Ronaldo did not feature as Al-Nassr began their title defence against Al Fateh on Saturday, watching the game from the stands with his family.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Portuguese football star, Cristiano Ronaldo, has said he might finally take the bold step and retire from professional football at the end of the ongoing season.
The Al-Nassr striker made this known recently during an interview with lifestyle magazine Vogue, which was published on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
The 41-year-old’s statement on quitting both international and club football comes days after his wedding to his long-time partner, Georgina Rodríguez.
Addressing his future, Ronaldo said he is considering quitting football during the ongoing season because he wants to end his career on a high.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said, “This is probably my last year of football and I want to leave a spectacular legacy.”
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Ronaldo went on to say he had already mapped out life after football, noting that “it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”
He added, “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.
“And also 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. Because, after all, it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”
Ronaldo, who made his senior debut for Sporting CP in 2002, has won league titles in England, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia, and is a five-time winner of the UEFA Champions League (UCL).
The former Manchester United forward also remains the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football, having scored 976 goals for club and country.
He is currently 24 goals short of the 1,000-goal milestone and has one year left on his contract with the Saudi Pro League champions.
