Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that the upcoming 2026 World Cup will mark the end of his illustrious international career—revealing that he expects to cease playing altogether “soon.”
The 40-year-old, who will be 41 when he takes part in his record-breaking sixth World Cup next year, opened up about his future on the field during an interview with CNN, admitting that, while he still feels “quick and sharp,” he believes that he is nearing the end of his professional run.
When asked whether the next World Cup, which will be hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will be his last, Ronaldo responded: “Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old.”
Speaking to the outlet from the Portuguese national team’s training camp in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo added that he expects to retire altogether within “one [or] two years.”
“I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp, I’m enjoying my game in the national team,” he said.
“Let’s be honest, when I mean soon I mean probably one, two years. I’m enjoying the moment. But when I mean soon, it’s really soon, because I give everything for football. I’m in the game for the last 25 years, I did everything.
“I have many records. I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”
Ronaldo, who was born and raised in Portugal, began his professional playing career at the tender age of 17, when he made his debut for local team Sporting CP. He then moved to the U.K., where he joined Premier League team Manchester United.
During his 23-year career, Ronaldo has become one of the highest-paid soccer players in history, amassing a net worth of $1.4 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
His extraordinary career has also seen him setting up shop in places across the globe, from Manchester to Madrid, and Turin, Italy, to Saudi Arabia—with Ronaldo picking up multiple properties along the way.
To date, he has amassed an extraordinary portfolio of homes, many of which he has held on to as he has continued to move around.
Some have been turned into investment properties, offered up on the luxury rental market, while others he has loaned to loved ones to use as he heads off to his next team.
Here, Realtor.com® lifts the lid on Ronaldo’s incredible real estate portfolio—revealing the many homes he will have at his fingertips when he ends his playing career and enjoys a well-deserved opportunity to rest and relax.
Lisbon
Ronaldo first picked up a property in Portugal’s capital in 2015 for $2 million.
The dwelling is located on Avenida da Liberdade, a boulevard that is inspired by Paris’ Champs-Elysees and is adorned with boutiques, hotels, and cafes.
In 2018, he purchased a 3,100-square-foot-penthouse for $7 million, making history with the then-most expensive apartment ever sold in the city.
The property boasts three bedrooms, wood floors, a terrace, and glass walls that allow natural light to flood inside.
The home also features a spa, gym, and resort-style pool.
Madrid
From 2009 to 2018, Ronaldo played for Real Madrid and sealed his legacy when he became the club’s all-time leading scorer.
In 2010, the soccer star snapped up a luxe mansion in the La Finca neighborhood, a gated community known for its celebrity residents and 24/7 security.
The property, which was designed by Joaquín Torres, sprawls across 8,600 square feet.
It comes complete with a spa, cyrochamber, indoor pool, and even a soccer field.
In 2023, he placed the property on the market for rent for about $11,000 a month.
Madeira
Ronaldo also made sure to pick up a property where he grew up—in Madeira, Portugal.
He splashed out $8 million for the seven-story abode, which was transformed from a former nightclub in 2015.
The dwelling boasts a rooftop pool, two gyms, and an indoor pool.
Although Ronaldo isn’t always able to make it there, his mother and brother reportedly reside there full time.
Turin
By 2018, the soccer star picked up another pad in one of Turin’s most lavish communities: Strada San Vito Revigliasco.
The property is perched above the city and features a twin villa that is the epitome of privacy thanks to its gated driveway.
Inside, the home boasts chic marble, a spa, a gym and several resort-style pools.
Marbella
After picking up a property in Turin, Ronaldo took a vacation to Marbella, Spain, and decided that he needed a getaway in the area.
The $1.6 million dwelling is situated in the development known as “Superstars’ Cul-de-Sac.”
The area is famous for its celebrity residents, including Conor McGregor, and offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean and several golfing areas.
His holiday home features four bedrooms, high ceilings, glass walls, a pool, a gym, a wine cellar, and a lavish home theater.
Cascais
Elsewhere in Portugal, Ronaldo purchased a 2.47-acre plot built in the lavish Quinta da Marinh for $30 million.
The sprawling property was built between 2022 and 2023.
It comes complete with a home theater, spa, tennis court, two pools, and 30-car garage.
Riyadh
In 2022, the pro athlete moved to Riyadh to join Saudi Arabian team Al-Nassr—initially relocating to the Kingdom Centre Hotel, where he and his family lived for an entire month before settling down at a full-time residence.
That property is located in Al-Muhammadiyah, one of Riyadh’s most exclusive enclaves.
His home reportedly boasts modern lighting, a three-car garage, a lavish pool, and a luxe walk-in closet.
Dubai
In 2024, Ronaldo picked up a home in Dubai’s Jumeriah Bay Island, which is also known as “Billionaire’s Island.”
The waterfront mansion is situated in a man-made enclave that can be accessed only by a private bridge.