Ronaldo is battling at the top of the records

Cristiano Ronaldo—one of football’s most iconic names—continues to defy the conventional limits of age. While most players consider retirement or coaching roles around 40, the Portuguese superstar seems to be rewriting the rules of longevity, showcasing brilliance on the field as if he is just entering his prime. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Ronaldo faces not opponents, but records—those untouchable milestones in football history that no one has ever dared to reach.

Currently representing Al-Nassr, Ronaldo is on the brink of achieving the almost mythical “four-digit goal” mark. Officially, he has scored 958 goals, meaning he needs just 42 more to reach the coveted 1,000-goal milestone. No player in football history has ever officially scored a thousand goals in competitive matches. If his current form and physical condition persist, this historic landmark could be realised as early as the start of the 2026–27 season. Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo reflected on his ambition: “I am inspired. The fire inside me still burns. I want to win trophies and reach that number.”

Beyond individual achievements, club honours remain on his agenda. While he has won league titles in England, Spain, and Italy, the Saudi Pro League crown with Al-Nassr still eludes him. Securing it would place him among an elite group—including Zlatan Ibrahimović and David Beckham—who have won league titles in four different countries.

Ronaldo’s international feats are equally astonishing. Should he score at the 2026 World Cup, he will become the first footballer in history to net goals in six different World Cups, having scored in every tournament from 2006 to 2022. Interestingly, rival Lionel Messi lags behind in this record, having failed to score in the 2010 World Cup.

Even from the penalty spot, Ronaldo remains unmatched. With 180 penalty goals to his name, he needs just 20 more to reach the unprecedented 200-goal threshold. At Al-Nassr, he is also three goals shy of becoming the club’s highest-scoring foreign player.

Another remarkable milestone: Ronaldo has now surpassed English legend Wayne Rooney for the most goals scored after turning 30, with 494 goals. Just six more will see him reach an extraordinary 500-goal mark post-30, further cementing his status as one of football’s all-time greats.

Key Ronaldo Records

Ronaldo’s pursuit of these records is more than a personal quest—it is a testament to endurance, skill, and the relentless human drive to transcend history. In the world of football, it seems the only true competitor he faces today is the record books themselves.