Cristiano Ronaldo turned 40 in February 2025, and with the 2026 World Cup anticipated to be his closing main match, questions proceed to rise about when the all-time high goalscorer in soccer historical past will grasp up his boots. Now within the twilight of his profession, the Portuguese legend has damaged his silence on retirement, opening up on how emotional the second will probably be: “I’ll in all probability cry.”
The Portuguese celebrity not too long ago signed a brand new cope with Al Nassr, extending his stick with the Saudi membership past the earlier expiration date of June 2025. Along with his new contract, Ronaldo is anticipated to stay with the group by way of no less than 2027, by which era he’ll be 42 years outdated.
In an interview with Piers Morgan on his YouTube channel, Ronaldo opened up about when he expects to name time on his profession: “Quickly. However I feel I will probably be ready. Will probably be powerful, in fact. Can be tough, sure. In all probability I’ll cry, sure. Will probably be very, very tough however I’ve ready my future since (I used to be) 25, 26, 27 years outdated. So I feel I will probably be succesful to assist that strain.”
Since making his skilled debut on August 14, 2002 with Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo has spent a lifetime enjoying soccer, and when requested whether or not something may exchange the frenzy of scoring objectives, the veteran ahead was sincere. “Nothing, I feel. Nothing can evaluate to the adrenaline we really feel in soccer after we rating a purpose. As I say, all the pieces has a starting and an finish. So I feel I’ll be prepared, I feel,” he acknowledged.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrating.
Ronaldo additionally spoke about desirous to spend extra time specializing in life exterior of soccer, putting his household above all issues: “Additionally, to have my very own hobbies. I wish to see UFC, the fights. I like padel. I like and I wish to be taught extra about my corporations. I feel I’m going to do humorous issues and issues I’m not used to doing earlier than. As a result of I stay soccer 24 hours (a day) to do the suitable issues and carry out.”
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After Portugal’s 2022 World Cup exit, hypothesis grew over Ronaldo’s future. However as an alternative of stepping away, he moved to Saudi Arabia and has continued to function a key determine for each Al Nassr and the nationwide group. With two years left on his present contract, the top seems to be set for 2027.
Thus far within the 2025–26 season, Ronaldo stays a significant participant for Al Nassr, showing in 10 video games and main the group with 9 objectives and two assists. Nonetheless, head coach Jorge Jesus has begun to fastidiously handle the veteran’s minutes to protect his type and health.
This season, Ronaldo has already been rested for 3 matches within the AFC Champions League Two and was an unused substitute within the opening spherical of the King’s Cup. After enjoying 45 matches in 2023–24 and 41 in 2024–25, the Portuguese star is anticipated to see his enjoying time lower additional this 12 months.
