📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ludovic Péron
Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo declares shift to non‑football career
✍️ Gulf News
🗓 13 Nov 2026, 05:17 AM
👁 12
Portugal’s football legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced he will pursue a career outside the sport, ending his playing days.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the 39‑year‑old Portuguese forward, used a media briefing to confirm that he will step away from professional football and focus on a new career path. The announcement, reported by Gulf News, marks the end of a playing era that spanned over two decades and included five Ballon d’Or trophies.
Ronaldo highlighted his desire to apply the discipline and brand he built on the pitch to ventures beyond sport. While he did not specify the exact field, he said he intends to explore opportunities that leverage his global profile and entrepreneurial interests.
The football community responded with a mix of admiration and surprise, with former teammates and clubs issuing statements that praised his contributions while wishing him success in his next chapter. Fans across social media platforms echoed similar sentiments, celebrating his legacy and expressing curiosity about his future endeavors.
Analysts note that Ronaldo’s move reflects a broader trend of high‑profile athletes transitioning into business, media and philanthropic activities after retirement, underscoring the growing commercial influence of sport personalities.
Ronaldo highlighted his desire to apply the discipline and brand he built on the pitch to ventures beyond sport. While he did not specify the exact field, he said he intends to explore opportunities that leverage his global profile and entrepreneurial interests.
The football community responded with a mix of admiration and surprise, with former teammates and clubs issuing statements that praised his contributions while wishing him success in his next chapter. Fans across social media platforms echoed similar sentiments, celebrating his legacy and expressing curiosity about his future endeavors.
Analysts note that Ronaldo’s move reflects a broader trend of high‑profile athletes transitioning into business, media and philanthropic activities after retirement, underscoring the growing commercial influence of sport personalities.