearest indication yet that the final stage of his playing career may be approaching.

For now, he remains a Portugal international and an Al-Nassr player. His comments do not confirm an immediate retirement, but they place the 2026/27 campaign as a possible final season for one of the defining figures of modern football.