Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he plans to retire from professional football soon, marking the approaching end of one of the most decorated careers in the sport’s history. Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored on Tuesday, the 40-year-old Al Nassr striker said his decision is motivated by family considerations and a desire to prepare for life beyond football.
Ronaldo acknowledged that stepping away from the game will be emotionally difficult, even after more than two decades at the top level.
“Soon,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said when asked when he plans to hang up his boots.
“It will be very, very difficult. But I have been preparing for this since I was 25, 26, 27 years old. I think I will be capable of handling that pressure. Nothing compares to the adrenaline you feel when scoring a goal, but everything has a beginning and an end.”
The Portuguese captain added that he looks forward to having more time with his family, saying, “I’m going to have more time for myself, for my family, to raise my kids.”
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Ronaldo is football’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 952 career goals for club and country combined, according to BBC Sport. He has previously stated his ambition to reach 1,000 goals before retirement, a record that remains within reach given his current scoring form in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr.
Over his career, Ronaldo has won five UEFA Champions League titles, seven league championships across England, Spain, and Italy, and the Euro 2016 title with Portugal. His move to Al Nassr in 2023 marked the latest chapter of a career that has spanned Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
Ronaldo also expressed disappointment over the recent struggles of Manchester United, the club where he rose to global fame.
“I’m sad, because the club is one of the most important in the world and one that I still have in my heart,” he said.
“They don’t have a structure. I hope that changes because the potential of the club is amazing. They are not on a good path, and it’s not only about the coach or the players. Miracles are impossible.”
United finished 15th in the Premier League last season, their worst top-flight performance since the 1973-74 relegation campaign. Ronaldo, who left the club in 2022 after a tense second spell, said he continues to follow their results.
Ronaldo emphasized that his post-football plans have been in motion for years. The forward has already invested in multiple ventures, including CR7-branded fashion, hotels, and fitness businesses, and serves as a global ambassador for several charitable initiatives.
While he did not specify a timeline for his retirement, his remarks suggest that his exit from professional football may come within the next year.
“I think I will be ready,” he said. “It’s time to focus on what comes next.”