Ronaldo’s Pursuit of 1,000 Goals and Continued Legacy in Football

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently contracted to the Saudi Pro League until the summer of 2027. He is resolute in his pursuit of achieving 1,000 career goals, with some speculating that he may aim to play long enough to share a team with his eldest son, Cristiano Jr.

Recently, Ronaldo humorously suggested that he still has another decade of play left in him, a possibility considering the extraordinary standards he has upheld throughout his illustrious career as a five-time Ballon d’Or winner. His former Manchester United teammate, Campbell, expressed confidence that the enduring striker would not consider retirement as he seems to maintain peak performance levels.

In an interview with GOAL, conducted in association with Kasinohai, Campbell stated, “It’s entirely up to him. It won’t be a typical case of ‘my body aches and I can’t continue due to constant injuries.’ He remains incredibly dedicated. If he desired to play for another three to five years, I am sure he is capable of doing so. It is remarkable to witness such an athlete continue to excel.”

Speaking about Ronaldo’s ambition for 1,000 goals, Campbell remarked on the monumental nature of this achievement, which appears almost unattainable even for emerging talents like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. “It’s mind-blowing. I was speaking with someone recently and realized I might not have played in 1,000 games! For him to score 1,000 goals is a staggering benchmark that is difficult to comprehend. Yet he is nearing this milestone—a testament to his dedication and work ethic. He is an extraordinarily gifted footballer.”

Campbell recalled witnessing Ronaldo’s initial steps toward superstardom at Manchester United, where he evolved from a skillful winger into a prolific forward. Those at Old Trafford had long recognized his potential to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

When asked about what sets Ronaldo apart, Campbell listed numerous attributes: “There are so many! He was always the first on the training pitch and the last to leave. He lived and breathed football. Every action he took was in preparation for his next training session or game.

“Like many who start in football, he possessed an eagerness to learn and improve. After training, he often took a ball and practiced his dribbling across all 14 pitches at Carrington, demonstrating his unwavering determination to enhance his skills. As we’ve observed over the years, he has continued this relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Campbell also acknowledged the role of demanding figures like Roy Keane and Gary Neville in shaping Ronaldo’s path to greatness: “The environment at Old Trafford and Carrington was exceptionally high in standards. As a young player, I remember how intense the initial training drills were. With leaders like Roy Keane and Gary Neville ensuring everyone met those standards, young talents like Cristiano were motivated to consistently perform at their best. This challenge from seasoned players was crucial for his development and has contributed to his remarkable longevity in the sport.”

This season, Ronaldo has netted 10 goals in 11 appearances for Al-Nassr as they pursue domestic accolades. With 225 caps and 143 international goals, he is anticipated to be part of Portugal’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, aiming once again for the one major title that has eluded him.