CurrentReport Blog Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has called on Portugal’s iconic footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo, to consider retiring from the sport by the end of the current season.
Ronaldo, currently playing for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, continues to defy age, performing at an exceptional level even as he approaches 40. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has had a strong start to the 2024-25 season, netting four goals and delivering two assists in just four appearances across all competitions.
Despite his ongoing success, Lawrenson believes the time is right for Ronaldo to retire next summer, when his current contract with Al Nassr expires in June. Speaking to Paddy Power, Lawrenson said, “Cristiano Ronaldo is still scoring in Saudi Arabia, but would he sign a new contract there? I’m not sure.”
Lawrenson went on to explain that Ronaldo should exit the sport while still on top, adding, “He needs a best mate to say, ‘You’ve had an unbelievable run, and maybe at the end of this season, just hang your boots up and let people remember you for what you’ve done.'”
The former Liverpool star stressed that Ronaldo should avoid playing through a period of decline, remarking, “He doesn’t want to go through half a season where he scores something like six goals in the Saudi league.”
