Cristiano Ronaldo Sets Two Major Targets: Nations League Glory and 1,000 Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed two major objectives he wants to achieve as he enters what could be the final chapter of his extraordinary career.

Speaking ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League campaign, Ronaldo identified winning the Nations League again and reaching 1,000 career goals as his current priorities.

“My objective is double: the goal number 1,000 and winning the Nations League,” Ronaldo said. “It’s a new era.”

The 41-year-old remains part of Portugal’s plans under new head coach Jorge Jesus, who has selected him for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. Portugal begin their campaign against Wales on September 24 before facing Norway and Denmark.

Ronaldo is also closing in on one of football’s most remarkable individual milestones. He currently has 979 official senior career goals, leaving him 21 goals short of reaching 1,000. ESPN’s tracking of his career puts his tally at 979 goals in 1,331 appearances.

The forward has previously suggested that the 2026/27 season could be his final campaign, making the pursuit of 1,000 goals particularly significant.

However, Ronaldo insisted that the milestone is not an obsession.

“I know I will achieve it, but it’s not an obsession,” he said. “The rest is about enjoying it, but yes, I really want to achieve that record.”

With Portugal beginning a new era under Jorge Jesus and Ronaldo continuing his pursuit of four figures, the veteran forward has made it clear that he still has two significant targets left to chase.