‘The best in history is me, period’: Cristiano Ronaldo claims best ever to reach 1,000 career goals

Soccer Football – Saudi Pro League – Al Nassr vs Al Diriyah – Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – October 9, 2026 Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after scoring a goal that was later disallowed REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed Cristiano Ronaldo has made his feelings clear: he believes he is the best footballer in history and is not waiting for 1000 goals to prove it. Just 20 goals short of the milestone, the Portugal captain made his bold claim as a return to the national team looms amid disciplinary proceedings over his recent exit from camp.

Ronaldo insists his goals prove he is the best

Speaking to CNN Portugal, Ronaldo said his goalscoring record still doesn’t get enough credit, despite his 980 goals in 1,337 professional appearances for club and country.“People don’t appreciate the form I’m in, my goals,” Ronaldo said, according to CNN Portugal. Athletic.When asked if he was chasing the 1,000-goal milestone, striker Al-Nassr made it clear that reaching that number would be more of an achievement than a basis for his claim to greatness.“Things have to happen naturally,” he said. “If I score 920 goals, 925, 930… I’m the best in history, period. The numbers speak for themselves. If I get there (to 1,000 goals), that’s amazing, a goal, but I don’t think it’s a long-term one.”Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, said a month ago that he would “probably” quit after the end of the club season next June. When asked again about his plans, he admitted that he couldn’t predict when his motivations might change.“I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. I might wake up demotivated and not want to play anymore, I just don’t know,” he said.

Portugal wants Ronaldo back despite disciplinary proceedings

The interview follows Ronaldo’s sudden departure from the Portugal camp during the international break in October following a row between head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo subsequently accused Jesus of breaking his word and giving a false account of the events surrounding his departure.The Portuguese Football Federation’s Disciplinary Board has since opened proceedings, classifying the case as “urgent” and imposing a temporary, non-automatic suspension while the investigation continues.However, federation president Pedro Proença has already hinted that Portugal want their captain back for November’s internationals.“The federation, the coach and all of Ronaldo’s teammates are united, we want Ronaldo back,” Proença said in comments reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.“I expect Ronaldo to come back during the international break next November and he wants to come back too, he’s the best player ever,” he added.Earlier in his 1,740-word statement explaining his departure, Ronaldo said he had no intention of retiring from international football and hoped to get “one or more farewell matches”. He remains the top scorer in men’s international football with 146 goals, representing Portugal since 2003.

Ronaldo scores again as Al-Nassr fans show their support

Ronaldo returned to club action on 9 October, scoring the opening goal in Al-Nassr’s 3–0 Saudi Pro League win over Diriyah Club. His 23rd-minute finish took his professional career to 980 goals, keeping the 1,000-goal mark within reach.Al-Nassr’s supporters also displayed a large banner reading “Greatness is earned” and chanted his name during the seventh minute, offering visible support as the row with Portugal continued.

Soccer Soccer – Saudi Pro League – Al Nassr vs Al Diriyah – Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – October 9, 2026 Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his first goal REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Portugal have already secured qualification for the quarter-finals of the Nations League after winning their opening four matches to top their group with 12 points. They host Denmark on November 14 and travel to Wales three days later, with Ronaldo’s availability dependent on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings and any final sanction.For now, Ronaldo continues to push for goals at club level, while insisting his place in football history is already settled, regardless of whether he eventually reaches four figures.