Cristiano Ronaldo drops bombshell retirement statement as he outlines future plans

The final chapter is approaching. In a newly-released interview, Cristiano Ronaldo announced that this will "probably" be his final season as a professional footballer as he opened up about his future plans.

Ronaldo is still going strong at 41. Last season, he finished as the third-top goal scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 28 goals, meaning he is within touching distance of reaching 1,000 goals in all competitions.

At the time of writing, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has netted 976 goals in 1,326 games.

Ronaldo recently joined up with his Al Nassr teammates but missed out on the club's opening game of the Saudi Pro League campaign against Al Fateh following a busy summer with Portugal at the World Cup.

Al-Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo and his wife Georgina Rodriguez watch Al Nassr's clash against Al Fateh from the stands. Image credit: Getty

So, what does the future hold for one of football's greatest ever players? Speaking to Vogue, the striker confirmed that this year will "probably" be his last in professional football.

"This will probably be my last year in football and I want to leave a spectacular legacy," he said, before opening up on what the future could look like, 24 years after making his debut for Sporting Lisbon.

"I already have my entire future planned. I have so many things to keep me busy that it's difficult to name just one. Since football can leave a great void, it's necessary to fill the time in various ways, not just one.

"And also to have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really enjoy, and continue to enjoy what I've achieved—what we've achieved. After all, it's been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice."

What will Cristiano Ronaldo do after his playing days are over?

Ronaldo has previously dropped a number of hints about what life will look like after his trophy-laden career is over. Back in 2023, he said he was open to the idea of owning a football club.

"I don't rule out becoming a club owner," he said during an event in Madrid for his bottled water business venture. "It's something I thought about a few years back. I probably would like to own a [football] club. I'm at the end of my career, two to three years maximum."

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo announces marriage to Georgina Rodriguez as statement issued

For the most part, it appears his post-retirement plans involve shifting towards business ventures rather than coaching. In fact, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner categorically played down a career in management.

"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," Ronaldo said in an interview with Portuguese publication NOW.

"I'm not thinking about being a coach of the first team or any team. It doesn't even cross my mind. I've never thought about it. I don't see my future going through that. I see myself doing other things outside of football, but only God knows what the future holds."