Cristiano Ronaldo: Preparing for Life After Football

Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to be remembered as one of football’s greatest legends. His remarkable achievements across clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus have solidified a career that stands as one of the most illustrious in sports history. Even as he approaches his 40s, Ronaldo continues to demonstrate his prowess on the field for both Portugal and Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. However, the inevitable conclusion of his playing days draws near, even with a contract at Al-Nassr extending to the end of the 2026-27 season.

In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo addressed his upcoming retirement, stating, “Soon. I think I will be prepared. It will be tough, of course. Will be difficult, yes. Probably I will cry, yes… It will be very, very difficult but I’ve prepared my future since [I was] 25, 26, 27 years old. So I think I will be capable to support that pressure.”

Beyond football, Ronaldo has developed several business ventures, including CR7 Clothing, CR7 Fitness, and his own YouTube channel. Recently, he announced a new project in collaboration with entrepreneur Inigo Onieva and Mabel Hospitality, known as Vega Private Members Club. This exclusive venue will aim to transform social and business networking in Madrid, with its opening anticipated before the year’s end at 88 Lagasca Street in the prestigious Golden Mile. Spanning 1,000 square meters, the club will enforce a no-phone policy, catering to meetings, private offices, co-working spaces, and even a podcast studio during the day. By night, it will become a hub for social gatherings, featuring fine dining and specialized bars. The establishment will comprise three distinct areas: Casa Vega (a contemporary bistro), Vega Restaurant, and Toto (an Italian eatery), alongside a wine club offering exclusive cava and wine experiences. Membership fees are substantial, with the coveted founders’ membership available only by invitation for a one-time cost of €15,000, providing lifetime access and personalized services. More accessible options start at €2,400 per year, plus an initial fee of €2,000.

In the same interview, Ronaldo expressed that retirement would afford him the opportunity to explore new interests. “Nothing will compare to the adrenaline we have for football to score a goal. But I have other passions. [When I retire] I’m going to have more time for me, have more time for my family, to raise my kids. I want to be more a family person, more present,” he noted. He also shared his intention to engage in hobbies such as watching UFC and playing padel, as well as furthering his understanding of his business ventures. “I’ll never be a [full-time] YouTuber, of course, but I want to be there. I’m going to spend more time on that to learn. I think I’m going to do funny things and things I’m not used to doing before. Because I live football 24 hours [each day] to do the right things and perform.”

Before he embarks on the next chapter of his life, Ronaldo remains focused on securing Portugal’s first-ever World Cup title in 2026 while striving to lead Al-Nassr to trophy success after a challenging spell without silverware. Currently, the team is poised for success, sitting at the top of the Saudi Pro League.