Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that this season will be the final chapter of a career spanning more than two decades at the highest level of the game.

Speaking to Vogue, the 41-year-old said: "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy."

A World Cup farewell

The remarks arrive just weeks after Ronaldo featured at his sixth FIFA World Cup 2026 with Portugal. He had signalled ahead of the tournament that it would be his last, though he made clear at the time that the decision would be his alone: "I will retire when I want to, not when you want."

Portugal's campaign ended in July when Spain eliminated them in the round of 16, bringing the curtain down on one of football's most extraordinary international careers.

Ronaldo departed the FIFA World Cup 2026 having made history — becoming the first player to score in six editions of the tournament. He finishes with 11 World Cup goals from 27 appearances.

A career of records

At 41, Ronaldo continues to perform at an elite level for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, finding the net with remarkable regularity. He is within reach of 1,000 career goals and remains under contract with the Saudi Arabian club until 2027.

The numbers behind his career are staggering. He has claimed five Ballons d'Or, five UEFA Champions League titles, and league honours in England, Spain, and Italy. With Portugal, he has lifted the European Championship and the Nations League, and he stands as the all-time top scorer in men's international football with 146 goals. At Real Madrid, he remains the club's all-time record scorer.

Should this season prove to be his last, Ronaldo will exit as the most decorated individual in the modern era of the sport — a legacy that will take generations to rival.