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Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the end may not be far away in his glittering playing career.

Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that the 2026/27 season could well be his final campaign as a professional footballer.

The Portugal forward has shattered a host of records during a 24-year senior career that began when he broke into the Sporting side in 2002.

The 41-year-old has built up an extraordinary list of honours, including five Champions League titles, nine league crowns earned during his time with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr, along with a European Championship winner's medal with Portugal.

Even so, no player can continue indefinitely, and Ronaldo now appears to be giving serious thought to bringing his career to a close next summer.

That does not appear to be because he feels his abilities are fading; rather, it is because there is plenty else he wants to pursue in life.

Speaking to Vogue, Ronaldo said: "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy.

"I have my future all mapped out.

"I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard.

"Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.

"Have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I've earned - what we've earned - because after all, it's been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice."

The Saudi Pro League season is already under way, with Ronaldo missing Al-Nassr's 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh on the opening day.

Ronaldo spent the summer at the World Cup with Portugal before getting married, and as a consequence he has not completed a full pre-season.

His manager Ange Postecoglou may now call upon Ronaldo for Tuesday's cup match against Diriyah.