There are very few things Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t achieved in football, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner winning three Premier League titles, two La Ligas, five Champions Leagues and a whole host of other major honours.
However, it is a testament to the 40-year-old’s work ethic and sheer determination that he still feels like there is more to do, and the fairytale ending to the forward’s international career would be lifting the World Cup with Portugal next summer.
There is also more to achieve at club level, with Ronaldo making it clear he wants to reach 1,000 goals earlier this year, despite his family telling him to call time on his illustrious career.
The Al-Nassr star said: “People, especially my family, say: ‘It’s time for you to stop. You’ve done everything. Why do you want to score a thousand goals?”
“But I don’t think so. I think I’m still producing good things, I’m helping my club and the national team, and why not keep going?
“I’m sure that when I finish, I’ll be fulfilled, because I gave it my all. I know I don’t have many more years, but the few I have, I try to enjoy to the fullest.”
Ronaldo closing in on 1,000 goals
The legendary forward is now closing in on the unbelievable milestone, having made a fantastic start to the Saudi Pro League campaign, scoring eight goals in seven games, with the recent brace against Al-Fahya taking his total tally to 952.
Remarkably, 143 of those goals have been for Portugal, with the Real Madrid legend breaking the international goal-scoring record all the way back in 2021, and having lifted the Euros in 2016, winning the World Cup, the one trophy that has alluded him, will undoubtedly be a priority.
‘GOAT’ rival Lionel Messi famously got his hands back on the trophy back in 2022, with Argentina becoming champions of the world for the third time, courtesy of a dramatic victory against France on penalties, after what was an enthralling final.
Since then, both Ronaldo and Messi have left Europe to try something new, with the Argentina legend maintaining a remarkable goal and assist record at Inter Miami, amassing 111 goal contributions in 84 appearances.
Given that the 38-year-old is over two years younger than his long-time rival, he is still trailing in terms of goals, currently 60 behind, having scored 892 in 1132 career appearances, excluding club friendlies.
Ronaldo
952
Messi
892
However, the Inter Miami star is some way out in front for assists, having created 399 goals, compared to 140 from Ronaldo, which arguably showcases that he is a more well-rounded player.
Regardless of who you consider to be the ‘GOAT’, both Messi and Ronaldo have enjoyed unbelievable careers, and there may still be plenty left to come, with neither player currently showing any signs of slowing down.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo ranked among greatest wingers in football history
