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Nieuws
- 7 Feb 2026
Ronaldo told to never stop playing football even if it's on 'one leg'
Martin Macdonald
- 9 Feb 2026 08:01 CST
- 6 min read
Nieuws
Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos has told Cristiano Ronaldo to "never stop" playing football.
The Portuguese superstar turned 41 last week and is obviously in the final few years of his career which has included stints at some of the world's biggest clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus.
He is currently still banging in the goals with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr and it seems he won't contemplate retirement until he reaches the milestone of 1,000 professional goals scored.
Whether it's in Saudi Arabia, the United States or back in Europe, Carlos is keen to see Ronaldo play for as long as possible.
“Cristiano can't stop, ever. If he ever decides to stop playing, I'll call him and tell him not to stop," the Brazilian told O Jogo.
"He's one of those players who represent a lot, both for clubs and for the national team, for children, for younger players. He should never stop playing football, even if it's just with one leg or crawling. He transmits a lot of strength and energy to any boy who wants to start.
“For those who love Cristiano and football, seeing him continue to make history and break records is wonderful. The only player to have scored 1,000 goals was Pele, but Cristiano could join the list. I see him happy and confident in the Saudi league. I'm absolutely certain he'll reach that milestone. He never gets injured. He continues to play well, he's a role model, Portugal deserves congratulations.”
Ronaldo's future is actually uncertain at the moment as he has effectively gone on strike at Al-Nassr to miss their last two Saudi Pro League matches.
He is unhappy that the club is apparently not receiving as much backing from the Saudi Public Investment Fund as other clubs in the league and was particularly perturbed when former Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema left Al-Ittihad to sign for rivals Al-Hilal.
In Ronaldo's opinion, that deal skewed the competitiveness of the league. There are rumours that he may return to his first club, Sporting CP, in the near future.
When will Ronaldo retire?
Back in November, Ronaldo said he will retire "soon" but didn't give a specific timeframe.
When asked in an interview with Piers Morgan what age he thinks he will retire, he responded:
"Soon, but I think I will be prepared.
"It will be tough, it will be difficult. Probably I will cry. Yes. I’m an easy guy to cry, I don’t keep my feelings [inside]. I’m honest.
"I’m an open person.
"It will be very, very difficult. But, Piers, I prepared my future since I was 25, 26, 27.
"So, I think I will be capable to support that pressure."
Football is all Ronaldo has known since a young age and everyone knows how serious he takes competition as well as his own physical conditioning. His entire life for the past 20 years has been focused on him becoming one of the greatest players in history.
And, he doesn't think there's anything that can fill the void of playing football after retiring.
When asked the question by Morgan, he replied:
"Nothing. Nothing, I think.
"The adrenaline that we have for football, to score a goal, will be gone.
"But, everything has a beginning and an end. So, I think I will be prepared.
"But, I have other passions, I’m going to have more time for me. I’m going to have more time for my family, to raise my kids.
"I want to be more of a family person, more present."
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