Ronaldo hints at likely final year in football after two decades

Portuguese footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo has prompted speculations about his retirement plans after saying the upcoming year will probably be the last of his playing football career.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain is one of the leading players of all time, winning major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current club Al-Nassr since playing his maiden senior match for Sporting in 2022.

Ronaldo told lifestyle magazine Vogue in an interview published on Sunday, “This may truly be my last year in football.”

“I want to leave an amazing legacy, he continued.”

“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.”

Fans worldwide share emotional reactions calling it the end of an era while applauding his determination to reach 1,000 career goals and his contract through 2027.

On social platform X, fans have been expressing intriguing comments with one user writing, “The greatest to ever touch football. The complete player. The right foot, left foot, header, clever passes even from body, flawless touches, ball dribbling, converted many long ranger shots, penalties and free kicks, the fastest fittest stylist.”

The second lamented, “He should have left a long time ago; he doesn't have an amazing legacy anymore.”

Third added, “The day Ronaldo officially retires, football will never feel the same again. But honestly… can we really imagine football without him?”

Ronaldo is the all-time prominent scorer in the Champions League and was awarded the Ballon d’Or five times during a celebrated career in which he has played over 1,335 official matches.