At 40 years old and still performing at the top level, Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped perhaps his most significant hint yet: his playing days could be drawing to a close. Speaking in a candid interview, the Portuguese superstar admitted that his retirement is “soon”, and he expects the moment to be deeply emotional.
A legend preparing for the end
Ronaldo, who currently plies his trade with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and remains a stalwart for his national team, revealed he has long been readying himself for life after football. He told interviewer Piers Morgan that he has been preparing since his mid-20s for the inevitable transition away from active play.
When asked when he might hang up his boots, he responded simply: “Soon… But I think I will be prepared.” He added: “It will be tough, of course. Will it be difficult? Yes. Probably I will cry, yes.”
Milestones still being chased
Despite his age, Ronaldo is still chasing records and striving on the pitch. With over 950 career goals by club and country, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is approaching a coveted milestone that many believe will mark his final chapter.
He commented that nothing will ever compare to the adrenaline of scoring a goal — but he’s now readying himself mentally for a new chapter. “I have other passions,” he acknowledged. “I’m going to have more time for me, I’m going to have more time for my family to raise my kids.”
Why now? The personal and professional signals
There are several underlying factors that suggest his mindset is shifting
- He’s under contract with Al Nassr until 2027, but the talk of “soon” retiring indicates he might leave earlier or shift roles.
- With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Ronaldo may see this as one of his final big tournaments and a fitting point to step back.
- He placed a clear emphasis on family and life beyond football — raising his children, pursuing other interests and reducing the relentless demands of professional sport.
What his farewell could look like
Ronaldo’s suggested departure is likely to be one of the most high-profile retirements in football history and fans might expect several elements:
- A gradual wind-down: He may reduce his playing role, move to fewer matches or perhaps shift into a mentoring role before full retirement.
- Marking a milestone: Achieving a landmark goal-count or playing his final major tournament could serve as the curtain-closer.
- A family-focused era: He has signalled that priority may shift to his children and personal life, after decades of extraordinary football dedication.
- Legacy transition: With his long career behind him, one may expect Ronaldo to transition into business ventures, ambassador roles or other football-related but non-playing functions.
The emotional weight of saying goodbye
For someone whose identity has been so tightly bound to football since childhood, Ronaldo’s admission of likely tears underscores the depth of the moment. He acknowledged: “Of course it will be difficult… I’m an open person.”
This is not just the end of his time on the pitch — it’s the closing of one of the most extraordinary chapters in sport. For fans, teammates and rivals alike, the farewell of Cristiano Ronaldo will feel like the end of an era.
Final thoughts
Cristiano Ronaldo’s announcement isn’t a dramatic release with fixed dates, but rather a natural evolution. He is signalling that while he remains competitive today, the final pages of his playing career are approaching. What remains uncertain is how precisely he will bow out but his readiness, his emotional honesty and his deep reflection on life after football all point to a thoughtful and memorable farewell.
As the world watches, whether it be at a major tournament or a milestone goal, the moment Ronaldo hangs up his boots will be more than simply a retirement it will be a global football moment.