Cristiano Ronaldo says retirement is coming ‘soon’

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he plans to retire «soon» as the Portugal and Al Nassr star prepares for a tearful end to his glittering career.

Ronaldo discussed his thoughts on retirement and life after football in an interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored.

The 40-year-old, who has scored an impressive 952 goals, is one of the most decorated players in the history of football, but the end of his astonishing career is in sight.

Asked when he would consider hanging up his boots, Ronaldo, who is under contract with Al Nassr until 2027, said: «Soon. But I think I will be prepared.»

«Of course it will be difficult. It will be difficult? Yes. It will probably be crying, yes. I am an open person. It will be very, very difficult, yes.»

“But Piers, I’ve been preparing my future since I was 25, 26, 27 years old. So I think I can support that push.”

Ronaldo is confident he will be able to make do without football as he wants to focus on his family and his interests off the pitch.

“Nothing can match the adrenaline we have to score a goal in football,” he said.

«But everything has a beginning and everything has an end. I have other passions. I’m going to have more time for myself, I’m going to have more time for my family to raise my children.»

«I want to follow Cristiano Junior because he is at an age when children do stupid things. I was the same. Mateo also loves football.»

«I want to do more fun things. I like playing Padel with my best friends. We’re getting pretty good.»

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After starting his career at Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo enjoyed successful spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

He won three Premier League titles and the Champions League during his first spell in Manchester.

With Madrid he won two La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.

Ronaldo joined Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr after leaving United for the second time in 2022.

He is still looking forward to the Premier League club’s results given his affinity with the current manager, his former Portuguese teammate Ruben Amorim.

But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner warned United fans not to expect miracles from Amorim, who is in the middle of a rollercoaster reign at Old Trafford after arriving 12 months ago.

«He’s doing his best,» Ronaldo said. «What are you going to do? Miracles. Miracles are impossible.»

«He’s not going to perform miracles. They have good players, but some of them don’t have in mind what Manchester United is.»

«Manchester United is still in my heart. I love that club. But we all have to be honest and look at ourselves and say, ‘Listen, they are not on the right track’. So they have to change, and in my opinion it is not just about the coach and the players.»

Published on November 4, 2025