Cristiano Ronaldo is not setting long-term “targets” any more, with the all-time great reluctant to speculate on whether he will play into his 40s.
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Legendary forward still going strongNo slowing down at the age of 38Enjoying football with club & countryWHAT HAPPENED?
Given that he is already 38 years of age and showing no sign of slowing down, the likelihood is that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will still be turning out at the highest level when another notable birthday is reached.
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He has continued to star for Saudi Arabian employers Al-Nassr this season, while he is up to 125 goals for Portugal after helping to fire them to Euro 2024 qualification. As long as he can steer clear of injury, Ronaldo should still be going strong in 2025 and beyond.
WHAT THEY SAID
Ronaldo has told reporters when asked about his future plans: “Things have happened in my life, both on a personal and professional level, that make me think more in the short term nowadays. People say I’m going to play on until I’m 40 or 41 years old. I don’t set these targets. It’s a question of just enjoying the moment, which is a good moment. I feel good. My body is responding to how I’ve treated it over the years. I’m happy both at my club and in the Selecao. I’ve scored plenty of goals, I feel in good shape physically. It’s a question of enjoying the moment.”
Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Ronaldo is reportedly keen on figuring for his country at the 2026 World Cup, which would see his career extended to at least 41 years of age, and his ability to keep himself in peak condition – while forever striving for continuous improvement – suggests that it will be some time before the most distinguished of boots are hung up for good.