Cristiano Ronaldo has given his clearest indication yet that his illustrious football career could end after the current season, with the Portugal captain saying that this is “probably my last year” in the sport.

The 41-year-old forward, whose contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr runs until June 2027, has previously acknowledged that retirement is approaching but had not provided a specific timeline.

“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said.

Last November, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he expected to continue playing for “one or two years” and confirmed that the 2026 World Cup would mark his final appearance at the tournament.

Portugal exited the World Cup after a defeat to Spain in the round of 16 last month, with Ronaldo scoring three goals during the tournament.

Ronaldo has not announced a definite retirement date, but his latest comments suggest that the end of his playing career could arrive sooner than previously expected.

The Portugal captain has already started considering life beyond football. He said he looks forward to spending more time with his family, travelling and enjoying hobbies away from the sport.

“I have my future all mapped out,” Ronaldo told Vogue. “I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard.”

Ronaldo also spoke about the need to find activities that can fill the gap football will eventually leave.

“Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one,” he said, adding that he wants to travel more, watch and play padel and enjoy the rewards of his career.

Ronaldo has spent more than two decades at the highest level of professional football. He began his senior career at Sporting CP before moving to Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. He joined Al Nassr in January 2023.

His nine-year spell at Real Madrid represented the most prolific period of his club career. Across 438 appearances for the Spanish giants, Ronaldo scored a club-record 450 goals and established himself as one of the most decorated and influential players in the club’s history.

His latest retirement comments also come shortly after Lionel Messi, his long-time rival, expressed uncertainty about how much longer he would continue playing following the death of his father, Jorge Messi.

For Ronaldo, however, the latest remarks represent his strongest indication yet that football could soon enter a new chapter without one of its most recognisable stars on the pitch.