Ronaldo: I won’t retire until I hit 1,000 goals
The 1,000-goal target
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo says he won’t end his career until he reaches 1,000 goals.
Now 40, he struck twice as Al-Nassr beat Al Akhdoud 3–0 on Saturday, lifting his club-and-country total to 956.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022 and agreed a new two-year contract last July an extension that could keep him playing beyond his 42nd birthday.
Speaking in Dubai after receiving the Globe Soccer Award for Best Middle East Player, he admitted the grind is real, but insisted the hunger remains. “It’s not easy to keep going, but I’m motivated,” he said.
He added that the love hasn’t faded, whether he is playing in the Middle East or in Europe: he still enjoys the game and wants to continue.
And the target remains clear. Ronaldo said he wants to win trophies and reach the landmark number, convinced he will get there if injuries don’t intervene.
What he’s said about “soon” and what comes next
In an interview with Piers Morgan last month, Ronaldo suggested retirement could come “soon”, admitting it will be emotional. “I think I will be prepared… I will probably cry,” he said.
This season he has 13 goals in 14 appearances for Al-Nassr, who are four points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
Even so, the club have collected only one trophy since his arrival: the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, despite his 112 goals in 125 games.
Individually, he continues to stack records Portugal’s all-time leading scorer (143) and Real Madrid’s top marksman (450) and he remains the only player to hit 100+ goals for four clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo also said in November that the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be his final international tournament.
He famously captained Portugal to Euro 2016 in France, delivering the nation’s first men’s international trophy.
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FAQ
Ronaldo is on 956 career goals, so he needs 44 more to hit the 1,000-goal milestone.
He says he won’t retire until he reaches 1,000 goals, but he has also admitted retirement could come “soon” and has suggested the 2026 World Cup will be his final international tournament.
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