 |
|
July 2, 2025
The clock is ticking every second for the much anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup and Cristiano Ronaldo is determined in reaching one of his biggest milestones: Scoring 1.000 goals in his professional career!
Cristiano Ronaldo has never been one to shy away from big targets. From his early days in Madeira to becoming Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer, his hunger for goals has kept him pushing past limits many thought impossible. Now, at 40, he remains focused on hitting the 1,000-goal mark while leading Portugal towards the 2026 World Cup in North America. With a career tally currently standing at 938 goals for club and country as of June 2025, Ronaldo’s target looks within reach if he keeps up his scoring patterns across Al Nassr and the Portuguese national team in the coming seasons.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Young version
Fans aren’t the only ones watching Ronaldo’s goals with interest. Betting platforms have seen a surge in specials centred on his milestones, such as whether he will reach 950 before the end of the year or break 1,000 before the 2026 World Cup. Currently, Portugal’s odds of winning the 2026 World Cup sit at around +1200, and betting sites note that Ronaldo is expected to feature in what could be his final tournament. Meanwhile, “retirement” markets at Esports-News.co.uk top betting sites list Ronaldo at 4/1 to retire before the end of the year.
For bettors, it’s not just about match results anymore. Whether it’s Ronaldo to score a hat-trick in his next Saudi Pro League game or reach another goal landmark before his birthday, betting markets continue to expand around the Portuguese icon.
Many players see a drop in physical levels as they hit their late 30s, but Ronaldo’s body is still sharp, thanks to years of training discipline. His personal gym routines, cryotherapy sessions, and strict diet plans have allowed him to maintain a pace and strength that match many players ten years younger.
Ronaldo is currently focusing on rest and recovery to prepare for next season. This commitment has helped him avoid long injury layoffs. It’s also allowed him to keep adding to his goal tally for both Al Nassr and Portugal.
With the expanded 48-team format, the 2026 World Cup will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Portugal’s automatic qualification looks likely given their strong UEFA Nations League and Euro qualifying campaigns. Roberto Martinez has leaned on Ronaldo’s experience, not just for goals but for the standards he sets in training and match preparation.
Ronaldo has confirmed he plans to be available for the 2026 World Cup if fitness allows. Given his consistent performances in the Saudi Pro League and his sharpness in Portugal’s recent matches, there’s reason to believe he can still play a role on the biggest stage, even if it means coming off the bench or focusing on set-piece duties to maximise his impact.
At Al Nassr, Ronaldo finished the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League season with 25 goals. His goals included a mix of headers, penalties, and clinical finishes. This total shows that his instincts inside the box remain as sharp as ever.
For Portugal, he has continued to add to his world-record international goal tally, sitting at 138 goals after the June 2025 friendlies against Croatia and the USA. If he maintains an average of 25–30 goals per season across all competitions, Ronaldo could realistically hit 1,000 goals by mid-to-late 2026.
Playing in North America would also give Ronaldo a chance to expand his brand further in a region where football’s popularity is growing rapidly. The 2026 World Cup is expected to draw record viewership. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto are preparing to host matches. For Ronaldo, the chance to score in another World Cup would only add to a legacy already unmatched in the modern era.
Fans are already speculating about whether Ronaldo might use the World Cup as a farewell stage or continue playing, especially if he is close to the 1,000-goal target when the tournament arrives. Either way, his presence would be a major storyline in a competition that will feature many emerging talents looking to test themselves against the game’s legends.
Back in Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr continues to invest in their squad to support Ronaldo’s ambition to lift the AFC Champions League trophy. The club came close in previous campaigns and are building a strong supporting cast. This includes younger wingers and midfielders who can deliver crosses and through balls. These plays allow Ronaldo to operate effectively in the box.
Al Nassr’s ambition aligns with Ronaldo’s own goals. Personal records matter, but he has often said that team trophies drive him. The chance to add another continental title would be a powerful motivator as he enters the next phase of his career.
Ronaldo’s influence goes beyond goals. At Al Nassr and in Portugal, young players look to him for guidance on staying focused, training properly, and dealing with pressure. Even as his role evolves, his impact on the pitch remains clear. Defenders are still wary of giving him too much space in the box.
He continues to attract massive crowds wherever he plays. Whether it’s in Riyadh or Lisbon, Ronaldo proves that his global appeal remains as strong as his desire to score.
Ronaldo’s push toward 1,000 goals and a final World Cup appearance captures why he has remained at the top for two decades. It’s a reminder. While age might slow some players, it hasn’t stopped Ronaldo from chasing records. Chasing them with the same focus he showed when he first wore the Sporting Lisbon shirt all those years ago.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Al Nassr is on September 21, against Jeddah Club, for the King's Cup. You can watch Jeddah vs Al Nassr, Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense vs Al Hilal, Manchester Unitedvs Leeds United, Palmeiras vs Chelsea and PSG vs Bayen Munich, all matches provided from our live soccer game pages.
Al Nassr next game:
Jeddah Club vs Al Nassr kick-off time (21-09-2025):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+7: 03:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+4.30: 00:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+2: 22:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+1: 21:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+0: 20:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 17:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 16:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 13:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / menshealth.com / transfermarkt.co.uk / bbc.com
