Cristiano Ronaldo has reaffirmed his commitment to reaching a monumental 1,000 career goals. The Portuguese icon made these comments during the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai. After being named the Best Middle East Player for the second year in a row, Ronaldo discussed his enduring hunger for the game. He currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and shows no signs of slowing down.
At 40 years old, Ronaldo remains one of the most prolific scorers in world football. He recently scored a brace against Al-Akhdoud, which brought his official career total to 956 goals. This leaves him just 44 goals away from becoming the first player to reach the four-figure milestone in official matches. During his acceptance speech, he expressed absolute confidence that he will achieve this goal. He noted that as long as he remains free from major injuries, the record is inevitable.
The veteran forward admitted that maintaining such a high level of play at his age is demanding. However, he emphasized that his passion for the sport remains as high as ever. Ronaldo stated that he plans to continue competing for at least one or two more years. He dismissed concerns about where he plays, asserting that his focus is simply on winning trophies and scoring. Whether in Europe or the Middle East, his competitive drive remains the central pillar of his career.
Portugal national team manager Roberto Martinez has also supported Ronaldo’s ambitious pursuit. Martinez recently highlighted that the striker has successfully reinvented his game over the years. By transitioning from a skillful winger to a clinical penalty-box predator, Ronaldo has extended his longevity. His coach believes that his daily dedication and mental strength make the 1,000-goal target a realistic outcome.
Beyond personal records, Ronaldo remains focused on team success and international glory. He helped Portugal secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup earlier this year. Many fans expect that tournament to be his final appearance on the world stage. Winning the World Cup remains the only significant trophy missing from his extensive collection. By staying active until 2026, he will likely have enough matches to surpass the thousand-goal mark.
Ronaldo’s impact in Saudi Arabia continues to grow both on and off the pitch. His presence has brought unprecedented global attention to the Middle Eastern league. Despite the emergence of younger stars like Lamine Yamal, who also won awards in Dubai, Ronaldo remains a headline fixture. His relentless work ethic serves as a blueprint for the next generation of athletes. As he moves closer to his dream, the entire football world is watching every strike.
