Age has done little to slow Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of one of football’s most extraordinary milestones. The 41-year-old Portuguese forward moved within 15 goals of reaching 1,000 career strikes after scoring a hat-trick in Al-Nassr’s 5-3 victory over Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday.

Cristiano Ronaldo struck three times at Alawwal Park, finding the net in the 66th, 72nd and 81st minutes to take his official career tally for club and country to 985 goals.

His hat-trick, however, brought the four-figure target closer and renewed attention on a landmark he has openly pursued for several years.

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At 41, Ronaldo continues to extend a goalscoring record built over more than two decades, spanning five clubs and the Portuguese national team. His longevity and consistency have made him one of the most prolific forwards in football history.

The 1,000-goal ambition is not new. Speaking to former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand in 2024, Ronaldo made clear that reaching the milestone remained a major motivation as he considered the final chapter of his career.

His journey towards the target has taken him from Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and now Al-Nassr, with each club contributing to a remarkable scoring record.

Real Madrid accounts for the largest share, with 450 goals during his nine-year spell at the Spanish giants between 2009 and 2018. He left the Bernabéu as the club’s all-time leading scorer, having won four Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns, among other honours.

His two spells at Manchester United produced 145 goals, while he scored 101 times for Juventus after joining the Italian club in 2018. Ronaldo began his professional career at Sporting Lisbon, where he registered five senior goals before moving to England in 2003.

At international level, he has scored 146 goals for Portugal, making him the leading scorer in the history of men’s international football. His Al-Nassr tally stands at 138 goals, although some statistical databases record a slightly different figure because of a disputed goal credit.

The road to 1,000: Ronaldo’s career goals

Ronaldo’s goalscoring record spans more than two decades across five clubs and the Portuguese national team.

The figures underline the consistency of Ronaldo’s scoring across different leagues and stages of his career. His record has been built on a combination of movement, aerial ability, powerful finishing and an enduring appetite for goals.

His latest milestone caps off a landmark week. Ronaldo was awarded the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time, edging out Lionel Messi in a global vote celebrating his iconic 2007/08 season with Manchester United, during which he scored 42 goals and led the Red Devils to Premier League and UEFA Champions League glory.

His latest achievement also reinforces his impact since moving to Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo has won consecutive Saudi Pro League Golden Boots in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons before finishing third in last season’s scoring charts, when Al-Nassr claimed the league title.

His arrival in Saudi Arabia has helped attract global attention to a competition that has invested heavily in international players. For Al-Nassr, his goal-scoring output remains central to their ambitions domestically and in continental competition.

Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 goals, however, is about more than adding another number to an already remarkable collection. Reaching the milestone would represent a significant achievement in a career defined by sustained excellence across different teams, countries and competitions.

From the explosive winger who emerged at Manchester United to the prolific forward who dominated at Real Madrid and now the experienced goalscorer leading Al-Nassr’s attack, Ronaldo has repeatedly adapted his game without losing his instinct for finding the net.

His ability to maintain that output into his forties has further distinguished his career. While age has brought changes to his role and playing style, his determination to remain productive in front of goal has not diminished.

With 15 goals still required, the milestone is within sight, although the timing will depend on his fitness, appearances and continued contribution to Al-Nassr and Portugal.

At 41, the forward is continuing to turn his ambition into a tangible possibility, keeping the football world watching as he closes in on 1,000 career goals.

Anthony Nlebem

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.