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Cristiano Ronaldo retirement plan confirmed as Man Utd icon says 'it's all mapped out'

Cristiano Ronaldo has often looked like he could play football forever, but the football great has seemingly put a cap on when his time in the sport will be over

[Cristiano Ronaldo speaking in an interview]

Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has offered a retirement verdict(Image: YouTube/Whoop)

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted the 2026/27 campaign will "probably" be his last in football. Many will argue the 41-year-old's football career has been the greatest of all time.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner still has one more year left on his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. Ronaldo has been able to plunder the same huge numbers throughout his career, thanks to his unbelievable fitness.

In November last year, he even suggested he had many more years in the tank, by claiming his WHOOP watch listed his biological age at 29 years old. However, in a recent interview, the Manchester United and Real Madrid icon said the end of his career may be nigh, not long after he tied the knot with soul-mate Georgina Rodriguez.

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

Cristiano Ronaldo has already confirmed the recent World Cup was his final appearance in the competition(Image: DeFodi Images/Shutterstock)

Speaking to Vogue Magazine he said: "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy. I have my future all mapped out.

"I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.

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

[Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez]

Cristiano Ronaldo and his long-term partner Georgina Rodriguez recently married(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Ronaldo will play under former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou in, what appears to be, the five-time Champions League winner's final season in football. There are also question marks regarding his future with Portugal, as he is yet to confirm whether he will carry on.

Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo's former boss at Al-Nassr who was recently appointed as the new manager of the national team, said he is open to keep calling the iconic No. 7 up. He said: "I haven't spoken to Cris yet. He will never be a problem for the national team or for me.

"When the time comes to make a decision, I will speak with Cris and with everyone else individually. Cris is a symbol of Portugal. He will go down in history. It has been a great pleasure working with him.

[Al-Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) applauds his teammates from the VIP box in the stands during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Fateh at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on August 15, 2026]

Ronaldo did not feature in Al-Nassr's first match of the new campaign(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

"He is incredibly easy to work with. I need to speak with him to find out what he wants to do. He has always told me that he wants to finish his career at Al-Nassr. If he is in a position to be called up, I will do so."

Ronaldo did not feature in Al-Nassr's opening day Saudi Pro League victory over Al Fateh. He is expected to be back for their next match against Al-Riyadh on August 21st.

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