Cristiano Ronaldo Opens Up On Retirement, Legacy, And His Son’s Future In Football

‎Cristiano Ronaldo has clarified his recent retirement hint, revealing that he plans to hang up his boots in “one or two years.”

‎The Portuguese superstar, who has scored over 950 goals for club and country, first sparked speculation after suggesting that his playing days were nearing an end.

‎Ronaldo made his professional debut as a teenager with Sporting in 2002 and has since built one of the most decorated careers in football history. He explained that his decision to retire soon stems from a desire to spend more time with his family.

‎Ronaldo extended his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr until 2027 in June, and the 40-year-old Portuguese is also targeting next year’s World Cup, the only major title missing from his trophy cabinet.

‎”Soon for me means in 10 years… No, I’m joking,” Ronaldo said via video call at a Saudi-hosted global summit on tourism and investment.

‎”I’m really enjoying the moment right now. As you know, in football, when you reach some age, you count the months very quickly.

‎”I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, and I still feel quick and sharp. I’m enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let’s be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years.”

‎Ronaldo’s last World Cup

‎Portugal is close to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, and Ronaldo has announced that the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be his swan song on football’s biggest stage.

‎”Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old (at the World Cup),” said Ronaldo, who is also the top scorer in history with 143 international goals.

‎”I gave everything for football. I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything, I have many records in the different scenarios in the clubs and also in the national teams.

‎”I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”

‎Paving the way for Cristiano Jr.

‎Ronaldo believes he will be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time.

‎But could his son, Cristiano Jr., who is already captaining Portugal’s Under-16s, surpass his father in the game?

‎”As human beings, we don’t always want anybody to be better than us. But I wish my kids would be better than me. I’m never going to be jealous of him,” he said.

‎”I don’t want to add pressure to that, because what I want for him is to be happy. It doesn’t matter if you want to play football or play another sport.

‎”Be happy, be free. Don’t be under the pressure of your daddy because that is a lot.

‎”This is a new generation, a different generation. They think differently, they live differently. But as a father, I’m here to help him be whatever he wants to be. I will be his support.”