For Portugal and Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo, the sky is the limit. Still going strong at the age of 40, he continues to score regularly as a target man for both his club and country. Now, he has confidently asserted that he will net 1000 goals before announcing his retirement.
So, what did the former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar say about his aim?
Cristiano Ronaldo Assured After Winning Latest Individual Honor
After winning the Best Middle East Player award at the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday, Ronaldo opened up on his desire to score 1000 goals.
“It’s hard to continue playing but I am motivated. My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn’t matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe. I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going. You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number that you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries,” Ronaldo said (via BBC).
Ronaldo, whose current Al-Nassr contract will expire in June 2027, extended his career goal tally to 956 in his team’s 3-0 Saudi Pro League win over Al-Akhdoud last Saturday. The 40-year-old has scored 112 goals in 125 appearances across competitions for his side so far.
Earlier, the five-time Ballon d’Or award winner bagged 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 goals for Manchester United, 101 goals for Juventus, and five goals for Sporting CP. On the other hand, he has scored 143 goals, a national record, for Portugal since his debut in 2003.
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Portugal Head Coach Opens Up on Ronaldo’s Importance
Earlier this month, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez offered insight into Ronaldo’s role as an experienced striker in his national team setup, highlighting his record in front of goal.
“Cristiano Ronaldo does not play for Portugal because of what he has done in the past, but because of the importance he has right now. We all know what he’s done in his career. Now he’s a very different player who uses his experience intelligently, in his movements, in his finishing ability. He has scored 25 goals in his last 30 games for the Seleção,” Martinez told Canal 11 (via OneFootball).
Ronaldo, who helped his national team win the UEFA European Championship in 2016, is likely to play his final international tournament at the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer.