Rabat – Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he would prefer to score the 1,000th goal of his career for Portugal rather than Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, as the 41-year-old continues his pursuit of one of football’s most remarkable individual milestones.
Speaking on Wednesday ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League opener against Wales, Ronaldo was asked whether he would rather reach four figures with his club or his country.
“With the national team, of course,” Ronaldo replied, adding that scoring his 1,000th goal for Portugal would represent “a beautiful story” and another major moment in his long international career.
Ronaldo currently stands at 979 career goals, leaving him 21 short of the landmark. His tally includes 833 club goals and a record 146 goals for Portugal, according to Reuters.
Ronaldo targets goals and another Nations League title
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made clear that reaching 1,000 goals is not his only objective.
Ronaldo said he wants both the individual milestone and another UEFA Nations League title as Portugal begin a new era under head coach Jorge Jesus.
He also rejected suggestions that his pursuit of 1,000 goals had become an obsession, saying he remains focused on enjoying football while continuing to contribute on the pitch.
“I want to get there, and I will get there,” Ronaldo said, while stressing that he prefers to approach the target without putting excessive pressure on himself.
Portugal career continues under Jorge Jesus
Portugal host Wales on Thursday at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon in the opening round of the Nations League, with Jesus set to take charge of the national team for the first time.
Ronaldo had considered his international future following Portugal’s exit from the 2026 World Cup, but discussions with the Portuguese Football Federation and Jesus convinced him to continue.
The Portugal captain said he will remain available as long as he feels capable of helping the team, particularly through goals and performances on the pitch.
For Ronaldo, however, one potential moment already stands above the rest: reaching goal No. 1,000 wearing Portugal’s shirt.
“It would be the culmination of something,” he said. “A beautiful story.”
