Ronaldo emphasizes that’soon’ means one to two years before retiring.

Cristiano Ronald – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – Cristiano Ronaldo provided a date for his cryptic retirement hint on Tuesday, claiming he will hang up his boots in “one or two years” after informing the world he would be retiring shortly.
The Portugal forward, who has over 950 goals for club and country, made his Sporting debut as a teenager in 2002 and revealed in an interview that he plans to retire shortly to spend more time with his family.
Ronaldo extended his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr until 2027 in June, and the 40-year-old Portuguese is also aiming for next year’s World Cup, the only major prize remaining from his trophy cabinet.

“Soon for me means in 10 years… No, I’m joking,” Ronaldo said via video call at a Saudi-hosted global summit on tourism and investment.

“I’m really enjoying the moment right now. As you know, in football, when you reach some age, you count the months very quick.

“I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. I’m enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let’s be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years.”

With Portugal on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo confirmed the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be his swansong on football’s biggest stage.

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“Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old (at the World Cup),” said Ronaldo, who is also the top scorer in history with 143 international goals.

“I gave everything for football. I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything, I have many records in the different scenarios in the clubs and also in the national teams.

“I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”

Ronaldo said he knows he will go down in history as one of the best players ever.

But can his son Cristiano Jr, who is following in his footsteps by playing for the Portugal Under-16 team, be a better player than his father?

“As human beings, we never want somebody to be better than us. But I wish my children would be better than me. “I’m never going to be jealous of him,” he declared.
“I don’t want to add pressure on that because all I want is for him to be happy. It does not matter whether you wish to play football or another sport. Be happy and free. Don’t put too much strain on yourself due to your father’s expectations. This is a fresh and different generation. They think and live differently. But as a father, I’m here to help him become whatever he wants to be. I will be his supporter.”