Cristiano Ronaldo Delays Retirement: "I Won't Stop Until I Reach 1,000 Goals"
Dubai: The countdown to history has officially begun. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has silenced rumors of an imminent retirement, declaring on Sunday that he will not hang up his boots until he reaches the colossal milestone of 1,000 career goals.
The 40-year-old superstar made the bold pledge while accepting the Best Middle East Player award at the prestigious Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai. The announcement comes just 24 hours after he showcased his enduring lethal form, scoring a brace for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
The Pledge: "I Will Reach the Number For Sure"
Speaking to a star-studded audience, Ronaldo, who has redefined longevity in modern football, admitted that the physical toll is increasing but his hunger remains unsatisfied.
"It's hard to continue playing, but I am motivated," Ronaldo told the gathered press. "My passion is high and I want to continue. 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."
Addressing the 1,000-goal target directly, he added with characteristic confidence:
"You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number [1,000 goals] that you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries."
The Numbers: Chasing the Quadruple Digits
Ronaldo’s declaration is backed by relentless output. On Saturday, he scored twice in Al-Nassr's commanding 3-0 victory against Al Akhdoud, bringing his current tally to 956 goals for club and country. He is now just 44 goals shy of the four-figure mark—a feat never officially recognized in top-level football history.
Current Season Form (2025/26):
- Goals: 13
- Appearances: 14
- League Position: Al-Nassr currently sits 4 points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
Context: The "Retirement" U-Turn
The timing of this statement is significant. In a candid interview with Piers Morgan just last month, Ronaldo had hinted at a different timeline, suggesting he planned to retire "soon."
"I think I will be prepared. It will be tough, of course. I will probably cry," he had admitted. However, his new contract extension—signed in July 2025—keeps him at Al-Nassr beyond his 42nd birthday, giving him ample runway to chase the historic 1,000th goal.
A Legacy of Records
Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 goals is the latest chapter in a career defined by breaking ceilings. He is already the only player in history to score 100+ goals for four different clubs:
- Real Madrid: 450 goals
- Manchester United: 145 goals
- Juventus: 101 goals
- Al-Nassr: 112 goals (in 125 appearances)
Despite his individual brilliance in Saudi Arabia, silverware has been elusive. Since his arrival in 2022, Al-Nassr has won only one major trophy—the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023. Ronaldo made it clear on Sunday that changing this statistic is as important as his personal goal tally.
The Final Frontier: World Cup 2026
While his club career continues, Ronaldo has set a definitive endpoint for his international duty. He confirmed in November that the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be his final major tournament. Leading Portugal, the Euro 2016 champions, into one last global battle will likely be the emotional curtain call for the sport's greatest marksman.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Cristiano Ronaldo is racing against the only opponent he hasn't defeated yet: Time. At 40, his output of 13 goals in 14 games is nothing short of miraculous. By setting the public target of 1,000 goals, Ronaldo has once again created a narrative that demands the world's attention. Whether you view it as ego or elite mentality, one thing is certain—the football world will be watching every single match until that 1,000th goal hits the net.