Cristiano Ronaldo always had a strong drive towards his ambition. During his career of almost two decades, he’s shattered records, silenced his critics, and continually stood as a symbol of greatness in football. Now, at almost 40 years old, the Portuguese legendary footballer has reached yet another fantastic milestone of over 875 career goals and the once unachievable 1,000-goal mark suddenly feels within his reach. But in a recent interview, Ronaldo opened up not only about chasing this historic figure but also about facing the facing something that is unavoidable. His retirement from the game.
“It’s not an obsession” – Ronaldo on 1,000 Goals
When asked about the possibility of achieving 1,000 goals, Ronaldo gave a positive and sensible answer with utmost clarity and humility of someone who’s done it all. “It’s not an obsession,” he said. “I think I’ll reach 900 goals, but 1,000? I’m not putting pressure on myself. I’m just taking it step by step, season by season.”
That’s a bit surprising coming from Ronaldo who’s known to be ultra driven and positive when it comes to achieving something in his career, “If you don’t believe you are the best, then you will never achieve all that you are capable of.” But perhaps now it’s the balance of ambition and realism that continues to set him apart from the rest of the competition.
Still, the numbers speak for themselves. With over 875 goals scored for both club and country, Ronaldo remains at the pinnacle of goal scoring in football history. And despite his age, he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Even in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo is able to find the back of the net regularly, defying critics who questioned his move to the Middle East.
“I’m in the final years of my career” – A Rare Admission
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also made a rare and candid confession showcasing his understanding of game and his body while he’s approaching the final chapter of his playing days. “I know I don’t have many years left. It’s the reality. I’m enjoying the moment, because I know that soon, it will be over.”
It’s an emotional moment for all his fans around the world who’ve watched Ronaldo evolve from a skinny teenager at Sporting Lisbon to a global superstar with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr. Throughout his career, Ronaldo has always spoken about longevity and keeping his body in elite condition, and he’s delivered playing at the top level well into his late 30s.
But no one can beat time, even the seemingly ageless CR7.
Legacy Cemented, But Still Writing History
Regardless of whether he passes the milestone of 1,000 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy is something which can be termed as untouchable. You name it, Champions League titles, domestic league trophies in three countries, a European Championship with Portugal, and countless honors . He is someone who’ a goal machine, he’s a deadly combination of dedication, discipline, and elite mentality.
The fact that he’s still scoring at the highest level in his late 30s is not just a proof to his fitness, but also his adaptive nature as an athlete. He’s transformed his game from a flashy winger into a deadly finisher, a predator when inside the box on the ground needs only minute chance to strike.
And yet, for all his accomplishments, Ronaldo’s comments reveal a man who is at peace with current scenario. He’s at a stage where he no longer needs to prove anything to anyone. Every game, every goal from here on is simply a bonus for his fans, for him and for overall football fans around the world.
What’s Next?
As retirement hangs on the horizon, speculation are such that he is already building what he might do next. Coaching? Business ventures? A possible return to Europe for one final season? A retirement match with Portugal national team? Only time will tell.
But one thing is for sure, whether he ends his career on 900 goals, 950, or even hits that magical number of 1,000, Cristiano Ronaldo has already secured his place right at the top in football immortality. And as he enjoys the ending part of a career like no other, fans will live every last moment to the fullest because when Ronaldo finally hangs up his boots, it will mark the end of an era for his fans.
