Ronaldo Says He Is Targeting 1,000 Career Goals as He Eyes New Portugal Era

Cristiano Ronaldo has said he is focused on reaching 1,000 career goals and on helping a new generation of Portugal players develop, after previously considering retirement in the wake of the World Cup.

The 41-year-old forward, who has spent his career at clubs including Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al Nassr, has amassed one of the largest goal tallies in the sport's history across club and international football. Reaching 1,000 goals would mark a figure few players in the modern game have approached.

Ronaldo indicated that his experience at the World Cup prompted him to reflect on when he might eventually step away from professional football, but that he ultimately decided to continue playing both for his club and for the Portugal national team.

With Portugal now working through a transition as several long-serving players near the end of their international careers, Ronaldo said he wants to use his remaining time in the squad to support younger teammates and help the team remain competitive in major tournaments.

No details of a formal retirement timeline were given, and Ronaldo did not specify how many matches or seasons he expects it will take to reach the 1,000-goal mark.