Ronaldo Bows Out as Kane, Mbappe and Haaland Chase His 146-Goal Record

The post-Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi era in international football has officially begun, with Ronaldo’s formal retirement from the Portugal team last week closing the book on one of the great rivalries in the sport’s history.

Ronaldo leaves behind a men’s international record of 146 goals, a mark that now stands as the grail for the next generation — Harry Kane on 91, Kylian Mbappe on 67 and Erling Haaland on 65.

The torch has already passed in the Nations League this week, where Kane is set to break England’s appearance record and newly-crowned Ballon d’Or winner status has made him the face of the new era.

Portugal move on without their icon

Portugal, the reigning Nations League champions, have already secured qualification for the quarter-finals with a perfect record — and they will play Denmark on Saturday and Wales on Tuesday without the man who defined their modern history.

A long chase ahead

Even the prolific Kane, Mbappe and Haaland face a marathon to reach 146 international goals, a reminder of just how extraordinary Ronaldo’s longevity at the top truly was.

Source: Associated Press