The end of Ronaldo's career: Future plans and his role in Saudi Arabian football

Cristiano Ronaldo is gradually entering the final stage of his playing career.

The Portuguese footballer will turn 41 on February 5, and questions about his near future are becoming increasingly relevant.

Lent.az, citing foreign media, presents the Portuguese footballer's plans in and out of football.

The last big tournament

This season, Cristiano's age has already begun to show: Al-Nasr coach Jorge Jesus has not kept the Portuguese player in the starting lineup in six of the team's 26 games. The striker's main short-term goal is the 2026 World Cup, which many consider to be his last major tournament.

According to reports, Ronaldo is likely to leave Al-Nasr in the summer of 2027. That's when his contract, extended for another two years in June 2025, expires.

At the same time, sources have not ruled out the possibility of extending the contract for another season, although this option is not currently a priority. If he leaves in 2027, Ronaldo will be 42 years old - the age at which he may decide to retire from professional football.

The Portuguese is already one of the oldest players playing at the highest level. Only 42-year-old Dante Bonfim, who plays for Nice and in the Europa League, is older than him. It should be noted that there are also 40-year-old Jose Sosa (Argentina's Estudiantes club) and Luka Modric (Italy's Milan club).

Post-career plans

Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia was not just about a record-breaking contract. The Portuguese initially saw himself as a global ambassador for the development of football in the country. Even after leaving the field, he will most likely be involved in Saudi Arabian football at an institutional level.

One of the options being discussed is increasing his stake in Al-Nasr. Ronaldo currently owns approximately 15 percent of the club's shares, and in the future he may become a major co-owner to further develop the team using his global brand.

Role in preparations for the 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia's strategic plans are broader than its domestic league. The country is actively preparing to host the 2034 World Cup, and Cristiano Ronaldo is seen as one of the tournament's main global ambassadors.

Thus, even after the Portuguese legend's playing career ends, his impact on Saudi Arabian football may remain significant for many years.