Fans had better watch forward Cristiano Ronaldo while they can.
Ronaldo, 41, played in his last FIFA World Cup for Portugal this past summer. Now, his club career should be coming to an end.
Cristiano Ronaldo speaks on future
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told Vogue for a story published Sunday (h/t Field Level Media).
Ronaldo, whose contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr FC runs until June 2027, admitted that walking away from the sport will be a challenge, but he now has other things that will occupy his time in his post-playing career.
“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 [a racket sport similar to tennis and squash], 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.”
Those 25 years of sacrifice have produced some of the best soccer the world has ever seen. Ronaldo never won a World Cup but has hoisted several other trophies over the course of his career with five clubs, including Manchester United (English Premier League) and Real Madrid (La Liga). He won three league titles during his time with Manchester United (2003-09) and two with Real Madrid (2009-18).
Ronaldo also has five Ballon d’Ors as the best player in the world, second behind longtime rival Lionel Messi (eight).
