Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has offered his most definitive update yet on the end of his career, confirming in a recent interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan that retirement is on the immediate horizon.
The 40-year-old forward, who currently captains Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, revealed that his decision is driven by a desire to step away from the 24/7 demands of football and dedicate more time to his family.
When asked by Morgan when he would hang up his boots, Ronaldo, who is under contract with Al Nassr until 2027, replied simply: “Soon.”
An Emotional and Planned Exit
Ronaldo confessed that leaving the sport he has dominated for two decades will be a deeply emotional moment.
Cristiano Ronaldo: “I think I will be prepared. It will be tough, of course. It will be difficult? Yes. Probably will cry, yes. I’m an open person. It will be very, very difficult, yes.”
However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner stressed that he has been preparing for life after football for years. “But Piers, I prepare my future since 25, 26, 27 years old, I prepare my future. So I think I will be capable to support that pressure,” he stated.
Focus on Family and New Passions
The motivation behind the impending retirement is a shift in priorities toward his personal life and other interests.
“Nothing will be able to compare that the adrenaline that we have for football to score a goal,” Ronaldo explained. “But everything has a beginning, and everything has an end. I have other passions. I’m going to have more time for me, I’m going to have more time for my family, to raise my kids. I want to be more a family person, more present.”
Ronaldo, who remains the highest international goal scorer in history, hinted at his interests outside the pitch, mentioning he loves watching UFC fights and playing padel with friends.
While the exact date of his retirement remains unconfirmed, the 40-year-old is expected to feature for Portugal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Despite this commitment, his comments signal that the end of one of the greatest careers in football history is imminent.