Ronaldo says his 1,000th goal would be a cherry on top for Portugal

In the bright press room of the Portuguese Football Federation, a 41‑year‑old legend stood before a sea of microphones, his eyes fixed on the looming FIFA international window that could bring him within 21 goals of a thousand for the national side, while his club Al Nassr watched closely.

Goal tally and upcoming window

Ronaldo, now 41, is exactly 21 goals shy of the historic 1,000‑goal mark. The next FIFA date offers a chance to close the gap before the World Cup (Mundial) 2026. He highlighted the milestone during a press conference that coincided with preparations for the upcoming international fixtures.

Portugal or Al Nassr?

When asked whether he would prefer to net his thousandth goal for Portugal or Al Nassr, the forward answered unequivocally. "It would be the cherry on the cake," he said, adding, "Para mí sería…" to stress the emotional weight of achieving it with his country.

He described the prospect as "another beautiful story" rather than a career‑defining obsession. Ronaldo stressed that reaching the figure is a joy he savours each day, not a pressure that dominates his thoughts.

The striker confirmed he will continue to serve Portugal, noting recent discussions with the federation president and head coach. "I still believe I can help the national team achieve its objectives," he asserted, adding that he will retire only when he feels he no longer contributes on or off the pitch.

Addressing critics, Ronaldo acknowledged that some television channels have tried to undermine him, even joking about being "shot at with a shotgun". He affirmed that Portuguese fans still appreciate him, recalling more than 20 years of dedication to the sport.

The interview has been listed as a preferred source on Google, underscoring its relevance across media platforms.

Ronaldo’s pursuit of the 1,000th goal adds a compelling narrative to his twilight years, offering both a personal milestone and a rallying point for supporters of Portugal and his club alike.