Manchester United and Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo has effectively ruled out one career prospect when he hangs up his boots for the final time.
Cristiano Ronaldo is at the tail end of his legendary playing career and will turn 40 in 2025, with the ex-Manchester United star still featuring for both club and country.
The 39-year-old Portuguese forward played in his sixth European Championship competition in the summer, having represented Portugal at 11 major tournaments.
However, Ronaldo was met with criticism after his poor performances at Euro 2024 with Portugal, with the Al Nassr superstar failing to score or register an assist.
Despite Portugal’s exit in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 in Germany, Ronaldo has not hinted at retiring from international duty with Portugal.
The Portugal and United legend took his goalscoring tally for club and country past the 900 mark during the September international break.
Ronaldo is widely tipped to play at the 2026 World Cup in North America before he calls it time on his legendary career on the international stage with Portugal.
Man Utd legend Ronaldo on the future
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently with his fifth club in his remarkable playing career after his controversial exit from Manchester United in 2022.
The former Real Madrid star returned to Old Trafford in 2021 from Juventus, but Ronaldo fell down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman’s arrival.
Ronaldo’s United contract was terminated by mutual agreement after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, which included criticism aimed at Erik ten Hag.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner went on to sign for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in 2023 and is currently captain of the team.
Speaking to former United teammate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo made it clear that becoming a coach would not be the right fit for him once he retires.
“For me, it will be difficult one day to be a coach because I don’t have passions for this generation, it’s difficult especially in football, because they don’t take advice [from] our experience,” he said on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel.
“They think they know everything; they think the phones will give you [a] good education, the TikTok, the Instagram.”
Ronaldo turns attention elsewhere
Ronaldo’s superstar success in football has allowed the Al Nassr skipper to dabble his hand into different ventures, including the launch of his ‘CR7’ brand.
The former Juventus and United star admitted that he is more “excited” about exploring the “business part” of his life after his time in football.
“I have other things to worry about, another chapter of my life that is a business part that I’m excited about,” he said.
“It will be a challenge to me and learn other areas I don’t know, be more involved in my business and I think will be good.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
