Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement plans, goals for final year

On the heels of his marriage to Georgina Rodriguez and a history-making performance at the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo opened up to Vogueabout his retirement plans — which could come to fruition sooner than expected.

“This is probably my last year of football,” he said, “and I want to leave a spectacular legacy.”

On the heels of an eventful summer for the 41-year-old superstar, perhaps it’s no surprise that he is already thinking about the next chapter of his life.

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Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, there’s one sport he is looking forward to competing in once his professional soccer career is over.

“I have my future all mapped out,” Ronaldo said. “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.”

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Ronaldo and Rodriguez wed in Portugal on Aug. 11, the 10th anniversary of the day they first met at a Gucci store in Madrid.

At the 2026 World Cup, the 41-year-old scored two goals against Uzbekistan, making him the first player to score in six World Cups and reach 10 tournament goals. He also became the second-oldest player (41 years, 138 days) to score a goal in World Cup history. Roger Milla was 42 years and 39 days when he scored for Cameroon against Russia in 1994.

The whirlwind summer caused Ronaldo to miss the entire preseason with Al Nassr, his Saudi Pro League team since his second stint with Manchester United ended after the 2022 season.

Ronaldo fist played a UEFA Champions League qualifying match in 2002, at age 17. The 2027 season will mark his 25th year playing at soccer’s highest level.

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