Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo hints this season is likely to be his last as a player after an illustrious career.
The 41-year-old wed his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, on Tuesday and is considering a future focused on his family.
A five-time Ballon d’Or recipient and five-time Champions League winner, Ronaldo has secured league titles in England, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia and stands as the leading goalscorer in men’s international football history.
The captain of Portugal has been with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr for nearly four years, with a year left on his contract.
“Ronaldo mentioned to Vogue in an interview regarding his wedding, ‘This is likely my final year in football, and I wish to create an amazing legacy.'”
“My future is completely planned.” I have so many activities to occupy me that mentioning just one is difficult.
“Since football can create a significant gap, you must occupy your time in multiple ways, not just one.
“Have additional fun, explore more places, engage in watching and playing padel, which I truly enjoy, and keep appreciating what I’ve gained—what we’ve gained.”
“After all, it’s been 25 years filled with numerous sacrifices.”
Ronaldo is 24 goals short of reaching 1,000 career goals at the senior level.
His longtime competitor Lionel Messi, who has claimed the Ballon d’Or award a record eight times, recently expressed uncertainty about how much longer he would keep playing football.
The World Cup journeys of the players appeared strikingly dissimilar, with Messi netting eight goals and guiding Argentina to the final, whereas Ronaldo’s Portugal was eliminated in the round of 16.
When questioned in July if his sixth World Cup would be his final one, Ronaldo mentioned he would make a decision “with a calm head” after discussing it with his family.
Al-Nassr began their defence of the Saudi Pro League title against Al Fateh on Saturday, and although Ronaldo did not participate, he observed the champions’ victory from the stands with his family.
