Cristiano Ronaldo’s Retirement: When Will the End Come?

Cristiano Ronaldo is firmly cemented in the pantheon of soccer legends, considered by many as one of the greatest—if not the greatest—players in history.

With five Ballon d’Or titles and the distinction of being soccer’s all-time leading goal scorer, Ronaldo has mesmerized fans around the globe for more than two decades.

From Manchester United to Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr, his dominance across every club he’s played for is undisputed.

For Portugal, he has redefined greatness, smashing records and leading his nation to historic victories—including their first major trophies—eclipsing icons like Eusébio along the way.

But even for a player as extraordinary as Ronaldo, the inevitable question arises: when will he finally hang up his boots?

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Has Ronaldo Announced His Retirement?

No, Cristiano Ronaldo has no plans to retire anytime soon.

Amidst speculation about his future, in June 2025, the Portuguese superstar doubled down on his commitment to the game by signing a two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr. The new deal keeps him at the club until 2027, meaning he’ll continue competing well into his 40s.

“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” Ronaldo shared on social media when confirming the deal, which reportedly earns him a staggering $245 million annually—equivalent to $670,000 per day or $4.67 million per week.

While Ronaldo remains committed to playing, he has acknowledged the reality of his advancing age. “You know how old I am already,” he said.

“I’m closer to the end than I was at the beginning, but I have to enjoy every moment. If I don’t get seriously injured, I’ll keep going.”

Considering the paycheck he’s receiving at Al-Nassr, combined with his hunger for competition, it’s clear Ronaldo sees no reason to stop just yet.

How Is Ronaldo Performing as He Nears Retirement?

Ronaldo’s ability to defy time is nothing short of remarkable.

Since joining Al-Nassr in 2023, he has scored 99 goals in 111 games, inching closer to the unprecedented 1,000-goal milestone—a feat no player in history has achieved.

For Portugal, he remains an indispensable leader and decisive player, most recently helping them win their second UEFA Nations League title with a standout performance against Spain.

The secret to Ronaldo’s longevity lies in his rigorous fitness regimen, strict diet, and unrelenting dedication to maintaining peak physical and mental condition.

While many of his peers have called time on their careers, Ronaldo continues to thrive on both domestic and international stages.

Predicting Ronaldo’s Retirement

With his new Al-Nassr contract running through 2027, any talk of Ronaldo retiring before then seems premature—barring unforeseen circumstances like a major injury.

By the time the deal ends, he will be 42, bringing him closer to the likely twilight of his career. While he has entertained the possibility of leaving the top-flight leagues, his passion for the game remains undiminished.

Whether he winds down at Sporting Lisbon, explores a stint in Major League Soccer, or extends his dominance in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo’s competitive drive will likely dictate his next move.

One thing is clear—Ronaldo is chasing history. With the elusive 1,000-goal mark within reach and astronomical earnings on the table, the soccer legend shows no signs of stopping.

His story isn’t just about setting records but ensuring his final chapters are as unforgettable as the rest of his career.

Legends, after all, don’t exit quietly—they leave a legacy for generations to remember.

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Source: si

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.