Ronaldo Eyes 1000 Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo Continues Portugal Career Under Manager Jorge Jesus Ahead of Wales Match
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Key Points
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Ronaldo enters the Wales match with 979 career goals—833 for clubs and 146 for Portugal—leaving him 21 short of the 1,000-goal milestone he has targeted.
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Ronaldo said he wants to achieve both major objectives: reaching 1,000 goals and helping Portugal win the Nations League. He described scoring his 1,000th goal for Portugal as “the icing on the cake” and “the culmination of something – a beautiful story.”
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Jorge Jesus emphasized that Ronaldo will be judged like every other player: “If he performs, he plays; if not, he doesn’t.” Jesus added that Ronaldo’s five Ballon d’Or awards do not determine his selection, although his exceptional status is acknowledged.
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Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last, while remaining unwilling to make a rushed decision about his broader international future.
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Jesus said some players may have to operate in positions different from those they occupy at club level as he seeks to accommodate Ronaldo, João Félix and João Palhinha, adding that the squad’s players must rely on their intelligence and adaptability.
Cristiano Ronaldo will continue playing for Portugal under new manager Jorge Jesus, reversing earlier hints about international retirement. The 41-year-old captain is included in Jesus' 25-man squad and will start against Wales on September 24 as Portugal defends its Nations League title. Ronaldo enters the match with 979 career goals—21 short of his 1,000-goal milestone.
Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr, made clear that selection will be based on performance alone. "If he performs well, he plays. If he doesn't perform well, he doesn't play," Jesus said at a press conference. Ronaldo described scoring his 1,000th goal for Portugal as "the icing on the cake" and "the culmination of a beautiful story."
Ronaldo Rules Out Immediate Retirement
Ronaldo had considered quitting international football after Portugal's World Cup exit but has now committed to continuing. "Yes, I did consider walking away," Ronaldo told reporters. "This is why you see me here now, it means I will continue. Whenever they say they don't want me in the national team, I will be the first one to go." The captain emphasized the decision reflects both his desire and the team's wishes.
However, Ronaldo confirmed the 2026 World Cup will be his last. He remains unwilling to make rushed decisions about his broader international future beyond that tournament. Jesus acknowledged Ronaldo's elite status—five Ballon d'Or awards—but stressed it plays zero role in selection decisions. The manager said Ronaldo is "different from the others," but performance remains the only criterion.
The Quest for 1,000 Career Goals
Ronaldo needs just 21 goals to reach his historic 1,000-goal milestone. He currently has 979 total goals: 833 with clubs and 146 for Portugal. Ronaldo expressed his ambition to reach this landmark while wearing the national team jersey. "It would be the cherry on the top of the cake to score my 1,000th goal with the national team," he said. Scoring internationally would make the achievement deeply personal.
Jesus suggested the milestone is more likely to arrive at club level with Al-Nassr than internationally, given the difficulty of scoring at such a rate at age 41. Still, Ronaldo has targeted both reaching 1,000 goals and helping Portugal win another Nations League title. The forward enters the Wales match seeking to prove his continued value after criticism over his World Cup performances.
Jesus Rebuilds Squad Around Ronaldo, Félix, and Palhinha
Jesus faces a tactical puzzle fitting Ronaldo alongside João Félix and João Palhinha in his system. Several key players will need to adjust to different positions than they occupy at club level. Jesus said the squad's players must rely on "their intelligence and adaptability" to make the new formation work. Thirteen of the 25 squad members previously played under Jesus at club level, giving them familiarity with his methods.
The new manager arrives after Portugal's early World Cup exit under Roberto Martínez. Jesus won the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr and Ronaldo during the 2025–26 season, with Ronaldo scoring 29 goals in 33 league appearances. His appointment signals the federation's commitment to maintaining Portugal's Nations League defense while building toward co-hosting the 2030 World Cup.
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