Limpar Urges Ronaldo to Retire Instead of MLS Move

Former Arsenal star says Ronaldo should 'pack it in' rather than chase new challenges in the United States.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:43pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the fragmented nature of Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy and the debate over how football legends should retire.As Cristiano Ronaldo contemplates his next move, a cubist interpretation captures the fragmented nature of his legacy and the debate over how legends should exit the sport.Today in Miami

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.

Why it matters

Ronaldo's future has been a topic of intense speculation as he approaches the twilight of his career. While some argue an MLS move could allow him to wind down in a less demanding environment, others believe it would undermine his legendary status.

The details

Limpar, who played alongside Ronaldo during the Portuguese star's early years at Manchester United, expressed concern that Ronaldo's continued pursuit of high-profile contracts risks tarnishing his legacy. '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 turned 41 in February 2026.
  • During the 2025-26 season, he has scored 18 goals in 22 appearances for Al-Nassr across all competitions.

The players

Anders Limpar

A former Arsenal and Sweden winger who played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo during the Portuguese star's early years at Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo

A 41-year-old Portuguese professional footballer who currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and is considering a potential move to Major League Soccer.

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What they’re saying

“At his age, with everything he's achieved, Cristiano doesn't need to prove anything else. 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.”

— Anders Limpar, Former Arsenal and Sweden winger

What’s next

Ronaldo has not publicly responded to Limpar's comments, and his representatives have consistently emphasized his commitment to competing at the highest level. His inclusion in Portugal's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will depend on form and fitness, with national team coach Roberto Martinez indicating that selection will be merit-based.

The takeaway

The debate over how football legends should exit the spotlight continues to divide opinion, with Limpar's comments highlighting the tension between preserving a player's legacy and chasing new challenges in the twilight of their career.