Cristiano Ronaldo Ends Portugal Career, Continues Al-Nassr Goal Chase

What changed

Cristiano Ronaldo says his international career with Portugal is over. The 41-year-old will continue playing for Al-Nassr, with 985 career goals and an unprecedented 1,000-goal target still driving him.

Why it matters

Portugal is losing its defining attacking figure, while Ronaldo is choosing one last club chapter instead of ending his playing career altogether.

His international legacy is unusually large: five Champions League trophies, the tournament’s all-time scoring record, and major spells with Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. But the next milestone is personal rather than national. Ronaldo needs 15 more goals to reach 1,000, although there is no certainty he will get there.

The shape of his career has changed. Portugal duty is ending; the chase continues in Saudi Arabia.