Ronaldo eyes 1,000 career goals as Portugal prepares for World Cup qualifiers
Cristiano Ronaldo has set his sights on reaching an astonishing 1,000 career goals as he continues to defy age and expectations, with Portugal gearing up to face the Republic of Ireland and Hungary in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The 40-year-old forward, who already boasts 141 international goals, the highest in football history, is currently 54 goals away from the four-figure milestone.
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Cristiano Ronaldo
Despite suggestions from his family that it may be time to call it a day, the Al-Nassr star insists retirement is not yet on his mind.
What Ronaldo said
Speaking to Canal 11, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he remains motivated to keep performing at the top level and contributing to both club and country.
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“Some people, especially in my family, tell me, ‘You’ve done it all, why keep going?’ But I still feel I’m performing well and helping my teams,” Ronaldo explained.
He continued, “As long as I’m capable, I’ll continue. When the time comes to stop, I’ll know I’ve given everything.”
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Ronaldo, who turned 40 in February, remains a key figure for Portugal as they aim to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup. He has scored 11 times in his last 11 international appearances, finding the net in each of his last five games, a streak he has only achieved twice before in his illustrious career.
The veteran striker has also enjoyed a bright start to the new Saudi Pro League season, scoring four goals in four matches for Al-Nassr. His tally of 81 league appearances has already propelled him into the competition’s top 10 all-time scorers.
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Cristiano Ronaldo
Still, Ronaldo admitted that international football holds a special place in his heart, even above club commitments.
“If I could choose, I’d only play for the national team. Representing Portugal is the greatest honour for any player. Our focus now is to qualify for the World Cup, and hopefully, we can go there to win it, step by step,” he said.
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Portugal will host Ireland in Lisbon before taking on Hungary later in the week, with Ronaldo eager to extend both his goal-scoring run and his nation’s unbeaten streak.
