The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, and Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes count down the top 26 players who will define this year’s tournament, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Christian Pulisic.
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest soccer players to grace a pitch, believes this season will be his last.
During an interview with Vogue, the Portuguese superstar told the outlet this upcoming season will be "probably my last year of football."
Ronaldo, 41, recently married longtime partner Georgina Rodríguez, and perhaps settling down with his family is what the legendary player wishes now.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus poses with the Serie A trophy alongside his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez (L) and mother Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro after winning the Serie A Championship 2018-2019 (8th title in a row) at the end of the Serie A football match between Juventus FC and Atalanta BC. (Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Ronaldo currently plays for the Saudi Pro League’s Al-Nassr club, which he has been a part of since 2023. He has scored 102 goals through his 107 matches there.
He also completed his sixth World Cup with Portugal, though he wanted to lift the trophy. Instead, Portugal fell to World Cup-winner Spain, 1-0, in full time in the Round of 16.
CRISTIANO RONALDO SHUTS DOWN REPORTER'S LIONEL MESSI QUESTION IN AWKWARD MOMENT AFTER TWO-GOAL WIN
It’s safe to say that Ronaldo will no longer star for the Portugal national team, finishing his World Cup career with 11 goals across 27 appearances. He also has 146 goals across 233 international appearances for his country.
Ronaldo told the outlet he wants to "leave a spectacular legacy," and he’s certainly done that over his many years in the game.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the pitch after being substituted during the World Cup group H soccer match between South Korea and Portugal, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Now, he looks ahead to what life will be off the pitch.
"I have my future all mapped out," he explained. "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 and Al-Nassr start their season Tuesday. If this is indeed his final season playing, his final match would be May 28, 2027.
