Can Cristiano Ronaldo Reach 1,000 Career Goals?
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s most iconic figures, continues to defy time, logic, and expectations. At 40 years old, the Portuguese superstar is still going strong with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, racking up goals and proving he’s far from finished. As his tally edges closer to the magical 900-goal mark, a tantalizing question looms: Can Cristiano Ronaldo reach 1,000 career goals?
A Look at the Numbers
As of April 2025, Ronaldo has scored over 880 official career goals, including those with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr, and the Portugal national team. With his current goal-scoring form in the Saudi Pro League and continued appearances for Portugal, hitting 1,000 goals is no longer a far-fetched fantasy—it’s a realistic milestone.
Ronaldo has averaged 30–35 goals per season in recent years, even as he’s entered the latter stages of his career. If he maintains this pace, he could hit the 1,000 mark in the next 3 to 4 seasons.
Is Time on His Side?
Age may be just a number for Ronaldo, but biology is real. At 40, most professional footballers are retired or easing into coaching roles. Ronaldo, however, has famously invested in his fitness and recovery, which has helped him stay at the top for two decades.
“If my body allows, I can keep going until 42 or 43,” Ronaldo has said in recent interviews, showing clear intent to keep playing. If he does continue for a few more seasons, especially in leagues that offer him ample chances to score, 1,000 goals is well within reach.
Challenges Ahead
Reaching 1,000 goals is a monumental task—no player in modern football has done it in official matches. Pelé claimed over 1,000 goals, but many were scored in unofficial friendlies. For Ronaldo, every goal counted will be on the official record.
There are also potential roadblocks: injuries, a possible drop in form, or even the choice to retire earlier than expected. But if anyone has shown an ability to silence doubters time and again, it’s Ronaldo.
Legacy Cemented, Milestone Awaited
Whether he reaches 1,000 or not, Ronaldo’s legacy is untouchable. He’s already the all-time top scorer in international football and the UEFA Champions League. But hitting that four-digit goal mark would be the ultimate cherry on top of an already legendary career.
So, can Cristiano Ronaldo reach 1,000 career goals? If history, determination, and current form are anything to go by—the answer is a confident yes.
