Cristiano Ronaldo has sent shockwaves through the football world by hinting he could be open to a sensational return to European football before finally hanging up his boots.
The Drive for 1,000 Goals
The Portugal legend, now 40, has set a definitive target for the end of his career: reaching the monumental milestone of 1,000 professional goals. Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where he was named Best Middle East Player, Ronaldo stated his motivation remains undimmed. "I want to reach that number [1,000 goals] that you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries," he declared.
This ambition casts a new light on his future. Despite signing a new two-year contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in June 2025, which would keep him there until age 42, Ronaldo's latest comments suggest geography is secondary to his goal. "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," he remarked.
Current Form and Silverware Quest
Ronaldo's performance shows no sign of decline. 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. His overall tally for the club stands at an impressive 112 goals in 125 games.
However, team success has been harder to come by. Since his high-profile move, he has won just one trophy with Al-Nassr: the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023. This relative lack of silverware, combined with his personal scoring mission, fuels speculation about a potential move. With his career total now at 956 goals, the allure of competing in a major European league for his final chapters could be strong.
A Heartwarming Tribute from a Rising Star
The awards ceremony also provided a poignant moment linking football's past and future. Barcelona's 18-year-old sensation, Lamine Yamal, paid tribute to Ronaldo while accepting awards for Best Forward and Best U23 Men's Player.
When asked who he wished to be compared to, Yamal gave a mature response that visibly moved the veteran. "Players like Cristiano Ronaldo did what they did because they wanted to be themselves and not compare themselves to others. I want to build my own path," said the teenager.
The camera cut to Ronaldo, seated with his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez, who responded with a warm, appreciative smile. The moment underscored Ronaldo's enduring legacy as an inspiration to the next generation of stars.
While Ronaldo has previously admitted his career will "soon" close, confirming the 2026 World Cup in North America will be his last, the immediate future is now filled with intriguing possibility. The pursuit of 1,000 goals may yet see Cristiano Ronaldo grace a European pitch one more time.
