When Is Cristiano Ronaldo Retiring? Portugal Football Legend Silences Critics With Major Announcement

Football fans should savor what lies ahead, as it could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final appearance on the biggest stage. In an exclusive interview with Vogue alongside his wife, Georgina Rodríguez, about their recent wedding, Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo admitted that “this is probably my last year of football.”

“I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” the Portugal football legend told the outlet and also added, “I have my future all mapped out. 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.”

Twilight Days

Ronaldo added, “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 revelation marks the biggest indication yet of when Ronaldo could bring his playing career to an end. His contract with Al Nassr currently runs through June 2027.

It comes after Ronaldo confirmed during the FIFA World Cup in the U.S. that the tournament would be his final appearance on soccer’s biggest international stage. Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the Round of 16, but Ronaldo stopped short of revealing when he planned to retire from football altogether.

“The day will come [when I retire from international football],” Ronaldo said.

“But I’ll be honest. Whatever happens [Monday], Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1,000%. Because I’ve given everything in football. I don’t need it, I have a good life, but it’s about passion. I play football because I love it… You have to enjoy every day. And I’ve scored three goals [at this World Cup], I’m not doing too badly, right?”

Countdown to Swansong

The 41-year-old billionaire, according to Forbes, will walk away without winning a World Cup title, having failed to lift the trophy during his career. His decision also means he is unlikely to represent Portugal when the country co-hosts the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Morocco.

That would bring an end to his international career with Portugal, which began in 2006.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward scored three goals during this year’s World Cup.

“It’s been fantastic,” said Ronaldo. “It goes beyond the pitch… This is the World Cup I’ll remember the most, because of people’s passion. It’s even more this time, I don’t know why. It’s been, emotionally, the best. I’ve enjoyed it very much.”

Since the World Cup ended, Ronaldo has also taken a major step in his personal life, marrying his longtime partner, Rodríguez, on August 11.

The couple held a small ceremony in their living room in Cascais, Portugal, with all five of their children in attendance.

Rodríguez told Vogue that they chose to keep the ceremony low-key before holding a larger wedding celebration, hoping to do something more “unusual” for their family.