Cristiano Ronaldo reveals his retirement timeline, unveiling the 'final legacy' he aims to leave behind.

After tying the knot with Georgina Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo shared an insightful conversation with Vogue magazine, touching on his life, future, and the plans ahead. One statement from the Portuguese star instantly caught the eye of his supporters.

In the interview with Vogue published on August 16, just a few days after his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez, Ronaldo unexpectedly acknowledged that the upcoming season could be the final chapter of his career, which has spanned more than two decades.

“This is probably the last year I play football, and I want to leave a truly special legacy.”, Ronaldo shared.

The word “probably” means CR7 has not yet issued a formal retirement announcement. But at 41, the fact that Ronaldo himself openly mentioned the possibility of this being his final year has made the story of his ending more real than ever.

And if it truly is just one more season, Ronaldo still has a massive goal to chase: 1,000 career goals. Ronaldo currently has 976 goals for club and country, meaning he is exactly 24 strikes away from the 1,000 milestone.

CR7 has long publicly stated his ambition to reach the 1,000-goal milestone before ending his career. With the gap now only 24 goals, that target no longer seems far-fetched. If the 2026/27 season is indeed his last, it could become a special race for Ronaldo: the final 24 goals to touch 1,000 before hanging up his boots.

Ronaldo's current contract with Al Nassr also runs until 2027, after both sides renewed it in June 2025. This further reinforces the likelihood that the current season will be his final chapter, consistent with what the Portuguese forward just shared.

But Ronaldo is not only thinking about what remains to be achieved on the pitch. After 25 years dedicating most of his life to football, CR7 said he has relatively clearly outlined what he wants to do when he no longer has to live by a grueling match and training schedule.

“I have planned my future. I have so many things to do that it's hard to list just one.”, Ronaldo said.

The Portuguese superstar acknowledged that football could leave a huge void. So instead of seeking a single replacement job, he wants to devote time to various activities. Family will take on greater importance. Ronaldo also wants to travel more, enjoy life, and also watch and play padel – a sport he is especially fond of.

The figure of 25 years is enough to illustrate the remarkable length of the journey Ronaldo has undertaken.

From Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus to Al Nassr, CR7 has turned breaking seemingly impossible milestones into a familiar part of his career. Five Ballon d'Or awards and hundreds of goals are just a part of that immense legacy.

Now, for the first time, the feeling of a true destination has become very clear. Before that day, CR7 still has 24 goals to chase. And if Ronaldo can close out his 25-year career with his 1,000th goal, that would perhaps be the most fitting ending for the “truly special legacy” he wants to leave behind.