In a heartfelt interview, the Al Nassr captain says retirement will be “very, very difficult.”
Ronaldo confirms retirement plans
Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that his retirement from professional football is drawing closer, calling it one of the hardest decisions of his life.
Speaking in an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the 40-year-old Al Nassr forward said he has been mentally preparing for this moment since his mid-20s.
“Soon,” Ronaldo replied when asked about retirement. “I think I will be prepared. It will be very, very difficult. But I’ve prepared my future since I was 25. Nothing compares to the adrenaline of scoring a goal, but everything has a beginning and everything has an end.”
Plans after football
Ronaldo said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family once he steps away from football.
“I’m going to have more time for myself, for my family, to raise my kids,” he said.
Despite his glittering career and immense wealth, the Portuguese superstar emphasized that happiness now comes from peace and purpose rather than fame.
“Being the first football billionaire is great,” he said. “But now I just want to enjoy playing, training, and competing.”
Still attached to Manchester United
The former Manchester United striker admitted that he still follows the club’s fortunes closely, despite his turbulent exit in 2022.
“I’m sad, because the club is one of the most important in the world and one that I still have in my heart,” Ronaldo said. “They don’t have a structure. I hope that changes because the potential of the club is amazing.”
United have endured one of their toughest runs in history, finishing 15th in last season’s Premier League campaign their lowest since 1973–74.
“I will probably cry”: Ronaldo on his final game
Ronaldo revealed that his final match will likely be an emotional affair.
“I will probably cry,” he told Morgan. “I’ve been preparing for this since I was 25.”
A legacy that will never fade
Ronaldo’s career began with Sporting CP in 2002 before his breakout move to Manchester United in 2003, where he won three Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy.
He joined Real Madrid in 2009, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer with 450 goals in 438 appearances and securing four Champions League titles.
Following stints at Juventus and now Al Nassr, Ronaldo has scored 952 official career goals and is eyeing the historic 1,000-goal milestone. Internationally, he remains men’s football’s all-time leading goal scorer with 143 goals in 225 appearances for Portugal. He led his nation to victory in Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.