Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that he is likely to retire at the end of this season, saying his aim is to leave behind “a spectacular legacy.”

The 41-year-old played at his sixth World Cup this summer in the USA, Canada and Mexico, becoming the first footballer ever to reach that mark.

Already firmly regarded as one of the game’s all-time greats, Ronaldo has scored 950 goals for club and country. Debate has continued over when he will finally call time on his career after he recently suggested it would be “soon” or within “one or two years”.

“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told Vogue.

Ronaldo also explained that he has his life away from the pitch “all mapped out”.

He added: “I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard.

“Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.”

Ronaldo married his partner Georgina Rodríguez in Cascais last week.

He suggested that he wants to “continue to enjoy what I’ve earned – what we’ve earned. Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”

The interview also touched on how travel and padel have become his favourite hobbies outside football.

Before Portugal’s last-16 exit against Spain at the World Cup, Ronaldo had reacted sharply to repeated media questions about retirement, stressing: “I will retire when I want to, not when you want.”

In the immediate future, Ronaldo appears likely to pursue 1,000 senior goals with Al-Nassr, where his contract runs until 2027, as well as with the Portugal national team.

Beyond that landmark, it remains unclear what still drives Ronaldo after winning five Ballons d'Or, five Champions League titles, league crowns in England, Spain and Italy, along with the European Championship and Nations League with Portugal.

With Portugal set to be one of the co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup, some had suggested Ronaldo might continue long enough to feature in a seventh World Cup in front of home supporters at the age of 45.

Ronaldo has rejoined Al-Nassr as new manager Ange Postecoglou looks to build his side around the Portuguese forward in defence of the Saudi Pro League title won last term.

If Ronaldo sees out the season with Al-Nassr, his final matches could come in May next year.