Over one decade ago, football legends like Paolo Maldini, Ryan Giggs, Javier Zanetti, and Francesco Totti retired at 39 or 40. Now, at 41, Ronaldo continues to play and aims for a record 1,000 career goals.

Ronaldo during the Al Nassr versus Al Ittihad match in the Saudi Pro League at King Abdullah Sport City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 26/9/2025. *Reuters*

With 961 goals in 1,308 matches, the Portuguese superstar holds the all-time scoring record in official club competitions and all national team tournaments. He also holds numerous other records, particularly in Europe's premier club competition, the Champions League: 115 wins, 183 appearances, 140 goals, and seven top scorer awards.

At an age when most players have long retired, CR7 continues to pursue seemingly limitless goals, aiming for 1,000 professional goals and participating in the 2026 World Cup. He even aspires to play professionally alongside his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Junior. However, his birthday this year comes amidst turmoil, rumors, and a period of quiet at Al Nassr.

Weeks before his birthday, Ronaldo drew significant attention in Saudi Arabia with reports of his dissatisfaction over Karim Benzema's move to Al Hilal. In Portugal, media speculated about Ronaldo potentially activating a 60 million USD release clause to leave Al Nassr. The situation escalated when he missed the match against Al Riyadh, a game Al Nassr narrowly won to stay in the Saudi Pro League title race.

Portugal national team coach Roberto Martinez once remarked about Ronaldo, "It's not the body, but the brain that decides when a player retires." He implied that the forward, born in 1985, maintains his physical fitness, and his personal decisions and ambitions mean he is not yet ready to hang up his boots.

Amidst the speculation, Ronaldo chose to speak out. One day before his birthday, he posted images of himself training with Al Nassr on social media, featuring the team's traditional colors. He seemed to suggest he still has affection for Al Nassr and does not wish to leave. However, his participation in the next match against Al Ittihad on the evening of 6/2 remains uncertain.

Ronaldo posted photos training with Al Nassr in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the evening of 4/2/2026. *X/Cristiano*

At 41, Ronaldo admits that continuing to play at the highest level is not easy. At the Globe Soccer Awards late last year, he stated, "It is very difficult for me to continue playing, but I still have passion and motivation. Whether playing in the Middle East or Europe, I always want to win more titles and reach the number everyone knows. I believe I can do it if I avoid injuries."

Ronaldo is just 39 goals shy of the 1,000-goal milestone. The Saudi Pro League season has 15 rounds remaining, in addition to at least two matches in the AFC Champions League 2, providing more opportunities for Ronaldo to approach his goal.

Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus is confident his player will reach this milestone. He affirmed that Ronaldo will hit the 1,000-goal mark in 2026. This suggests he could retire at 41 after conquering his biggest goal.

Beyond individual goals, the 2026 World Cup remains a major objective for Ronaldo. However, he himself once downplayed the significance of this title for his personal legacy. In an interview with Piers Morgan in 11/2025, Ronaldo stated that winning the World Cup would not change his position in football history. According to the Portuguese forward, his legacy was established long ago.

Nevertheless, Ronaldo understands there are still unfinished tasks ahead. Besides the 1,000th goal and the World Cup, he also harbors a dream of playing alongside his son. Ronaldo revealed his son once told him, "Dad, try to play for a few more years, I want to play with you."

That is also why Ronaldo continues to train diligently and passionately, like a 20-year-old player.

At 41, Ronaldo continues to prove that limits do not exist in his vocabulary. Amidst controversies, rumors, and the pressure of time, the Portuguese superstar maintains his belief that he will decide when to bid farewell to football, rather than football forcing him to stop.

Hoang An (from Marca)