Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s greatest icons, has hinted at retiring within the next “one or two years.” At 39 years old, the Al-Nassr forward continues to defy expectations with his performances.
Just days ago, he scored twice in Portugal’s 5-1 demolition of Poland in the UEFA Nations League, further solidifying his legacy.
With those goals, Ronaldo has reached a staggering 910 career goals and extended his record to 135 international strikes in 215 appearances.
Beyond his scoring feats, he set a new benchmark by becoming the male player with the most international wins — 132— overtaking Spain’s Sergio Ramos.
Despite these milestones, Ronaldo is openly reflecting on his career’s twilight, raising questions about what comes next for the Portuguese legend.
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Ronaldo opens up about retirement
When asked about his plans for the future, Ronaldo admitted that motivation is the driving factor behind his decision to continue playing. “I just want to enjoy. If it has to happen, in one or two years… I don’t know. I’m turning 40 soon,” he said.
Ronaldo also revealed he has no interest in transitioning to coaching once he retires. “I don’t see myself managing a team; that’s not in my plans. My future lies in other areas outside of football, although time will tell what happens.”
However, he assured fans that any decision about leaving the national team would be made thoughtfully and without advance fanfare.
Club future: Will Al-Nassr be his last team?
At the club level, Ronaldo remains committed to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. His current contract runs until June 2025, and he has expressed happiness with the team and the country.
Recently, he hinted that Al-Nassr could be his final club, saying, “Probably I will retire here. I’m very happy at this club. I feel good in this country, and I want to continue.”
Since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has played 79 matches, scoring 68 goals and assisting 18 more. These numbers highlight his enduring quality even in the later stages of his career.
Ronaldo’s journey, which began at Sporting Lisbon in 2002, has seen him dominate European football with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
With countless titles and individual awards, his legacy as one of the greatest players in history is undeniable.