Ronaldo’s Continued Legacy: Aiming for 1,000 Goals and a Bright Future

Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr ensures that he will continue playing until at least 2027, which has sparked speculation that the 39-year-old may extend his career even further. Some have even suggested the possibility of him sharing a pitch with his eldest son, Cristiano Jr. What is evident is that Ronaldo’s passion for the game remains as fervent as ever. Currently, he is just 45 goals shy of the illustrious 1,000-goal mark, having already netted 955. Many believe it is merely a matter of time before he reaches this milestone.

Rather than viewing the 1,000-goal target as an obsession, Coach Martínez characterized it as a natural outcome of Ronaldo’s daily performance standards. In an interview with Marca, he stated, “He’s at a very good point in his career. And he’s achieved it because he lives in the moment. When he discusses his goals, he avoids long-term thinking—be it reaching 1,000 games or playing a certain number of matches. His secret lies in being the best he can be today and enjoying each day. Thus, the number will be a by-product of the day he decides to retire. I don’t see it as a goal.”

On the field, Ronaldo’s contributions remain significant. He scored five goals during the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, underscoring his ongoing value to the team. However, his role has not been without controversy. Elements of the fanbase have questioned whether Portugal performs more cohesively without him, particularly following a disappointing defeat to the Republic of Ireland, where Ronaldo was sent off for an elbowing incident involving Dara O’Shea. The debate intensified when Portugal went on to achieve a resounding 9-1 victory against Armenia in a match Ronaldo missed due to suspension, reigniting discussions regarding team dynamics and whether the national side is constrained by having its greatest player.

Martínez has been resolute in addressing these concerns, asserting: “Attitude. There are three key factors we continuously evaluate: talent, experience, and the attitude he brings to the Selecao. His relentless demand for excellence and his willingness to contribute are what keep him on the national roster. That drive to be the best is infectious. Scoring 25 goals in 30 matches as a striker demonstrates the significant impact he has on the national team.”

It is noteworthy that Ronaldo’s scoring rate under Martínez has surpassed his previous performances with other Portugal coaches. According to the manager, this can be attributed to Ronaldo’s tactical evolution. He explained, “The percentage you’re referring to is largely influenced by his change in position. We’re looking at a player who began as a talented winger and has now transitioned into more of a target man in the box. Cristiano affects the opposition significantly; when he is on the field, it opens up additional space because two defenders focus on marking him.”

Ronaldo has indicated that the 2026 World Cup will mark his final appearance on football’s grandest stage. Following his red card against Ireland, he received a three-match ban, although FIFA has deferred two of those matches under a one-year probation period. This ruling, which has faced criticism from various quarters, nonetheless allows Ronaldo to participate in the group phase if selected. How Martínez chooses to utilize him next summer remains to be seen, especially with Portugal drawn into a group against Uzbekistan, Colombia, and the winner of an inter-confederation playoff involving New Caledonia, Jamaica, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.