Cristiano Ronaldo has sent shockwaves through the football world by hinting he could make a dramatic return to European football before finally retiring, with his sights firmly set on the magical milestone of 1,000 career goals.
The Road to 1,000 Goals
The Portugal icon, now 40, used his acceptance speech at the Globe Soccer Awards, where he was named Best Middle East Player, to outline his ambitious final career target. Ronaldo currently sits on an astonishing 956 professional goals.
"You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number [1,000 goals] that you all know," Ronaldo stated. "I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries."
Despite signing a new two-year contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in June, which would keep him at the club until he is 42, the legendary forward pointedly refused to rule out a move before then.
"It Doesn't Matter Where I Play"
In comments that will alert clubs across the continent, Ronaldo emphasised that his primary motivation is continuing to play at the highest level, irrespective of location.
"My passion is high and I want to continue," he said. "It doesn't matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe. I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going."
Ronaldo's form suggests he is far from finished. This season for Al-Nassr, he has scored 13 goals in 14 appearances, helping his side to a four-point lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League. Overall, he has a remarkable 112 goals in 125 games for the club, though he has only won the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023.
A Legend's Legacy and a Young Star's Tribute
The awards ceremony in Dubai also provided a poignant moment linking football's past and future. Barcelona's 18-year-old sensation, Lamine Yamal, won Best Forward and Best U23 Men's Player.
During his speech, Yamal paid a heartfelt tribute to Ronaldo, stating that players like the Portuguese superstar succeeded by being themselves. The camera cut to Ronaldo, who was sitting with his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez, beaming with a proud smile at the compliment from the young star.
Ronaldo has previously admitted his career will "soon" come to a close, confirming that the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States will be his last. However, his latest comments make it clear that the final chapter of his unparalleled career could yet hold another stunning twist, with a potential return to the European stage where he made his name.
