The star has tallied over 850 goals since his breakthrough with Sporting Lisbon in 2002.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo ever reach his thousandth goal? The Al-Nassr forward is inching closer after his two goals for Portugal in the match against Slovakia, yet he knows that reaching that milestone is far from guaranteed.
How many goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored in his career?
As of today, Ronaldo has surpassed the 850-goal mark from his debut with Sporting Lisbon in 2002 to his current chapter in the Middle East. Among the footballing legends, he has moved past Gerd Müller’s 735, Ferenc Puskás’ 746, Pelé’s 767, and Romário’s 772. Moreover, he overtook Ali Daei’s national team scoring record, posting 120 goals to the Iranian’s 109.
In a recent interview, the 38-year-old forward acknowledged one of his targets is reaching 900 goals, a benchmark he discussed after a talk with Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa. The challenge was laid out in good spirit, and Ronaldo candidly reflected on his mental strength and motivation. He noted that his legs are holding up as well as he does, and that progress would come in stages. First a clear goal of 900, then the ultimate target of 1,000. He admitted that the journey will be tough but expressed confidence in his chances, suggesting he would indeed arrive at the milestone despite the stones that must be broken along the way.
The 38-year-old striker made a crucial impact in Friday’s victory over Slovakia, securing Portugal’s spot at the upcoming European Championship in Germany in 2024. On a personal note, Ronaldo spoke about his satisfaction with what he has achieved and his enthusiasm to keep competing at a high level. He praised the team’s performance and the coaching staff, emphasizing that qualification came through a blend of smart play and a deep talent pool. Ronaldo highlighted the importance of adapting to different systems and continuing to refine the team’s approach as they prepare for the next challenge.
He commented that the moment is enjoyable, and that his body has responded well to years of high-level action. The forward expressed happiness with both national team duties and his club commitments, noting the accumulation of goals and a sustained physical condition that supports his ongoing efforts on the field. This sustained form reinforces his standing as one of football’s most prolific scorers and a figure of inspiration for aspiring players around the world. Ronaldo’s consistency in front of goal and his ability to perform across different leagues and opponents continue to be a hallmark of his storied career, cementing his status among the sport’s all-time greats. He remains focused on maintaining peak performance as he advances through his late 30s, with many observers watching to see just how far this record chase might go in the years ahead.
References point to Goal as the source of these insights and milestones in Ronaldo’s career, reflecting the ongoing discussion about his legacy and future milestones in international and club competitions.