Cristiano Ronaldo hints at retirement: It will probably be my last year playing football

The 41-year-old Portugal captain has stopped short of announcing his retirement, but the comments offer his clearest indication yet that he is considering the end of his playing career. There is still plenty left for Ronaldo to chase.

His numbers at Al Nassr remain strong too. Ronaldo scored 28 goals in the Saudi Pro League last season, finishing third in the scoring charts, and found the net 39 times in all competitions.

What Happened

Ronaldo has scored 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United across his two spells and 138 for Portugal. He has won five Ballon d'Or awards, five Champions League titles and the European Championship with Portugal.

• He has scored 976 goals in 1,330 games for club and country and is just 24 goals away from reaching 1,000.

• That came at the end of a career that has taken him from Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before his second spell at United and his move to Al Nassr.

• He said in 2023 that owning a club was something he would consider.

Key Details

Ronaldo says he has already thought about how he will spend his time once he stops playing. I already have my entire future planned.

• For now, Ronaldo's focus remains on the pitch and the 1,000-goal target.

• Whether he gets there before retirement is one of the biggest questions hanging over the final stage of his career.

• He needs 24 more goals to reach the mark.

Why It Matters

He also knows that walking away from football will not be easy. Travel and padel are among the things he wants more of once his playing career is over.

• I'm not thinking about being a coach of the first team or any team.

• "When I leave the national team, I won't tell anyone in advance and it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a very well thought-out one," he said in an.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge