They say all good things must come to an end. But avid soccer fans find it hard to accept when it comes to their favorite stars. Cristiano Ronaldo is close to 40 and the harsh reality is settling in; one day CR7 will hang up his boots. Though it’s the Portuguese superstar’s very own pride that pushes him to play a few more years down the road, Rio Ferdinand claims it’s ‘minimum 3 years.’

This came after the England icon asked his followers to put questions for him on X, formerly Twitter, to answer in his very own segment, Rio Reacts. Interestingly, one netizen asked him how many more seasons does he see Ronaldo playing. To which, Ferdinand responded with a 19-second clip with a caption, “Cristiano won’t be retiring any time soon… watch this space 👀.” Now, ready for the concerning part?

Addressing the question, the pundit commented, “Listen, I can’t give too much away. But I’ve been doing a few bits with Cristiano behind the scenes and…he’s playing as long as he wants. He ain’t going nowhere and…I was gobsmacked and listen, you’ll see it in time but…minimum 3 years I think he plays for again.”

Having shared a locker room during Ronaldo’s first successful stint at Manchester United, the former English defender remains in contact with the Al Nassr star. Taking advantage of his ties, Ferdinand already seems to have had ‘the hard talk’ with Ronaldo regarding his career—which of course, isn’t good news for any ardent soccer fan.

Three years means that Ronaldo will be wearing his soccer boots until he’s 42. Coincidentally, this echoes what he said last year when quizzed about hanging up his boots. “I don’t think that far ahead. I don’t tell myself I have to play until I’m 41 or 42, I just enjoy the moment,” said the ever-optimistic 5x Ballon d’Or winner.

It somehow also connects the dots to the fact that he still aspires to play at least the 2026 World Cup, a dream that both Ferdinand and Ronaldo’s former manager don’t approve of.

Cristiano Ronaldo urged to retire before the 2026 FIFA World Cup!

Sir Alex Ferguson earlier expressed his doubts about Cristiano Ronaldo playing in the 23rd edition of the Golden Trophy, the only trophy that has been missing from his silverware cabinet. “I can’t imagine it [Ronaldo playing 2026 WC]. Football will get faster in the coming years. It will be difficult for strikers in particular to play at the highest level as they get older,” remarked the former Scottish tactician.

Sir Alex fully acknowledges CR7’s accomplishments over the years, believing they speak for themselves. Hailing him as “one of the greatest players of all time,” the iconic Red Devils boss insists Ronaldo doesn’t have to prove himself to the world anymore as “One or two more titles won’t mean much to him because he’s had a unique career.”

Interestingly, this also echoes what Ronaldo’s significant other Georgina Rodriguez believes. Earlier, when CR7’s girlfriend was questioned about the same, she responded, “Cristiano one year, then it’s over. Maybe two, I don’t know.”

Seems like not all are in favor of Mr. Champions League to continue. But we would like to know your thoughts. When do you think Cristiano Ronaldo will retire?