Cristiano Ronaldo says Al Nassr season may be his last in football

Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that his 25-year professional career could end when the current Al Nassr season finishes. The Portugal captain is also 24 goals short of 1,000 senior career goals and has identified the 2026 World Cup as his final appearance at the tournament.

Ronaldo made the announcement after marrying his long-term partner, Georgina Rodríguez. He said his present campaign with the Saudi Arabian club would probably be his final season in football, while expressing a desire to finish with a lasting legacy.

The 40-year-old has previously suggested that retirement is approaching, but the latest comments represent his clearest indication of a possible departure from the professional game. He joined Al Nassr in January 2023 and remains contracted to the club until June 2027.

Ronaldo has already begun considering life after football. He said he had several plans for that period, while acknowledging that moving away from a routine built around training, travel and competition could leave a significant gap in his life.

His plans include spending more time travelling, watching football and playing padel. He also intends to enjoy the benefits of a career that has required considerable sacrifice over a quarter of a century.

Ronaldo began his senior career at Sporting CP before playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards and holds the record for scoring at six different World Cups, with the 2026 tournament set to be his last chance to extend that mark.

The potential retirement would close a career that has included major spells in England, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 goals and his final World Cup appearance are now among the remaining milestones before he decides whether to leave the sport after the Al Nassr season.