Ronaldo targets 1,000 career goals and more Portugal success
Cristiano Ronaldo considered retiring after the 2026 World Cup but decided to continue with Portugal. He aims to reach 1,000 career goals, needing 21 more, and wants to help a new generation of Portuguese players. He will play in the Nations League match against Wales.
Ronaldo enters Thursday's Nations League opener against Wales with 979 career goals, needing 21 more to reach the 1,000 milestone. The 41-year-old has earned 233 caps for Portugal since his debut in 2003, with the Wales match marking his 234th appearance. He has already won the Nations League twice with his country.
Portugal's current squad blends Ronaldo's experience with emerging talents including Fabio Silva, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, and Francisco Conceicao. Manager Jorge Jesus called Ronaldo a "symbol of Portugal," while the forward acknowledged criticism from TV channels throughout his career, saying he has learned to move past it after more than two decades at the top level.
Ronaldo's continued presence could shape how younger fans perceive longevity in elite sport, demonstrating that peak performance can extend beyond traditional retirement ages. His pursuit of 1,000 goals may inspire both aspiring players and aging athletes to reconsider their own limits. However, his extended role could also slow Portugal's generational transition, potentially affecting squad development and opportunities for emerging forwards who must wait longer for meaningful international minutes.