Ronaldo: 'I won't retire until I hit 1000 goals' | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted he will not bring his playing career to a close until he reaches the milestone of 1,000 career goals.

The Portugal captain, now 40, moved to within touching distance of the landmark on Saturday, scoring twice in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 victory over Al Akhdoud to take his total for club and country to 956.

Ronaldo, who joined the Saudi Arabian side in 2022, committed his future to Al-Nassr last July by signing a new two-year contract that will see him continue playing beyond his 42nd birthday.

Speaking in Dubai on Sunday after being named Best Middle East Player at the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo made clear his determination to continue. “It's hard to continue playing, but I am motivated.

“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 and I want to keep going.

“You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number [1,000 goals] that you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries.”

Ronaldo previously suggested his retirement may not be far away during an interview with Piers Morgan last month. “I think I will be prepared. It will be tough, of course. I will probably cry,” he said.

The forward has enjoyed another prolific campaign in Saudi Arabia, scoring 13 goals in 14 appearances this season. Al-Nassr currently sit four points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.

Despite Ronaldo’s remarkable personal return of 112 goals in 125 games for the club, Al-Nassr have claimed just one trophy since his arrival — the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023.

Ronaldo holds the all-time scoring records for both Portugal, with 143 goals, and Real Madrid, where he netted 450 times. He is also the only player in history to score 100 or more goals for four different clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr.

The striker has already indicated that the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be his final international tournament. Ronaldo famously captained Portugal to Euro 2016 glory in France, securing the nation’s first major men’s international title.