Ronaldo Sets Sights on Unprecedented 1000 Goals as Portugal Enters New Era

Cristiano Ronaldo is not done chasing major goals with Portugal, as the veteran forward wants to help the team win the UEFA Nations League while also reaching the 1000-goal mark in his career.

Ronaldo spoke about his plans at the Portugal Football Summit on Wednesday, making it clear that he still believes he can make a difference for his country. His comments came just as Jorge Jesus is preparing for his first match in charge of the national team.

Jesus has taken over from Roberto Martinez, who left the position after Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Portugal captain currently has 979 career goals to his name. He has scored 833 times at club level and 146 goals for his country, leaving him 21 goals short of the 1,000-goal target he has set for himself.

"One goal is to achieve both, reaching 1000 goals and the national team trying to win this Nations League," said Cristiano Ronaldo at the Portugal Football Summit in Lisbon.

"It's a new era with manager Jorge Jesus, whom we all know well; I just hope things go well for him." added Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking about reaching 1000 goals, Ronaldo said it would be “icing on the cake” if he reached the milestone in Portugal’s colors.

"Scoring my 1,000th goal for the national team would be the culmination of something, a beautiful story. It wouldn't be the end of it, but it would be a beautiful story." said Cristiano Ronaldo.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo also added that he is not obsessed with this milestone, as helping Portugal defend the Nations League trophy is more important to him.

"I've already admitted that I want to get there, and I will get there. An obsession? No ... The rest is about enjoying it, enjoying every day." said Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo also revealed that he was unsure about continuing with Portugal after their World Cup exit, but discussions with the country’s FA and new coach Jesus changed his mind and convinced him to stay with the national team.

"They count on me. I still believe that I'm able to help the national team. The most important point is to be able, inside the pitch, to score goals and help the team to win games.” said Cristiano Ronaldo.