Ronaldo Aims To Reach 1,000 Career Goals And Continues Playing, Says He Has Motivation To Go On

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Cristiano Ronaldo has ruled out leaving professional football until reaching 1,000 career goals, keeping the target central to future plans. Ronaldo currently stands on 956 goals after scoring in Al-Nassr's 3-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Okhdood, leaving the Portugal captain 44 strikes short of the landmark.

That latest goal maintained Ronaldo's position at the top of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League scoring chart. Ronaldo has 12 league goals for Al-Nassr this season, the same total as team-mate Joao Felix, but Ronaldo's tally aligns with 12.03 expected goals, while Joao Felix has 5.46 expected goals.

The chase for 1,000 goals continues to shape Cristiano Ronaldo's career choices, with retirement not under consideration until that figure is reached. Ronaldo believes the target is realistic, as long as fitness holds, and will not step away from Al-Nassr or any club before that number appears possible.

Ronaldo turns 41 in February yet remains under contract with Al-Nassr for two more years, extending the stay in Saudi Arabia. The Portugal forward is also aiming to feature at the 2026 World Cup, which would be a sixth tournament appearance, extending an already long international career.

Recent form supports that ambition, as Ronaldo has scored at least 40 goals in each of the last three calendar years. There is still one Saudi Pro League match to play in 2025, an away fixture at Al-Ettifaq on Tuesday, offering another chance to extend that scoring sequence.

The long-term target and mindset were outlined at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where Ronaldo collected the prize for best player in the Middle East. Ronaldo said: "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. That you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries."

Ronaldo's stance means Al-Nassr, the Saudi Pro League and fans across the Middle East can expect the forward to remain at the centre of elite football for at least the near future. The pursuit of 1,000 goals, combined with the 2026 World Cup aim, continues to drive Cristiano Ronaldo's schedule.