Cristiano Ronaldo has been at the top of the game for a while now. Since joining Manchester United in 2003, the Portuguese striker has had all the spotlight on him. Even with that, what he has managed to achieve is remarkable. Ronaldo has played in 4 different leagues right now and still seems to be having that touch of brilliance when he sets foot on the pitch.
When Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr, many claimed that we can bid goodbye to the soccer legend. One of the main reasons would be the fact that Ronaldo isn’t playing in one of the top European leagues anymore. The Saudi Pro League isn’t in the continent’s top five, which means the standard of soccer played in Saudi Arabia isn’t close to what Ronaldo is used to.
When will Cristiano Ronaldo retire from soccer?
The 5x Ballon d’Or winner is 38 years old right now. The fact that he still plays regularly and bangs in goals is astonishing. However, retirement rumors are bound to emerge at his age. The entire soccer world is curious to know when Ronaldo will hang up his cleats and call it a day. Recently, an image of the legend went viral, and many believe that the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s soccer career is near.
When you realize your favorite footballer is getting near retirement… 🥲💔 pic.twitter.com/UJiJoeRtXy
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) March 18, 2023
It was an image of CR7 in Al-Nassr training. Fans spotted a few strands of gray hair on the left side of Ronaldo’s head. Understandably, it was a sign that our favorite soccer player was getting older. A fan expressed their disappointment and wrote, “Nah man this is so depressing to me…i cant handle the day he retire…time move so fast man…he deserves all the good when he ends his career.”
nah man this is so depressing to me…i cant handle the day he retire…time move so fast man…he deserves all the good when he ends his career🐐🙏
— Anandha2y (@anandha2y) March 18, 2023
When it happens it was a hell of a run and he’s my goat
— FRod🍀🇵🇹🇺🇸 (@FRod401) March 18, 2023
Ronaldo has been one of the most hated players for a while now. It is almost inevitable when a player reaches a level that high. With that said, every move that one makes will be heavily scrutinized by fans. This has been the same in Ronaldo’s case as well. While fans were reacting to the wake-up call with the recent picture, some pointed out that he had already retired.
Mate, he has retired since Juventus days.
— Peter Thad’eus🇳🇬 (@Thaddeuspeter9) March 18, 2023
He’s already into retirement, that’s why he’s in Saudi. Let him retire in peace
— Şhïfü ◢◤ (@YehTuneKyaKiya) March 18, 2023
This means he’s toward the end of his career as many older players leave Europe when they grow older. Some believe that this is the case with Ronaldo. Nonetheless, Ronaldo has not spoken much about when he will retire.
In the past, the Portuguese legend mentioned that he would want to represent his country at the Euro 2024. He is very much in line to do that, as Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez recently called Ronaldo up for the Euro 2024 qualifiers as well.