Cristiano Ronaldo: My family asks me why I want to reach 1,000 goals

 

Cristiano Ronaldo believes he still has the energy and passion to compete with younger players, and that is not just something he believes, but also a huge number of fans.


The Al Nasr striker and top scorer in international men's football with 141 goals in 223 appearances for Portugal, said he is "thirsty" for more goals, despite his family's insistence that he stop.

The 40-year-old Ronaldo has scored five goals in six appearances in all competitions for Al Nasr this season and recently became the top scorer in World Cup qualifying history when he netted his 39th goal in a win against Hungary.


“People, especially my family, say: ‘It’s time to stop. You’ve done everything. Why do you want to score a thousand goals?’” Ronaldo told Canal 11. “But I don’t think so. I think I’m still doing good things, helping my team and the national team, and why shouldn’t I continue?”

“I’m sure that when I finish, I’ll be complete, because I gave it my all. I know I don’t have many years left, but the few I have, I try to enjoy them to the fullest.”

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, 40, added another individual accolade to his illustrious career when he received the Prestige award at the Portugal Football Globes on Tuesday.

“It’s not an end-of-career award,” he said. “I see it as recognition of years of effort, dedication and ambition. I like to win, to help the younger generations – and they also help me to maintain my level and continue to compete. That’s what excites me: competing with the younger generations. I still have a passion for it.”

He signed a new contract with Al Nasr, staying in the Saudi Pro League until June 2027, while leading Portugal to victory in the UEFA Nations League in June.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has scored more than 940 goals in his career.

“I often tell you that if I could, I would only play football for the national team, I wouldn’t play for any other club because it is the pinnacle and the peak of a footballer,” he said. “It is an honour for me to play for the national team.” The 2026 World Cup will be Ronaldo's last chance to win the one major trophy that has eluded him, but he is simply focused on the task at hand.

Ronaldo and Portugal host Ireland in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday before facing Hungary on Oct. 14. "I'm sure the next few games will go well and we'll qualify for the World Cup," Ronaldo said. "Obviously, our goal is to go to the World Cup and win, but we have to take it step by step."