Cristiano Ronaldo hints he’ll retire this summer

Cristiano Ronaldo’s time in the Middle East has been nothing short of a statistical marvel.

Since joining Al-Nassr in early 2023, he has netted 117 goals in 133 matches, proving that age has done little to blunt his clinical edge.

His mantelpiece has continued to grow as well; in 2025 alone, he was crowned the Best Middle East Player at the Globe Soccer Awards and swept the Saudi Pro League’s Fans’ Player of the Season and Goal of the Season honors.

Off the pitch, Ronaldo remains a titan of industry.

With his current contract set to expire in June 2027—when he will be 42—he has been cementing his legacy through massive real estate investments.

He recently acquired a €25 million plot on Dubai’s Jumeirah Bay and two ultra-private villas at The Red Sea development.

Meanwhile, his “retirement” mega-mansion in Cascais, Portugal, now valued at nearly £30 million, is nearing completion.

With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner and looming large, Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted at potential retirement after the World Cup, according to The Telegraph.

However, the Portugal star is also currently embroiled in a high-stakes standoff.

Reports indicate a growing rift between Ronaldo and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) over the club’s recruitment strategy.

Despite the arrival of stars like João Félix and Kingsley Coman, Ronaldo is reportedly furious that Al-Nassr’s budget was apparently deemed to be over.

Ronaldo is reportedly incensed by Al-Nassr’s quiet winter market, especially as their title rivals, Al-Hilal, strengthened by signing his former teammate, Karim Benzema.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star was also warned by the Saudi Pro League over missing training and opting out of playing in Al-Nassr recent win.

Since Ronaldo arrived, Al-Nassr has poured roughly €414m (£359.4 million) into transfer fees alone.

The squad is hardly lacking in talent, boasting the likes of Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozovic, Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman.

If he does leave, a move to the MLS remains a possibility, particularly given his commercial ties in the States.

Alternatively, Ronaldo has hinted at a future in club ownership.