Cristiano Ronaldo: This season could be the "last one"

Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al Nassr, a competitor in the Saudi Professional League, has sparked speculation about his retirement plans after stating that next year will likely be the final one of his football career.

The 41-year-old Portuguese captain is one of the most decorated players in history, having won major titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr, since making his debut with Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon in 2002.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has been unable to add a World Cup title to his list of achievements after Portugal’s exit from this year’s tournament, leaving the sport’s most prestigious award absent from his trophy cabinet.

In an interview with the American lifestyle magazine Vogue, published on Sunday, Ronaldo said, “This might be my last season in football, and I want to leave an amazing legacy.” The forward has scored 976 goals across his club and national team career, spanning more than two decades.

He added, “I have so many things on my mind that it’s hard to mention just one. Because football can leave a big void, I need to fill my time in different ways, not just one way.”

He continued, “I will enjoy life more, travel more, watch and play padel, a sport I truly love, and continue to enjoy what I have achieved, and what we have all achieved; because, in the end, 25 years have passed, filled with sacrifices.”

Ronaldo will continue playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League this season, as he approaches the milestone of reaching 1,000 career goals.