Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear that retirement will have to wait, as the football icon remains determined to reach the historic milestone of 1,000 career goals.
After scoring twice in Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League victory on Saturday, the 40-year-old’s combined goal tally for club and country now stands at 956.
Speaking to reporters in Dubai on Sunday after being named Best Middle East Player at the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo said he remains highly motivated despite the physical demands of continuing his career.
“It’s hard to keep playing, but I am motivated,” he said. “My passion is still 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 and I want to keep going.”
Ronaldo added that his objectives remain unchanged. “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 I stay free from injuries.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who captained Portugal to victory at the 2016 European Championship, is the most high-profile star in the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr shortly after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, signing an initial two-and-a-half-year deal reportedly worth US$536.3 million (RM2.2 billion). He later agreed to a two-year contract extension during the summer, reportedly valued at US$710 million, which will keep him at the club until at least the 2026–27 season.
During his time at Al Nassr, Ronaldo has been prolific in front of goal. Over four seasons in the Saudi Pro League, he has scored 86 goals and provided 17 assists in 86 starts. Overall, he has netted 112 goals in 125 appearances for the Riyadh-based club.
Ronaldo has previously indicated that the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be his final tournament. In a November interview with Piers Morgan, he also suggested retirement is approaching, saying, “I think I will be prepared. It will be tough, of course. I will probably cry.”
