Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the current Saudi Pro League season could mark the end of his illustrious career. The 41-year-old football icon’s contract with Al-Nassr in Riyadh, inked in December 2022, is set to expire next June, and he expressed doubt about signing another contract in a recent interview with Vogue magazine.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo shared. The Portuguese forward, known for his impressive record of 976 career goals, recently tied the knot with his long-time partner, Georgina Rodriguez.
“I have my future all mapped out,” Ronaldo stated. “I have so many things to keep me busy that to pinpoint just one is challenging. With football potentially ending, I need to find various ways to fill my time, not solely relying on one activity.”
He added, “I plan to have more fun, travel extensively, engage in padel watching and playing, a sport I truly enjoy, and continue savoring the fruits of my labor – what we’ve earned. It’s been 25 years of hard work and sacrifice.”
Ronaldo, who has secured five Ballon d’Or awards and five UEFA Champions League titles during his illustrious career, guided Al-Nassr to victory in the Saudi Arabian league last season with 28 league goals. This success marked his first trophy since joining the Riyadh club and the team’s first league triumph since 2019.
Following his recent wedding festivities, Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr’s season opener but was present on the sidelines to watch his team secure a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh. Coach Ange Postecoglou acknowledged Ronaldo’s continuous support, stating, “Cristiano is here today, and he is always present with us.”
Looking ahead, Ronaldo may feature in the upcoming King’s Cup match against Al-Diriyah on Tuesday. Postecoglou emphasized the importance of recovery, especially with limited rest days after the previous game.
Ronaldo’s contemplation about retirement aligns with recent sentiments from his long-standing rival, Lionel Messi, who raised uncertainties about his future following his father’s passing. Messi, aged 39, expressed his uncertainty, stating, “I used to just play football, and now I’m really not sure if I’ll carry on doing it for much longer.”
The potential retirements of these two football legends have sparked discussions among fans and the sporting community about the imminent end of an era in football.
