Ronaldo Sets Sights on 1,000 Goals Before Retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear that retirement will have to wait, with the Portugal captain
determined to continue playing until he reaches the milestone of 1,000 career goals.
The 40-year-old edged closer to that target on Saturday, scoring twice in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 victory
over Al Akhdoud to take his tally for club and country to 956.
Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in 2022, remains under contract with the Saudi Arabian side after
signing a new two-year deal last July, a commitment that keeps him active beyond his 42nd
birthday.
Speaking after collecting the Best Middle East Player award at the Globe Soccer Awards in
Dubai, Ronaldo acknowledged the physical demands of playing at his age but stressed that his
desire to keep going remains undiminished.
“It’s hard to continue playing, but I am motivated,” he said. “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.
“You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number. I will reach
it for sure, if no injuries.”
Ronaldo had previously hinted that the end of his career is approaching, telling Piers Morgan last
month that retirement would come “soon” and admitting it would be an emotional moment.
For now, however, his performances suggest he is far from finished. He has scored 13 goals in
14 appearances this season, helping Al-Nassr establish a four-point lead at the top of the Saudi
Pro League.
While team success has been limited, with the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023 the only
silverware Al-Nassr have won since his arrival, Ronaldo’s individual records continue to set him
apart.
He is Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 143 goals, Real Madrid’s record marksman with
450, and the only player to score 100 or more goals for four different clubs.
Ronaldo has already confirmed that the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and
Mexico will be his final international tournament. Until then, his focus remains fixed on one
final landmark before he walks away from the game.