‘I Don’t Have Many More Years’ – Cristiano Ronaldo Provides Update on Retirement Plans

Portuguese Icon Speaks Candidly About His Future But Refuses to Set a Date for Retirement

For over two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo has lived in the spotlight—breaking records, redefining greatness, and pushing the limits of what a footballer can achieve. But even legends have to bow out eventually. And while Ronaldo has provided a rare update on his retirement plans, the message is clear: he’s still here, still hungry, but well aware that the end is closer than ever.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League final clash with Spain, Ronaldo acknowledged what fans have both feared and expected for some time: that the curtain on his historic career is slowly beginning to fall.

A Career That’s Stretched Across Generations

Germany v Portugal – UEFA Nations League 2025 Semi-final

Let’s take a moment to truly appreciate the timeline. When Cristiano Ronaldo made his professional debut with Sporting CP in 2002, Lionel Messi hadn’t yet made his Barcelona debut, Twitter didn’t exist, and the iPhone was still five years away. Since then, he’s won league titles in England, Spain, and Italy, lifted five Champions League trophies, and amassed over 850 career goals across club and country.

Few athletes in any sport have maintained relevance and dominance for so long. And yet, even with the extraordinary discipline that has defined his career, time waits for no one—not even CR7.

What Cristiano Ronaldo Said

In his own words:

“My mentality is to live day by day. I don’t have many more years to play…but I’m enjoying the moment. There’s no day decided for my retirement. I feel happy, I’m here to enjoy and keep going until the day I don’t feel like this.”

This wasn’t Ronaldo waving goodbye. Far from it. But it was a rare glimpse of humility and introspection from a man often defined by supreme confidence. The message? He’s not done, but he knows the finish line is coming into view.

The Bigger Picture – Cristiano Ronaldo at 40

Cristiano Ronaldo turned 40 in February. That alone places him in a category few professional footballers ever reach. The vast majority have hung up their boots by their mid-30s. In that context, the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is still competing—still scoring—is in itself remarkable.

Sure, the pace isn’t what it once was. And his influence in top-tier European competitions has waned. His World Cup and Euro 2024 performances were solid but far from spectacular. But then again, what other 40-year-old striker is still racking up goals at a professional level?

His move to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League has extended his playing days and revitalized his goal tally. Critics point to the lower level of competition, but the reality is simple: Cristiano Ronaldo is still doing what he loves. And he’s still doing it better than most.

No Date, No Drama – Just Day by Day

Al Nassr v Al Ittihad – Saudi Pro League

Perhaps the most telling part of Cristiano Ronaldo’s update on his retirement plans is that he refuses to set a date. There will be no grand announcement yet, no farewell tour—at least, not for now.

This isn’t unfamiliar territory. Icons like Roger Federer, Tom Brady, and even LeBron James have all expressed a similar sentiment: why rush the ending if your body and mind are still willing?

In fact, Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly been told by medical staff that his physical condition is comparable to that of a 28-year-old—a testament to the obsessive care he’s taken of his body throughout his career.

So, while the end may be near, it won’t come with a pre-set timeline. He’ll walk away when he feels it’s time, and not a moment before.

Inside the Portugal Camp: Still a Leader, But Not Undisputed

Ronaldo remains a central figure in the Portugal national team setup, but things have shifted. This is no longer the team built entirely around him. A new generation of Portuguese stars is emerging—João Félix, Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Ramos—and there’s a different dynamic now.

Some fans and pundits have questioned whether Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued presence in the squad could be slowing the team’s evolution. But according to sources close to the dressing room, he still commands deep respect—both for what he’s done and how he still carries himself.

His leadership is more measured now. Less vocal, more observational. But when he speaks, people still listen.

What’s Next for Cristiano Ronaldo?

For now, it seems Cristiano Ronaldo is staying put at Al Nassr. Despite speculation that he might seek a return to European football or chase a final stint with a team participating in the Club World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo has squashed those rumors—for the time being, at least.

He’s ruled out any short-term deals and appears committed to finishing what he started in Saudi Arabia. Whether he’ll renew his current contract—or quietly walk away when it ends—remains to be seen. That decision, much like his retirement, is still a work in progress.

Why This Moment Matters

Ronaldo offering any hint at retirement is newsworthy in itself. For years, he’s deflected the question, opting instead to focus on records, trophies, and competition. But now, at 40, and with more than two decades at the pinnacle of the sport behind him, the conversation has changed.

He’s not just a footballer anymore. He’s a brand, a mentor, and a role model to millions. His every move—from diet to training to business ventures—is analyzed and emulated. How he handles this final chapter may shape how future generations of athletes approach their own careers.

Final Thoughts – A Legend on His Own Terms

Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy is already secure. Whether he retires tomorrow or plays another two seasons, he’s given more to football than anyone could have asked. The records, the trophies, the goals—they speak for themselves.

But perhaps the most admirable part of his career has been his relentless desire to keep going. To push boundaries. To prove that age is just a number when your will is stronger than your wear.

So when he says he doesn’t have “many more years,” it’s a sobering truth. But it’s also a reminder to savor what’s left. Because when he finally does hang up those boots, football will lose more than just a player. It will lose a symbol of excellence that may never be replicated again.

Until then, we watch, we applaud, and we wait—for the next goal, the next game, and eventually, the goodbye.