The Portugal captain made the admission in an interview with Vogue following his wedding to longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez, explaining that his future will increasingly centre on his family and interests away from football.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said.
The Al-Nassr forward has previously suggested retirement could come within one or two years, but his latest comments are his clearest indication yet that his career is approaching its conclusion.
Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or awards and five Champions League titles, while collecting league championships in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia. He is also the leading goalscorer in men’s international football.
His career has included spells with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before his move to Saudi Arabia, where he has spent almost four years with Al-Nassr. He has one year remaining on his contract.
Ronaldo has also played at a record sixth World Cup with Portugal most recently, although their campaign ended in the round of 16. Lionel Messi, meanwhile, led Argentina to the final.
Ronaldo had previously been non-committal over whether the tournament would be his final World Cup, saying in July that he would make the decision calmly after consulting his family.
Beyond football, Ronaldo says he already has plenty to look forward to.
“I have my future all mapped out,” he said, highlighting travel, spending more time with his family and playing padel among the activities he wants to pursue.
“Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one,” Ronaldo added.
After a career defined by ambition and sacrifice, the Portuguese superstar now appears to be contemplating the final chapter of his remarkable playing career.
