Ancelotti Predicts Ronaldo Will Achieve 1,000 Career Goals

Legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his belief that Cristiano Ronaldo will reach the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals. The Italian coach, who enjoyed multiple successful stints at Real Madrid, continues to be impressed by the former Bernabeu star’s remarkable longevity and dedication, especially at the age of 40, as he continues to find the net for both club and country.

Currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo recently netted his 950th career goal during a 2-0 victory against Al-Hazm. With a total of 953 career goals and a contract extending until 2027, he has ample opportunity to pursue this ambitious goal.

In a conversation with AS, Ancelotti confidently stated his conviction in Ronaldo’s ability to maintain his exceptional performance into his 40s, much like his former teammate Luka Modric, who is currently thriving at AC Milan.

“I have no doubt he will achieve it,” Ancelotti affirmed. “Recently in Italy, I was asked about Modric at 40, and I assured them he would continue to excel at Milan. Both Luka and Cristiano are consummate professionals with a passion for the sport. They will always attain their aspirations. Cristiano is certainly on a path to reach 1,000 goals, but I hope he remembers to invite me to the celebration of such an extraordinary achievement.”

Ancelotti’s admiration for Ronaldo is rooted in their successful collaboration at Real Madrid, where they celebrated a Champions League victory together in 2014. The coach has frequently acknowledged Ronaldo’s professionalism and unwavering drive as key factors behind his sustained excellence.

The mutual respect between Ancelotti and Ronaldo has persisted beyond their time at Madrid. As Ancelotti shifts his focus to leading Brazil towards the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo continues to motivate players across the globe. Both icons are pursuing a final legacy—Ancelotti aiming to restore Brazil’s prominence in football, and Ronaldo seeking to establish himself as the sport’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Ronaldo, who has scored 143 international goals for Portugal, recently confirmed that the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark his final appearance on the international stage. As he approaches the tournament at the age of 41, he shared with CNN, “Definitely, yes. I will be 41 years old, and I think this will be the moment in this significant competition.”

Regarding retirement, he candidly remarked, “Let’s be honest, when I say soon, it’s probably one or two years. I’ll still be playing for a bit longer.” This timeline suggests a potential retirement around late 2026 or early 2027, aligning with his goal of reaching the 1,000-goal milestone.

Currently, Ronaldo is in outstanding form, scoring nearly a goal per game in the Saudi Pro League, having netted 10 goals in just 11 matches this season. The next two years are poised to be crucial for Ronaldo’s footballing legacy, as Al-Nassr competes for domestic and continental titles, while Portugal aims for glory in 2026. The stage is set for what could be one of the most poignant conclusions in football history.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti has begun a new chapter with Brazil, tasked with leading the Seleção back to the pinnacle of world football. As both legends pursue their respective milestones, their paths may converge once again on the grandest stages of global football during the 2026 World Cup.

Should Ronaldo indeed achieve the coveted 1,000-goal mark, as Ancelotti strongly believes he will, it is clear that the celebration would be incomplete without the Italian maestro, who humorously insists on receiving an invitation.