Cristiano Ronaldo has made a stunning declaration about his footballing future, stating he will not retire until he has smashed through the landmark of 1,000 career goals. The Portuguese icon, who turns 41 in February 2026, shows no sign of slowing down and remains a prolific scorer for both club and country.
The Road to 1,000: Ronaldo's Current Tally
Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Sunday, Ronaldo confirmed his burning ambition. 'It’s hard to continue playing, but I am motivated,' he said. 'My passion is high and I want to continue... I want to reach that number [1,000 goals] that you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries.'
His quest is firmly on track. After scoring a brace in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 win over Al Akhdoud on Saturday, December 28, 2025, Ronaldo's official career total for club and country now stands at an astonishing 956 goals. This means he requires just 44 more goals to achieve his dream milestone.
How Long Will It Take Ronaldo to Reach the Milestone?
Given his relentless form, the 1,000-goal barrier could fall surprisingly soon. Ronaldo has adapted seamlessly to the Saudi Pro League since his move from Manchester United in December 2022, scoring 86 times in 87 league appearances for Al-Nassr. Across all competitions for the Saudi side, he has 112 goals in 125 games.
With his commitment to Portugal remaining absolute—he scored eight international goals in 2025 alone, taking his national record to 143 goals—opportunities will keep coming. The calendar for 2026 is packed:
- Continuing Saudi Pro League and cup fixtures with Al-Nassr.
- International friendlies with Portugal.
- The pinnacle: the 2026 World Cup, where he will aim to extend his international scoring record.
While an outside chance exists for him to reach 1,000 in 2026, a more probable timeline points to the landmark being achieved in 2027.
Ronaldo's Place in Football's All-Time Pantheon
Ronaldo already sits atop the official all-time scoring charts, but reaching 1,000 would create a seemingly untouchable record. His great rival, Lionel Messi, is in second place with 896 career goals.
The debate often includes the legendary Pele, credited with over 1,000 goals, but his official tally stands at 762 when excluding friendly matches, placing him third. Ronaldo's pursuit is about cementing a unique, verified legacy in the modern era.
As he defies age and expectations, the football world watches on. Cristiano Ronaldo's journey to 1,000 goals is not just a personal target; it is becoming the final, glorious chapter of one of the sport's most incredible careers.
