The iconic striker ended his illustrious 18-year playing career in 2011 at the age of 34, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that included two FIFA World Cup titles in 1994 and 2002. He also finished as the top scorer at the 2002 World Cup with eight goals, cementing his place among the greatest forwards in football history.
Despite enjoying extraordinary success on the pitch, Ronaldo admitted that life after football was far more challenging than he had anticipated.
“When you decide to leave the game, it feels like someone close to you has died,” the former Brazil international said during an appearance on the Futebol Legends Talks podcast.
“I suffered from severe depression. I gained a lot of weight. It was very difficult to leave football.”
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner explained that the abrupt end to his playing career and the loss of his identity as a professional athlete took a heavy toll on his mental health.
“The idea of not playing anymore was devastating,” he confessed.
Although adjusting to life after football took time, Ronaldo said he eventually found new ways to channel his passion and rediscover a sense of purpose beyond the game.
“Then you realise there are other things in life that you can do. You can reinvent yourself, but the idea of not competing stayed with me for a long time,” he added.
