Cristiano Ronaldo says retirement is "soon," expects to cry when he steps away from football
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, admitted his professional football career is ending soon, stating he expects the moment to be difficult and emotional.
November 4, 2025 - 01:17 PM ET • 2 min read
Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo announced that his retirement from professional playing is approaching, admitting that the moment will likely be highly emotional. The 40-year-old forward, currently playing for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, made the comments during an interview with Piers Morgan, stating he expects to cry when he finally steps away from the sport.
"Soon, but I think I will be prepared," Ronaldo said regarding the timing of his departure. "It will be tough, of course. Will be difficult, yes. Probably I will cry, yes, it is normal."
Ronaldo, who began his professional career 23 years ago with Sporting CP in Lisbon, emphasized that despite the anticipated difficulty, he has been planning for this transition for years. He noted that he started preparing for his future when he was in his mid-twenties. "It will be hard, but I have been preparing my future since [I was] 25, 26, 27 years old," he said, adding that he believes he will be able to handle the pressure of the transition. He also described himself as "a person who cries with ease" and does not repress his feelings, stressing his sincerity and openness.
The star, who is the historical leading goalscorer in men's international football, is currently under contract with Al Nassr until June 2027. Despite his age, he remains committed to high-level competition, including plans to represent Portugal in the World Cup scheduled for the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
When discussing his life after football, Ronaldo hinted that he does not intend to remain involved in the sport professionally. He expressed a desire to dedicate more time to his family and pursue "other passions." This suggests a definitive break from the professional football environment once his playing career concludes.
Ronaldo acknowledged the unique nature of his career, stating that no other scenario could replicate the feeling that football has provided him throughout his life. "Everything has a beginning and an end," he concluded. His comments underscore the discipline that has allowed him to remain a dominant figure in the sport into his fifth decade, even as he consciously prepares for the end of his competitive life.