The "Messi-Ronaldo era" that has dominated world football for 20 years is coming to an end. Messi, 39, expressed his intention to retire after recently losing his father. Following him, Ronaldo, 41, also stated that "this season will be my last."
Ronaldo said in an interview with Vogue fashion magazine, which was published on the 17th, "This season might be my last year in football." He also said, "I hope to leave a beautiful legacy."
In the past, although Ronaldo had mentioned leaving the national team or bidding farewell to important cup competitions, this is the first time he has explicitly mentioned "retirement." When talking about his plans after retirement, Ronaldo said, "Because football will leave a big void, I can't just do one thing; I need to fill my time in various ways." He also said that there will be many things to keep him busy after retirement.
He then stated, "I will enjoy life more, travel often, and also play and watch padel, which I really like." He added, "After making so many sacrifices over the past 25 years, I want to fully enjoy everything my family and I have achieved during these years."
The Saudi Professional League, where Ronaldo plays, began its 2026-27 season on the 13th, with the regular season lasting until the end of May 2027. According to his plan, the era of "player Ronaldo" will officially end in May next year.
Ronaldo made his professional debut in 2002 at Sporting CP (Portugal), then played for Manchester United (England), Real Madrid (Spain), and Juventus (Italy), and has now spent 24 years of his top-level professional career at Al Nassr.
Since 2008, he and his "lifelong rival" Messi have annually shared the world's best player awards, ushering in their era. Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or five times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), while Messi holds the historical record with eight wins (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023).
In terms of goals scored, Ronaldo is significantly ahead. He has scored a total of 976 goals for clubs and national teams, making him the sole leader in the historical goalscorer list, and is aiming to reach 1000 goals before retiring. Messi ranks second with 924 goals.
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Don Zayo
0
What about the 1000 Tap in and Penalties goals you wanted to score??
Just a tap in could win Barcelona UCL
Don Zayo
0
if you like play till you are 60 years who care
If you don't care why are you commenting
Don Zayo
0
he is eye red player who don't want the success of others
Lol
Mudiknosty
0
Don't retire ooo, play football 😂😀
Medklmnpty
0
Thank you for the rivalry and the memories.
Which rivalry 🤣🤣🤣Dey play
Cuwiklnrtu
1
he is eye red player who don't want the success of others
Madailortu
0
not yet CR7 another Nations league...then you give the number 7 straight to your kid after a match
magnumpi
1
our children will read about them just like we read about pele maradona and cyruff
Poteimoruz
0
Join JDT Club...in you can still fulfill the 1,000 goals...I swear to God... 🥰🥰🥰
Wicdilnu
0
if you like play till you are 60 years who care
U are a fool
lovefootball77
1
rapistnaldo should go to jail now
bubdklnop
1
Cr7, my goat and will always be....its time to hang the boots and watch the small boois
nidceklpr
2
if you like play till you are 60 years who care
Messi4everGOAT
2
Thank you for the rivalry and the memories.
kitcrstyz
1
ghug
JPSTANCE
1
Retire, Ronaldo. No player will ever come near you or pass you except one, Messi. The two of you have showed what it means to love the game, play the game, win hearts and lay a model for generations to come.
Rvicky
0
Every good story has an ending you did well legend +goat 💯
Vipdikloty
0
Well planned. A new CR7 is already springing up with quiet engagement and marriage. Noiseless environments. A great sign of maturity. Wishing you all the best beyond your expectations.
This man has no choice than to be mature now,his immature comments have all come back to haunt him so what do you expect
lisbekloyz
1
Quit after 1000
Robbdirtu
2
your legacy will live in world football for life
Honabeiklr
0
What about the 1000 Tap in and Penalties goals you wanted to score??
ask the Google
ziwcdeklop
2
What about the 1000 Tap in and Penalties goals you wanted to score??
maybe u need glasses but it's okay to be jealous of the best
suleimanu1567
6
What about the 1000 Tap in and Penalties goals you wanted to score??
gudiest01
3
if balloon d'Or is an individual award, Ronaldo would have gotten more, but now it's about what the team won, even without scoring or assisting you can get the balloon d'Or
Jotadistz
5
Well planned. A new CR7 is already springing up with quiet engagement and marriage. Noiseless environments. A great sign of maturity. Wishing you all the best beyond your expectations.
Jaecdklmsu
5
every beginning there most be an end
Temple7
4
Every good thing surely comes to an end. I wish you all the best as a football fan. Thanks for the joy and the endless debate you brought to football fans
Laybkmpsyz
3
so no portugal after cr7 retirement
noebcenpuy
5
Both Him and Messi have done what other footballers can't offer. I Respect you both Great Legends
BradleyChereni
3
with his age, we shouldn't really be surprised about this
beybcloprs
2
cr7 😭💔
EmieGold
6
It has been an incredible career for a great football legend. Congratulations 🎉 CR7 in advance.
Waebcdlpsz
1
No more Ronaldo 😭
Pecelrtuz
1
The world is not ready for thr retirement
Baybceruy
2
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Lovebug2
1
Not conclusive Just noise
adedefender
1
Travel heaven and earth, insult and abuse Ronaldo, set up campaign against him, call messi the GOAT, let Rihanna continue to sing about Ronaldo's retirement without brains, hug transformer tightly, you will still not be able to break that guy called CRISTIANO RONALDO and can never force him into retirement. You all will soon get exhausted.
wutbceikmr
4
Both CR7 and LM10 will be missed. I watch Al Nassr and Inter Miami only because of the goats.
Iffy106
1
Nothing last forever I will always wish you all the best
cosdikosz
5
So touching but at least you have tried enough as a pro football and I was so lucky to witness your greatness with Messi Thought am a Messi fan I wish you well CR7 ❤️
TommyMueller
6
Lol why is this coming out after Messi spoke about something like this. CR7 just lol 😂
lifestyle2017
2
Thank You so much for your passion and love for the Game 💓 you took football to another level GOAT CR7 love 💕
MarvV420
0
1 last season at Man Utd as a super sub😅😅
Mozaceprz
2
old man you must retire
omochris
1
It better he quit, before he spoiled his dignity
Even if he chooses to continue playing till the age of 50, nothing can spoil his dignity.
omochris
1
It's a probability. it isn't certain
Kuzcdkruy
4
It better he quit, before he spoiled his dignity