Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly willing to join "the lowest professional league" if it helps him achieve the remarkable feat of scoring 1,000 competitive goals, as per his former Manchester United teammate Nani. However, it's unlikely that the legendary forward will need to take such a step. Currently thriving in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo is also being supported to participate in Euro 2028, further solidifying his legendary status in the world of football.
Ronaldo's Impressive Legacy
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has indicated that the 2026 World Cup will mark his final appearance in the tournament, where he aims to make history by competing for the sixth time. While he has not specifically commented on participation in the European Championship, his ongoing performance suggests he remains a vital player. With a lucrative contract extension in Saudi Arabia set to keep him active until the summer of 2027, Ronaldo will be 42 years old at that time, yet he shows no signs of slowing down.
Expressing his ambition to reach four-digit goal totals, Ronaldo has already surpassed the 950-goal mark and is projected to achieve this extraordinary milestone with relative ease. His ongoing contributions to Al-Nassr and status as the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football, boasting 143 goals, further enhance his chances.
Nani's Confidence in Ronaldo
Nani, speaking with FourFourTwo, expressed unwavering confidence in Ronaldo's ability to reach the 1,000-goal milestone, stating, "He’ll reach 1,000 goals easily, I have no doubt. It’s a milestone that matters to him – something he’s had in mind for years." He emphasized that while other legends like Pele and Romario have claimed similar achievements, not all their goals were officially recorded. In contrast, Ronaldo's career could be deemed complete with a comprehensive record of his goals. Nani believes that even if Ronaldo had to play in the lowest professional league, he would still succeed, although he doesn’t foresee such a scenario arising.
In discussing Ronaldo’s long-lasting career, which has spanned over two decades at elite levels, Nani remarked, "Nothing surprises me. Cristiano has always known exactly what he wanted – when you’re that clear about your priorities and you have the right support around you, everything becomes easier." He noted that Ronaldo’s relentless determination has solidified his status as one of the greatest players in history, stating, "Even now at age 40, he still amazes people, but not me."
Prospects for International Play
When asked about the potential for Ronaldo to appear in another major international tournament, Nani shared his hopes for Ronaldo's participation in the Euros, emphasizing that it would depend on his physical condition, injury management, and motivation. He concluded, "But if anybody can do something as extraordinary as playing the Euros at 43, it’s Cristiano."
Ronaldo's contributions to Portugal include leading the national team to a Euro 2016 victory and securing two UEFA Nations League titles since then. Wes Brown, another former United teammate, recently stated that as long as Ronaldo can contribute to the squad, there’s no reason not to select him for future competitions. He noted, "In his mind he won’t be finished yet and he can still contribute to the team."
Future Aspirations: Playing Alongside Cristiano Jr.
With 226 caps for Portugal, a record in itself, Ronaldo has also expressed a desire to play alongside his son, Cristiano Jr., whether at club or international level. This ambition indicates that he has no immediate plans for retirement and remains committed to making significant contributions both on and off the pitch. As he continues to defy age and expectations, Ronaldo's journey toward 1,000 goals and participation in Euro 2028 remains an exciting prospect for fans worldwide.
