Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the current season will likely be his last as a professional footballer, bringing a glittering career closer to its conclusion.
The 41-year-old, who married his partner Georgina Rodriguez on Tuesday, said he was now contemplating a future centred more around his family.
A five-time Ballon d’Or winner and five-time Champions League champion, Ronaldo has won league titles in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia. He is also the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football.
The Portugal captain has spent almost four years with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr and has one year remaining on his contract.
‘This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,’ Ronaldo told Vogue in an interview about his wedding.
A future already mapped out
Ronaldo said he had already planned for life beyond football, although he acknowledged that leaving the game could create a significant void.
‘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.
‘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 is 24 goals away from reaching 1,000 senior career goals.
His long-time rival Lionel Messi, who has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, recently also said he was unsure how much longer he would continue playing football.
World Cup decision still to come
The pair have had contrasting recent World Cup campaigns, with Messi scoring eight goals and leading Argentina to the final, while Ronaldo’s Portugal were eliminated in the round of 16.
When asked in July whether his sixth World Cup would be his last, Ronaldo said he would make the decision ‘with a calm head’ after discussing the matter with his family.
Al-Nassr opened their Saudi Pro League title defence against Al Fateh on Saturday, but Ronaldo did not play. He watched from the stands with his family as the champions secured victory.
