Can CR7 hit the 1,000‑goal mark without more caps for Portugal?
In the harsh light of the Al‑Nassr stadium in Riyadh, the 41‑year‑old Cristiano Ronaldo looks back on 979 career goals, while the question of the missing 21 goals occupies the football world. The Portuguese record‑hunter stands at the end of an era that has spanned six clubs and the national team since 2002.
Last season in Saudi Arabia
After seven completed matches in the Saudi Pro League 26/27, Ronaldo will have a maximum of 27 league games with Al‑Nassr. Additionally, seven guaranteed fixtures in the AFC Champions League are planned, with the possibility of playing up to 14 more games if the team reaches the final.
The national King’s Cup can provide up to five additional matches, although in the worst case only one game will take place if Al‑Nassr is eliminated in the round of 16. In the Saudi Super Cup 2026, two more games could be added.
Portugal and the Nations League
Ronaldo has set two goals for his farewell year: 1,000 career goals and the third UEFA Nations League triumph with Portugal. After a short break he left the national team because new coach Jorge Jesus kept him on the bench for 90 minutes against Norway and, before the Denmark match, said that CR7 would probably not start again.
Ronaldo accuses Jesus of breaking his word, stresses wish to return
Although the Portuguese federation hopes to calm the situation and give Ronaldo a dignified ending, CNN Portugal reports that the player has already decided not to play under Jesus any longer.
Threat to the 1,000‑goal target
Without further international matches, reaching the 1,000‑goal mark could be at risk, as the remaining club and cup games offer only limited opportunities. So far, no other player in the history of professional football has reached the 1,000‑goal threshold.
Ronaldo insists he will serve punishment after leaving Portugal camp
Ronaldo himself told Vogue that the current season is likely his last year as a footballer and that he wants to leave a spectacular legacy.