Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed to keep playing until he reaches the unprecedented milestone of 1,000 career goals, pushing back retirement plans as the Portuguese superstar continues to defy age and expectation.
The 40-year-old moved to within touching distance of the landmark after scoring twice in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 win over Al Akhdoud on Saturday, taking his combined tally for club and country to 956 goals.
Ronaldo made the declaration a day later in Dubai after being named Best Middle East Player at the Globe Soccer Awards, insisting his motivation remains intact despite earlier hints that the end of his glittering career is approaching.
“It’s hard to continue playing, but I am motivated,” Ronaldo said. “My passion is high and I want to keep going. 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 — 1,000 goals. I will reach it for sure, if no injuries.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in 2022 and signed a new two-year contract last July that will keep him at the club beyond his 42nd birthday.
This season, he has scored 13 goals in 14 appearances as Al-Nassr open a four-point lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
However, team silverware has been limited. Despite Ronaldo’s prolific return — 112 goals in 125 appearances — Al-Nassr have lifted just one trophy since his arrival, the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023.
Ronaldo’s latest comments contrast with remarks made last month during an interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan, where he admitted retirement would come “soon”.
“I think I will be prepared. It will be tough, of course. I will probably cry,” he said at the time.
Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, Ronaldo holds the all-time scoring records for Portugal (143 goals) and Real Madrid (450), and is the only player to have netted 100 or more goals for four different clubs — Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr.
On the international stage, the forward has already signalled that the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be his final tournament with Portugal.
He famously captained the national team to their first major men’s title at Euro 2016 in France.
For now, retirement can wait. With 44 goals still separating him from history, Ronaldo has made it clear that the chase for 1,000 is far from over.
