Anders Limpar Urges Cristiano Ronaldo to Retire Instead of MLS Move

Former Arsenal and Sweden winger Anders Limpar has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to retire from professional football rather than pursue a potential move to Major League Soccer, stating the 41-year-old should “pack it in” instead of chasing a new challenge in the United States.

Limpar, who played alongside Ronaldo during the Portuguese star’s early years at Manchester United, made the comments in a recent interview with a Swedish sports outlet, expressing concern that Ronaldo’s continued pursuit of high-profile contracts risks tarnishing his legendary legacy. The remarks come amid ongoing speculation linking Ronaldo with a summer transfer to an MLS club, despite his current contract with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League running through 2025.

“At his age, with everything he’s achieved, Cristiano doesn’t need to prove anything else,” Limpar said. “He’s already one of the greatest to ever play the game. Moving to MLS for money or visibility at this stage isn’t about football — it’s about ego. He should walk away now, on his own terms, and let his legacy speak for itself.”

Ronaldo, who turned 41 in February 2026, continues to defy expectations with his physical conditioning and goal-scoring output. During the 2025-26 season, he has scored 18 goals in 22 appearances for Al-Nassr across all competitions, including crucial strikes in the AFC Champions League. His presence has also significantly boosted the club’s commercial value and global visibility.

Despite his on-field contributions, questions about Ronaldo’s long-term future have intensified as he approaches the twilight of his career. While some analysts argue that a move to MLS could allow him to wind down his career in a less physically demanding environment while growing the sport’s profile in North America, others, like Limpar, believe such a move would undermine the stature he has built over two decades at the highest level.

MLS has actively pursued high-profile international stars in recent years, with Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 setting a precedent for aging superstars seeking new challenges in the league. However, unlike Messi, who joined MLS after winning the FIFA World Cup and achieving nearly every major honor, Ronaldo has yet to win a major international trophy with Portugal since the 2016 European Championship, though he remains the nation’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.

Ronaldo has not publicly responded to Limpar’s comments. His representatives have consistently emphasized his commitment to competing at the highest level and have dismissed retirement speculation as premature. Al-Nassr officials have also reiterated their desire to keep Ronaldo beyond his current contract, citing his leadership and influence both on and off the pitch.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches — set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — Ronaldo has expressed interest in representing Portugal at what would be his sixth consecutive tournament. However, his inclusion in the squad would depend on form and fitness, with national team coach Roberto Martinez indicating that selection will be merit-based.

For now, Ronaldo remains focused on finishing the current season strongly with Al-Nassr, where he continues to serve as captain, and talisman. Whether he ultimately heeds Limpar’s advice or pursues one final chapter in MLS remains uncertain, but the debate over how legends should exit the spotlight continues to divide opinion across the football world.