Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Retirement, Prioritizing the Present

Cristiano Ronaldo has implied that retirement may not be too far in the future, but he has not set a specific timeline for it, emphasizing his focus on savoring the current moment.

Previously, Ronaldo had expressed his desire to continue playing at the highest level until at least 2024, which would encompass the upcoming European Championship finals next summer. However, recent reports suggest he may aim to extend his career until 2027. In February, he will celebrate his 39th birthday, and he will be 41 by the time the next World Cup rolls around in three years.

Ronaldo, the Portuguese football sensation, achieved the status of the all-time leading international goalscorer in 2021, having scored a total of 125 goals in 202 caps for Portugal. He captained his nation during the World Cup finals in Qatar last year and hopes to participate in at least one more major tournament, especially after Portugal’s victory in the 2016 European Championships.

Despite his desire to add a World Cup victory to his illustrious career, he has now refrained from setting a concrete date for his retirement. According to Ronaldo, he now thinks more in the short term due to life events that have shaped his personal and professional life.

“People say I’m going to play on until I’m 40 or 41 years old. I don’t set these targets. It’s a question of just enjoying the moment, which is a good moment. I feel good. My body is responding to how I’ve treated it over the years. I’m happy both at my club and in the Seleçao. I’ve scored plenty of goals, I feel in good shape physically. It’s a question of enjoying the moment,” Ronaldo shared with reporters after scoring twice in Portugal’s 3-2 victory over Slovakia.

Ronaldo had previously dismissed the idea that winning the World Cup would be the deciding factor in the debate over who is the greatest football player ever, a discussion that often revolves around him and Lionel Messi. He stated, “Even if I win the World Cup, that will continue. Some people like me more, some less. It’s like in life, some like blondes, some like brunettes.”

While he is ambitious about winning the World Cup, he emphasized that his career has already been filled with remarkable achievements and records. Winning a World Cup would be a dream, but regardless, his legacy in the history books is secure.