The final chapter ahead: Ronaldo reveals plans to end his career
Cristiano Ronaldo (photo: Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo is gradually entering the final stage of his playing career. On February 5, the Portuguese star will turn 41, and questions about his near future are becoming increasingly relevant.
World Soccer Talk reports on Ronaldo’s plans in football and beyond.
Final major tournament
This season, Ronaldo’s age has begun to show. Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus left the Portuguese forward out of the starting lineup in six of the team’s 26 matches. In the short term, Ronaldo’s main objective is believed to be the 2026 World Cup, which many consider his last major international tournament.
According to talkSPORT journalist Ben Jacobs, Ronaldo is highly likely to leave Al Nassr in the summer of 2027, when his current contract expires. The deal was extended in June 2025 for an additional two years.
Sources do not rule out the possibility of another one-year extension, but this option is not currently seen as a priority. If he departs in 2027, Ronaldo will be 42 years old, an age at which he may decide to retire from professional football.
The Portuguese star is already among the oldest players competing at the highest level. Older than him is only 42-year-old Dante Bonfim, who plays in Ligue 1 and the Europa League for Nice. Other veterans include 40-year-olds José Sosa of Argentina’s Estudiantes and Luka Modrić of AC Milan.
Plans after retirement
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia was driven by more than just a record-breaking contract. From the outset, he viewed himself as a global ambassador for the development of football in the country. Even after retiring from the pitch, he is expected to remain involved in Saudi football at an institutional level.
One option reportedly under discussion is increasing his ownership stake in Al Nassr. Ronaldo currently holds around 15 percent of the club’s shares and could eventually become one of its key co-owners, using his global brand to further develop the team.
Role in preparations for the 2034 World Cup
Saudi Arabia’s strategic ambitions extend far beyond the domestic league. The country is actively preparing to host the 2034 World Cup, with Cristiano Ronaldo seen as one of the tournament’s main global ambassadors.
As a result, even after the end of his playing career, the influence of the Portuguese legend on football in Saudi Arabia could remain significant for many years to come.
