Ronaldo targets 1,000-goal landmark before calling time on career

Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted he will not retire from professional football until he reaches the unprecedented milestone of 1,000 career goals, Sport360NG reports.

The Portugal captain, now 40, moved to within 44 goals of the landmark after scoring twice in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al Akhdoud on Saturday, taking his combined total for club and country to 956.

Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in 2022, committed his future to the Riyadh-based club by signing a two-year contract extension last July, a deal that will keep him playing beyond his 42nd birthday.

Speaking in Dubai on Sunday after being named Best Middle East Player at the Globe Soccer Awards, the forward said his motivation remains strong despite his advancing years.

“It’s hard to keep playing, but I’m still highly motivated,” Ronaldo said. “My passion is there and I want to continue. It doesn’t matter where I play, in the Middle East or in Europe, I always enjoy football.

“You know what my objective is. I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number you all know. I believe I will get there, as long as I stay free of injuries.”

Ronaldo had previously suggested his playing days may be nearing an end, telling broadcaster Piers Morgan last month that he expected to retire “soon”, while admitting the emotional challenge that decision will bring.

In the meantime, his impact in Saudi Arabia shows little sign of fading. He has scored 13 goals in 14 appearances this season, helping Al-Nassr open up a four-point lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League.

However, team honours have been limited since his arrival, with the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023 remaining the club’s only trophy during his spell, despite Ronaldo’s 112 goals in 125 games.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 143 goals and Real Madrid’s record marksman with 450. He is also the only footballer to have netted more than 100 goals for four different clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr.

On the international stage, Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be his final tournament with Portugal. He famously captained his country to their first major men’s title at Euro 2016 in France.