Cristiano Ronaldo 1,000 goals remains a major target as the Portugal captain continues his international career and pursues another UEFA Nations League title.
LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo has set his sights on two major goals as he continues playing for Portugal: reaching 1,000 career goals and helping his country win another UEFA Nations League title. The Cristiano Ronaldo 1,000 goals milestone is now just 21 strikes away, with the 41-year-old sitting on 979 goals for club and country.
Ronaldo outlined his ambitions ahead of Portugal’s Nations League opener against Wales on September 24, 2026, as the defending champions begin a new era under head coach Jorge Jesus.
How close is Ronaldo to 1,000 goals?
Ronaldo has scored 833 goals at club level and another 146 for Portugal, taking his career tally to 979. That leaves the Al Nassr forward needing 21 more to reach four figures.
He has also revealed where he would ideally like to score the landmark goal. Asked whether he would prefer his 1,000th strike to come for Al Nassr or Portugal, Ronaldo indicated that achieving it in his national colours would make the occasion particularly special.
The Cristiano Ronaldo 1,000 goals pursuit has therefore become one of the biggest individual storylines surrounding the latest Nations League campaign.
Ronaldo also wants another Nations League title
Individual records are not Ronaldo’s only objective. Portugal enter the competition as defending champions, and the captain has made clear that another Nations League trophy remains firmly on his agenda.
Portugal have already won the tournament twice, triumphing in the inaugural 2018-19 edition and again in 2024-25. Ronaldo is now seeking a third title with his country as Jorge Jesus begins his tenure as national coach.
Why is Ronaldo continuing with Portugal?
Ronaldo acknowledged that he considered ending his international career following Portugal’s exit from the 2026 World Cup. He subsequently held discussions with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and Jesus before deciding to continue.
Ronaldo’s historic target moves closer
The renowned athelete’s 1,000 goals target adds another chapter to a career already defined by scoring records. For now, however, Ronaldo is balancing the personal milestone with Portugal’s attempt to successfully defend their Nations League crown.
Impact to expect
Attention. Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 goals gives Portugal’s Nations League campaign added global interest, with every appearance potentially moving one of football’s most recognisable players closer to the four-figure milestone.
