Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the 2026-27 campaign is likely to be the final season of his professional career as he begins planning for life away from football.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain, who married long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez on Tuesday, is increasingly looking towards a future centred on his family and interests outside the sport after more than two decades at the highest level.
Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or awards and five Champions League titles during a career that has included domestic league success in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia. He also remains the leading goalscorer in the history of men’s international football.
He is approaching the fifth year of his spell with Al-Nassr and has one season remaining on his contract with the Saudi Pro League champions. Retirement now appears increasingly likely once that agreement reaches its conclusion.
Ronaldo has already considered how he will occupy his time after football, with travel, family life and padel among the activities he plans to pursue. After 25 years shaped by elite competition and demanding schedules, he is preparing for a significant change in lifestyle.
One major personal milestone could still arrive before he steps away. Ronaldo is 24 goals short of reaching 1,000 senior career goals, giving him another landmark to chase during what may become his farewell campaign.
His long-time rival Lionel Messi has also recently expressed uncertainty over how much longer he will continue playing, raising the prospect that football could soon see the end of an era defined by the pair.
Ronaldo’s international future is also under consideration following Portugal’s latest World Cup campaign. He previously said any decision over continuing with the national team would be made together with his family.
Al-Nassr began their Saudi Pro League title defence with a victory over Al Fateh on Saturday. Ronaldo did not feature in the match but attended with his family and watched from the stands as the champions opened the season with a win.