Cristiano Ronaldo says he will continue playing professional football until he reaches the landmark of 1,000 career goals, underlining that his motivation remains high even at the age of 40.
The Portugal captain scored twice in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 win over Al Akhdoud to take his combined tally for club and country to 956 goals, according to official match records released by the Saudi Pro League.
Motivation Still Strong at 40
Speaking after receiving the Best Middle East Player award at the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo said his passion for the game has not faded and that he still enjoys competing at the highest level. He stressed that location no longer matters to him, only the desire to keep playing and winning.
The forward added that reaching the 1,000-goal mark remains a clear personal target and believes it is achievable if he avoids major injuries, as stated at the awards ceremony organised by Globe Soccer.
Contract and Current Form
Ronaldo signed a two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr last year, a deal that keeps him at the Saudi Arabian club beyond his 42nd birthday, as confirmed by the club. This season, he has scored 13 goals in 14 appearances, placing Al-Nassr at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings.
Despite his goal-scoring impact, Al-Nassr have won only one trophy since his arrival in 2022 — the Arab Club Champions Cup — according to competition records.
Legacy at Club and International Level
Ronaldo holds the record for most goals scored for Portugal (143) and Real Madrid (450), based on data compiled by international football governing bodies. He is also the only player to have scored more than 100 goals for four different clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr.
He has indicated that the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be his final international tournament, as per statements released by the Portuguese Football Federation. Ronaldo previously captained Portugal to their first major international title at Euro 2016, cementing his place among the game’s all-time greats.
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