Cristiano Ronaldo abandons retirement plan

Cristiano Ronaldo’s era in Saudi Arabia has been nothing short of record-breaking, as the Portuguese icon continues to defy the typical constraints of age.

Since his high-profile arrival at Al-Nassr in early 2023, Ronaldo has maintained an astounding scoring rate, recently surpassing 114 goals in 128 appearances for the Riyadh-based club.

His 2025 campaign was particularly decorated; he not only led the league in scoring once again but also secured his third consecutive Best Middle East Player trophy at the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.

Even as he celebrated his 40th birthday, Ronaldo’s hunger remained insatiable; in his first outing of 2026 against Al-Qadsiah, he coolly converted his 180th career penalty, marking his 958th official goal and inching him closer to the historic 1,000-goal milestone.

However, while his on-pitch exploits suggest a man far from finished, the Al-Nassr captain is already laying the literal foundations for his eventual exit from the beautiful game.

Ronaldo is reportedly considering abandoning his long-term £30 million dream retirement villa project in the exclusive Quinta da Marinha region of Cascais, Portugal, according to the Daily Mail.

Despite spending four years on the eight-bedroom mansion—which features an infinity pool, an underground car park, and a private cinema—Ronaldo is said to be concerned over a lack of privacy at the property.

He had reportedly attempted to purchase an adjacent plot of land from a five-star hotel and a neighbouring golf course to increase security, but these requests were refused.

While he may sell the property, the villa could still host a final, intimate ceremony for Ronaldo and his fiancée, Georgina Rodriguez, whom he proposed to in August after more than nine years together.

The couple, who began their relationship in 2016 while Ronaldo was at Real Madrid, had previously been expected to wed after the 2026 World Cup at Funchal Cathedral.

If Ronaldo gives the go-ahead, the Cascais mansion—complete with its indoor and outdoor pools, a playground for his five children, and bespoke luxuries like solid gold taps and a Louis Vuitton mural—could serve as a combined wedding venue, house-warming, and farewell party.

This stunning estate is just the latest in a sprawling property empire that includes a £6 million Lisbon penthouse, a mansion in Madrid’s La Finca, and a luxury villa in Turin from his time at Juventus.