- Cristiano Ronaldo sets an audacious goal of scoring 1,000 career goals in response to FC Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto’s challenge
- Despite numerous records already, Ronaldo remains determined to achieve this milestone, citing mental strength, motivation, and physical condition as key factors
The iconic football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has voiced his extraordinary ambition to score 1,000 career goals before retiring from the sport. This audacious goal comes in response to a challenge by FC Porto’s president, Jorge Nuno Pinto. Ronaldo’s insatiable hunger for greatness continues to drive him, even as he has achieved numerous milestones in his illustrious career.
Ronaldo’s declaration comes on the heels of another remarkable performance for the Portuguese national team. During a Euro 2024 qualifying match against Slovakia, he notched two goals, bringing his international tally to a record-breaking 125 goals. This achievement was especially significant as it marked his 200th appearance for the national side.
It’s worth noting that the 38-year-old football legend had previously shattered Ali Daei’s 15-year-old international scoring record in 2021. He was named FIFA’s all-time leading goalscorer in 2022, boasting a remarkable 857 goals throughout his illustrious career.
With a new target set by Jorge Nuno Pinto, Ronaldo expressed his determination to reach the unprecedented 1,000-goal milestone. He humbly acknowledged the enormity of this challenge and recognized that its achievement would depend on his mental strength, motivation, and physical condition. In his own words, “It will be quite difficult, but it is to see how I am mentally, my motivation. If, physically, my legs treat me as well as I treat them.”
Ronaldo’s form has been nothing short of spectacular in the current season. In 11 appearances across various competitions for Al-Nassr, he has already netted 11 goals. This remarkable consistency adds weight to his lofty ambition.
While the challenge of reaching 1,000 goals looms large, Ronaldo maintains a confident outlook. He remains focused on short-term objectives, saying, “Let’s see. Until I reach 1000, I have to reach 900 first. I believe I will reach it. Now, I always think about short-term goals. The target for 900 goals? I’m confident, but for 1,000 goals, it’s a lot of stone to break.”
In a recent development, it was reported that Ronaldo has expressed his desire to extend his contract with Al-Nassr. The football icon made a groundbreaking move to Saudi Arabia in December 2022, signing a groundbreaking £175 million per year deal with the club. His contract is set to expire in 2025, and Forbes has confirmed that he currently holds the title of the highest-paid footballer in the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone is a testament to his enduring commitment to the sport and his relentless drive to etch his name in the annals of football history. The football world watches in anticipation, eager to witness if this extraordinary journey will culminate in realising his ambitious dream.