Football / ‘Want to Leave a Spectacular Legacy’: Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Retirement

New Delhi, Aug 17: Cristiano Ronaldo, in a candid interview with Vogue, has given his strongest indication yet that his glittering football career may be drawing to a close.

In the interview, published on Sunday, the Portugal captain admitted: “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy.”

The 41‑year‑old forward, currently playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has a contract that runs until June 2027. Despite this, Ronaldo has repeatedly acknowledged that retirement is approaching, though he had never set a clear timeline. His latest remarks suggest that the end of his playing days could be nearer than expected.

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Last November, the five‑time Ballon d’Or winner had said he hoped to continue for “one or two years” and confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament.

Portugal’s recent exit at the hands of Spain in the round of sixteen, where Ronaldo still managed to score three goals, has only intensified speculation about his future.

While he has not announced a definite retirement date, Ronaldo has already begun planning for life beyond football.

“I have my future all mapped out,” he told Vogue. “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.”

The interview was conducted just five days before Ronaldo married his long‑term partner Georgina Rodríguez in Cascais, Portugal, marking a period of major personal and professional transition.

Ronaldo’s career began at Sporting CP before he moved to Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, eventually joining Al Nassr in January 2023. His nine years at Real Madrid remain the most successful chapter, where he scored a record 450 goals in 438 appearances and cemented his place as one of football’s greatest icons.

His comments also come shortly after Lionel Messi, his long‑time rival, expressed uncertainty about his own future following the death of his father, Jorge.

If Ronaldo does retire at the end of this season, it would close the book on one of the most extraordinary careers in football history — a journey defined by relentless ambition, unmatched records, and global influence.

(IANS)