Cristiano Ronaldo: Legendary Portugal forward suggests he will retire at the end of the season
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed during this summer's World Cup that the competition across the USA, Canada and Mexico would be his last; Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Ors, five Champions League titles and league titles in England, Spain and Italy across a stellar career
Sunday 16 August 2026 19:13, UK
Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that he will retire from football at the end of this season.
The 41-year-old has told Vogue: "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy."
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Ronaldo's comments come just weeks after he played at his sixth World Cup with Portugal.
He had already confirmed ahead of the tournament that the 2026 World Cup would be his last, although he insisted at the time: "I will retire when I want to, not when you want."
Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the last 16 in July, ending his World Cup career.
He became the first player to score in six World Cups and leaves the competition with 11 goals from 27 appearances.
Despite his advancing years, Ronaldo has continued to score prolifically for Al Nassr in the Saudi pro league and remains within touching distance of 1,000 career goals.
He is contracted to the Saudi Arabian club until 2027.
Away from the World Cup, Ronaldo's career has already delivered virtually every major individual honour and team achievement available to him.
He has won five Ballons d'Or, five Champions League titles, league titles in England, Spain and Italy, and the European Championship and Nations League with Portugal.
He is also Real Madrid's all-time leading scorer and is the top goalscorer in men's international football history, having scored 146 goals for Portugal.
