Cristiano Ronaldo has given one of his clearest indications yet that retirement is approaching, saying the coming year will “probably” be his final season as a professional footballer. The 41-year-old Portugal captain discussed his future in an interview with Vogue published on Sunday. Ronaldo has played professionally for nearly 25 years after making his senior debut with Sporting CP in 2002. Read More: First Look Inside Ronaldo and Georgina’s Intimate Family Wedding “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told Vogue. The comments stop short of a formal retirement announcement. However, they suggest the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is now actively preparing for life after football. Ronaldo Looks Beyond Football Ronaldo has built one of the most decorated careers in football history. He has won major honours during spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. He currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. However, the FIFA World Cup remains missing from his trophy collection. Portugal exited the 2026 tournament against Spain in the round of 16, ending Ronaldo’s sixth and final World Cup campaign. As retirement moves closer, Ronaldo said he has already started thinking about how to fill the gap left by football. “I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one,” he said. Read More: Ronaldo Breaks New Ground in World Cup History at 41 Ronaldo also plans to spend more time travelling and enjoying padel. “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.” Vogue reported that Ronaldo has his future “all mapped out” and wants to devote more time to his family after football. Race to 1,000 Goals Continues Despite the retirement hint, Ronaldo still has a major target within reach this season. The Portuguese forward begins the 2026-27 campaign with 976 official career goals, leaving him only 24 short of the landmark 1,000. Ronaldo has previously spoken openly about his desire to reach four figures. In December 2025, he said he remained motivated to chase 1,000 goals and expected to continue playing for another “one or two more years.” Read More: 10 Games Without A Goal: Ronaldo Faces Growing Questions He will continue that pursuit with Al-Nassr during the new Saudi Pro League season. His contract with the Riyadh club runs until June 2027. Ronaldo scored 28 league goals last season and remains one of Al-Nassr’s most important attacking players. Now, his latest comments have added another storyline to the campaign. Alongside the race for 1,000 goals and silverware with Al-Nassr, every appearance could form part of the closing chapter of one of football’s longest and most prolific careers.