Cristiano Ronaldo's GOAT claim fuels rivalry with Messi at Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41‑year‑old Portuguese forward, told CNN Portugal on Friday that he now considers himself the greatest footballer of all time. The statement came after he netted his 980th career goal in Al‑Nassr's 3‑0 victory over Diriyah, a Saudi club based in Riyadh.
GOAT claim and 1,000‑goal target
Ronaldo announced the claim in an interview published on 12 October 2026, written by BEN WILLCOCKS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR. He insisted his legacy will not hinge on reaching the coveted 1,000‑goal milestone, even though he is chasing the record set by Brazilian legend Pele, who is credited with more than 1,000 goals between 1956 and 1977.
While the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star admits he dislikes the obsession with the 1,000‑goal figure, he added, "People don't appreciate what I'm doing right now, my goals. They're more concerned with how many goals I need to get to 1,000. I don't like it at all."
Recent Al‑Nassr performance and rivalry with Messi
Ronaldo's 980th strike came in Al‑Nassr's 3‑0 win on Friday, a match that underlined his continued scoring prowess in the Saudi Professional League. The Saudi side, based in Riyadh, have benefited from his experience as they chase domestic honours.
The GOAT debate has long featured Lionel Messi, now 39, who received an emotional send‑off from Argentina fans after his country's 3‑0 triumph over Benin last week. Ronaldo acknowledged the rivalry, likening it to the historic Formula 1 clash between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna.
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"If someone prefers Messi, Pele, or Maradona, that's a matter of personal taste," Ronaldo said. "I respect that. But to say Cristiano Ronaldo isn't a complete player is a lie. I am the most complete player."
He also remarked, "One has always motivated the other, just like Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna in Formula 1," reinforcing the intensity of their long‑running contest for the GOAT title.
Portugal fallout and future uncertainty
During the international break, Ronaldo quit Portugal duty after a bitter dispute with manager Jorge Jesus, resulting in a suspension from the Portuguese FA on Saturday. He later released a 1,996‑word statement accusing Jesus of breaking promises, specifically for not bringing him on as a substitute against Norway on 27 September.
Ronaldo suspended by Portuguese FA after clash with coach, vows to chase 1,000 career goals
When asked about his immediate future with both Portugal and Al‑Nassr, Ronaldo replied, "I don't know what will happen tomorrow. Maybe I'll wake up one day without motivation and not want to play anymore. I really don't know what could happen."