Cristiano Ronaldo has once again underlined his ambition to become the first player in modern football to score 1,000 career goals. He recently took another step towards that landmark by scoring his 956th career goal in a 3–0 win for Al Nassr against Al Okhdood, leaving him 44 goals short of the four-figure mark.
Ronaldo remains adamant that he will reach the 1,000-goal milestone, brushing aside concerns about age and physical decline. At 40, with Father Time looming, his mindset and self-belief continue to mirror the hunger that defined his peak years.
European Return: “It Doesn’t Matter Where I Play”
What has particularly intrigued fans and pundits is Ronaldo’s stance on his future destination. Speaking about his next steps, he stressed that location will not limit his ambitions.
“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,” he said, keeping the door to Europe very much open.
That single line has ignited debates across the football world. Could there be a final chapter back in Europe? Supporters speculate about a potential return to one of his former clubs such as Manchester United or Real Madrid, or even an entirely new challenge in another top European side. With two years left on his Al Nassr contract and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, his options remain flexible.
Still Breaking Records at 40
Despite entering his forties, Ronaldo’s numbers remain astonishing. He has scored 40 or more goals in each of the last three years, marking the 14th time in his career that he has reached or passed that tally in a calendar year.
In the current Saudi Pro League season, he has already scored 12 goals in just 10 matches, matching a personal benchmark from his Juventus days and demonstrating that his scoring instinct is undimmed. His consistency underlines his claim that age is “just a number” when it comes to his performances.
On the international stage, Ronaldo already holds the all-time record for men’s international goals, with 141 strikes in 223 appearances for Portugal. He continues to feature for the national team and shows no intention of stepping aside, with further opportunities to add to that tally in upcoming fixtures, including Al Nassr’s trip to face Al Ettifaq.
Motivation, Passion and Physical Demands
Ronaldo has been candid about the physical demands of playing at the highest level into his fourth decade. He openly admits that continuing at this intensity is “hard,” but insists that his motivation and passion remain as strong as ever.
“It’s hard to continue playing, but I am motivated. My passion is high and I want to continue,” he explained, highlighting the mental resilience that has defined his career. For him, the battle is as much psychological as it is physical, and he believes his mindset can help him push through barriers that stop most players long before 40.
Key Facts at a Glance
Age: 40
Current club: Al Nassr
Career goals: 956
Target: 1,000 career goals
International goals: 141 for Portugal
International caps: 223
Current season (Saudi Pro League): 12 goals in 10 games
Consecutive years with 40+ goals: 3 (14 times in career overall)
Big Questions Around Ronaldo’s Future
Will Ronaldo actually reach 1,000 career goals before he retires?
Does he need a move back to Europe to achieve that target?
Could a final stint at a former club become a reality, or will he write history entirely in Saudi Arabia?
How long can he realistically maintain top-level performances at 40 and beyond?
These questions keep fans, analysts and clubs watching his every move as he continues to rewrite assumptions about longevity in elite football.
Q&A: Ronaldo’s 1,000-Goal Chase
Q: How many goals does Cristiano Ronaldo need to reach 1,000?
A: Ronaldo is currently on 956 career goals, leaving him 44 short of the 1,000-goal mark.
Q: Is Ronaldo considering a return to European football?
A: He has not ruled out a return and has stated that it “doesn’t matter” whether he plays in the Middle East or Europe, keeping that option alive.
Q: How is he performing at Al Nassr this season?
A: He has scored 12 goals in 10 Saudi Pro League matches this season, matching one of his prolific spells from his time at Juventus.
Q: What records does Ronaldo already hold?
A: He holds the men’s international goalscoring record with 141 goals for Portugal in 223 appearances.
Q: What keeps Ronaldo going at 40?
A: He acknowledges the physical difficulty but emphasises high motivation and passion for the game, which drive him to continue.
FAQ: Ronaldo, Records and the Road Ahead
1. Can Cristiano Ronaldo realistically hit 1,000 goals?
Reaching 1,000 goals is extremely challenging, but given his current tally of 956 and his ongoing scoring rate, the target is not impossible if he remains fit and active for the next few seasons.
2. Does Ronaldo need European football to achieve his goal?
Not necessarily. He is scoring heavily in Saudi Arabia, and as long as he maintains similar numbers, he could reach 1,000 without returning to Europe. However, a move back could raise the competitive and emotional stakes.
3. How significant is his international record?
His 141 goals for Portugal already place him at the top of the men’s international scoring charts, reinforcing his status as one of the greatest forwards in football history.
4. What role could the 2026 World Cup play in his decisions?
The 2026 World Cup may act as a natural milestone. If he aims to appear there, he will likely maintain top-level fitness and minutes at club level, possibly influencing whether he stays at Al Nassr or considers Europe again.
5. Is age finally catching up with Ronaldo?
Physically, he admits it is harder to keep going, yet his output—40+ goals in each of the last three years and a strong start to the current season—shows that he remains a decisive player at elite level.
As the countdown from 956 to 1,000 continues, every match Ronaldo plays feels like another step towards a historic record. Whether the final chapter unfolds under the lights of Europe or in the heat of Saudi Arabia, his pursuit ensures he will stay at the centre of the football narrative for some time to come.
