With Portugal’s forward in peak form, Ronaldo is set on achieving two significant milestones as he moves to a new stage of his captivating career.As the Portugal captain plays up, Ronaldo is on course to secure two major trophies: the UEFA Nations League, and 1,000 senior goals.
The 41-year-old forward, who was born in Portugal in 1993, said he still thinks he can help his country in the future as coach Jorge Jesus takes over the job.
Jesus followed Roberto Martinez’s footsteps in leaving after the Spaniard was knocked out in the last 16 by then 2026 World Cup champion Spain. Ronaldo is the key figure to the team’s plans, as the Portuguese player continues to be a central figure in their efforts.
The ex-striker now has 979 club and international goals to his name, with 833 at club and 146 for Portugal. He thus requires 21 more goals to achieve the 1,000 he has publicly set as the target.
When Ronaldo was asked if winning another Nations League title or reaching four figures would be a bigger deal to him, he declined to differentiate. He noted that two of his objectives are the same – the chance of scoring 1,000 goals and the national team going for the Nations League title.
Portugal won the inaugural edition of the Nations League in 2019 and will defend the title in 2025. Now Ronaldo would like to put his hands on another international feather in his cap as he keeps on chasing a mark few players have been able to come close to.
He also greeted the arrival of Jesus, which he termed the dawn of a new era and hoped the new coach’s time will be fruitful. Ronaldo said that 1000 goals in Portugal in coloured jerseys would have a special meaning and it was a “icing on the cake” and a “climax of a beautiful football story.”
Even if he could do it, Ronaldo reiterated that the achievement is not a fetish. Currently, his priority is to serve Portugal and win his 4th Nations League championship with the other new coach.
