Cristiano Ronaldo has sent shockwaves through the football world by outlining a concrete plan for his retirement from the beautiful game. The Portugal captain confirmed the 2026 World Cup in the United States will be his final tournament and admitted his time on the pitch is rapidly drawing to a close.
The Countdown to Retirement
In a candid interview, the 40-year-old football icon moved to clarify his recent comments about retiring "soon". Ronaldo initially joked that his definition of "soon" meant "in 10 years" before striking a more serious tone. He revealed he likely has just one or two years left in professional football.
"When I mean soon… I'm really enjoying the moment right now," Ronaldo stated. "As you know in football, when you reach some age you count the months very quick. So, the moment is good, I feel very good in this moment, I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp, I'm enjoying my game in the national team and Al Nassr, but of course, let's be honest, when I mean 'soon' it's probably one, two years I'll still be in the game."
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner reflected on his monumental 25-year career with pride, acknowledging his vast collection of records across club and international football. Despite his enduring fitness and goal-scoring prowess, the finish line is now clearly in sight.
Al Nassr or a Sentimental Return to Portugal?
On paper, Ronaldo's final club appears decided. He is under contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr until after his 42nd birthday, following a monumental deal signed earlier in 2025 reportedly worth a minimum of £492 million over two years. This agreement strongly positions the Middle Eastern club as his last professional home.
However, a powerful emotional pull could yet alter this trajectory. Ronaldo's mother, Dolores Aveiro, has publicly and repeatedly expressed her dying wish to see her son return to his first club, Sporting CP, in Portugal.
In a heartfelt plea to a Portuguese magazine, the 67-year-old matriarch declared: "Cristiano has to come back here. If it was up to me he'd be back already. I already told him: 'Son, before I die I want to see you playing for Sporting again.'"
This family dream extends even further. Ronaldo's son, Cristianinho, is showing immense promise on the pitch, and Aveiro revealed the ultimate fantasy. "Seeing the two of them playing together at the club would be my dream," she shared, noting that the youngster has already said, "Dad when we go to live in Lisbon I want to play for Sporting."
Living in the Moment Before the Final Whistle
For now, Ronaldo is focused on the present. He emphasised his enjoyment of his current form with both Al Nassr and the Portuguese national team. His immediate goal is clear: to prepare for one last shot at World Cup glory in 2026.
Yet, the question remains. Will Cristiano Ronaldo see out his record-breaking contract in Saudi Arabia, or will he grant his mother's heartfelt wish for a fairytale ending back where it all began in Lisbon? The football world watches and waits as one of the greatest careers in history enters its final chapters.
