Cristiano Ronaldo adamant he will not retire before reaching 1,000 goals
Cristiano Ronaldo adamant he will not retire before reaching 1,000 goals, showcasing the relentless determination that has defined his illustrious football career. Now just 44 goals away from the monumental milestone, Ronaldo is driven by a powerful goal that goes beyond trophies and records: to become one of the greatest to ever grace the sport with a four-figure goal tally. At 38 years old and still competing at the highest levels, Ronaldo’s ambition to extend his legendary status continues to captivate fans and fellow professionals alike.
Ronaldo’s Current Goal Tally and Form
Ronaldo recently netted his 956th career goal during Al-Nassr’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Al-Okhdood in the Saudi Pro League. This milestone underscores his incredible consistency and longevity, years after many players retire or experience a dip in form. Intriguingly, Ronaldo shares the top of the scoring charts for the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season alongside his Portuguese teammate Joao Felix, both having scored 12 goals. What sets Ronaldo apart is the quality and volume of his chances, as his 12 goals came from an expected goals (xG) value of 12.03, reflecting clinical finishing rather than fortunate overperformance.
At nearly 41 years old – with his birthday coming up in February – Ronaldo’s ability to maintain such form is nothing short of miraculous. This is further evidenced by his achievement of scoring at least 40 goals in each of the last three calendar years, a mark of consistency rarely seen in football history.
The Road to 1,000 Goals: What It Means for Ronaldo
For Cristiano Ronaldo, reaching 1,000 career goals is more than a statistical milestone; it is the ultimate validation of his lifelong devotion to football. Despite having won numerous individual awards and team trophies across five different countries, Ronaldo insists that his work is far from over.
In his own words at the recent Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where he was honored as the best player in the Middle East, Ronaldo shared his motivation candidly: “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 in 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.”
This quote reflects a rare blend of humility and confidence. Ronaldo acknowledges the physical challenges associated with prolonging his career but affirms that his mental and emotional drive to succeed remains undiminished.
Fitness and Future Prospects: Can Ronaldo Reach 1,000 Goals?
A key question for football enthusiasts is whether Ronaldo’s physique and performance can sustain for him to add 44 more goals to his tally. Fortunately, Ronaldo is known for his rigorous fitness regime and meticulous lifestyle choices that have allowed him to defy the typical aging curve in professional sport.
Currently signed with Al-Nassr until 2027 and aiming to represent Portugal in his sixth World Cup in 2026, Ronaldo’s schedule and competitive environment offer ample opportunities to reach his target. Should injuries stay at bay, the Portuguese icon is poised to finish his extraordinary career on his own terms – crossing that 1,000-goal threshold.
Legacy Beyond Numbers
While reaching 1,000 goals would cement Ronaldo’s name in the record books, his legacy transcends mere numbers. Ronaldo has inspired millions worldwide with his work ethic, professionalism, and willingness to evolve his game. Whether it’s his blistering pace, aerial prowess, or clinical finishing, Ronaldo’s adaptability has been vital in maintaining his output across different leagues and stages of his career.
Moreover, his quest for 1,000 goals serves as a beacon for aspiring footballers who see in Ronaldo the power of ambition paired with perseverance. His career shows that age is just a number if backed by determination and passion.
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo’s refusal to retire before achieving 1,000 career goals is a testament to his undying passion for football. At 44 goals shy of this historic landmark, the Portugal legend continues to defy the odds, impressing with his performances on the pitch and inspiring millions off it. As the countdown to 1,000 continues, football fans across the globe eagerly watch on, knowing they are witnessing history in the making. With several more years potentially left in his career, the question is no longer if Ronaldo will reach 1,000 goals, but when.Ronaldo adamant he will not retire before reaching 1,000 goals
Cristiano Ronaldo adamant he will not retire before reaching 1,000 goals, making it clear that his quest for footballing history is far from over. As one of the most prolific goal scorers in the game’s history, Ronaldo’s determination to hit the 1,000-goal milestone for club and country is driving his continued commitment to professional football. Currently sitting just 44 goals shy of this incredible landmark, Ronaldo’s focus remains unwavering as he eyes more seasons on the pitch.
The Pursuit of the 1,000-Goal Milestone
At 38 years old, an age when most players have either retired or are nearing the end of their careers, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations. His recent goal against Al-Okhdood in the Saudi Pro League marked his 956th career goal, underscoring his remarkable consistency and longevity. This goal not only helped Al-Nassr secure a 3-0 victory but also reinforced Ronaldo’s status as the Middle East’s standout star in the current season.
Despite the physical demands and the natural career trajectory of footballers, Ronaldo has made it crystal clear: retirement is off the table until he reaches the 1,000 goals milestone. Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where he was honored as the best player in the Middle East, Ronaldo shared insights into his mindset. “It’s hard to continue playing, but I am motivated. My passion is high and I want to continue,” he said. His words reflect a deep-rooted love for the sport and an unrelenting ambition.
Current Form and Statistics That Highlight Ronaldo’s Drive
Ronaldo’s impressive form this season is evident in his goal tally. He is currently tied with teammate Joao Felix as the top scorers in the Saudi Pro League with 12 goals each. However, Ronaldo’s 12 goals have come from 12.03 expected goals (xG), indicating his clinical finishing and reliability when it matters most. In contrast, Felix’s 12 goals are considered an overperformance relative to his expected goals of 5.46, demonstrating Ronaldo’s consistent high-level output.
His physical condition also plays a vital role in his pursuit. Although Ronaldo will turn 41 in February, he still has two years remaining on his contract with Al-Nassr. This contract duration signals both the club’s belief in his ability and Ronaldo’s commitment to keep playing competitively. Additionally, Ronaldo is eyeing participation in his sixth World Cup in 2026, a feat that would further cement his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats.
Ronaldo’s Consistency Over Recent Years
One of the defining factors in Ronaldo’s journey to 1,000 goals is his extraordinary consistency.





























































































































































































