Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from football.
Ronaldo’s performance at EURO 2024 was disappointing, having taken 20 shots on target without scoring a single goal on German soil. Discontent with Ronaldo was heightened by criticism that he was greedy with numerous free kicks, denying the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva or Vitinha chances, but failing to find the net throughout the tournament.
According to recent reports, Ronaldo has made the decision to retire from football in order to focus on his family and business. Specifically, the Portuguese forward plans to retire from football in May 2025, after the Saudi Pro League ends.
In February of this year, Ronaldo turned 39. At the time, CR7 shared with his family that, in 2025, he will turn 40 and that the possibility of retirement is a reality.
On this subject, Claudia Jacques, presenter of the V+FAMA program, commented: “I am not surprised. It is better that C. Ronaldo hangs up his boots while he is still in top form. Ronaldo has many businesses, from hotels to hair transplant clinics. He will have a lot of work ahead of him and more time for his family. He is a very family-oriented man and wants to dedicate himself fully to it.”
Despite this, Al Nassr club and fans expect Ronaldo to play until 2026 and bid farewell after the 2026 World Cup. If he participates in the 2026 World Cup, C. Ronaldo will be the first player in history to compete in six different World Cups.
According to Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Ronaldo has asked Al Nassr’s board to sign Antony from Manchester United this summer. Antony, 24, has yet to live up to his transfer fee at the Red Devils. The player has scored just 11 goals and provided five assists in 82 appearances for Manchester United since leaving Ajax in an £86m move in 2022.
