Cristiano Ronaldo at 41: How Many Goals Does He Need for 1,000?

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his 41st birthday on 5 February 2026, standing on the precipice of a feat never before achieved in the recorded history of professional football. With 961 official career goals to his name, the Portuguese forward enters his 42nd year with a singular obsession: becoming the first player to reach the 1,000-goal mark in competitive matches. Happy Birthday Cristiano Ronaldo! Fans Wish Portugal and Al-Nassr Star As Footballer Turns 41.

While the milestone was once considered a mathematical impossibility for a player in the twilight of his career, Ronaldo’s relentless scoring rate in the Saudi Pro League has brought the "mythical four digits" into clear view.

Cristiano Roanldo and 1,000-Goal Mark

As of his 41st birthday, Ronaldo requires 39 more goals to reach 1,000. His recent form suggests the target is well within reach:

• Current Tally: 961 goals (Club and Country)

• 2025 Production: 41 goals in 46 appearances

• Current Season: 17 goals in 18 league matches for Al Nassr

At his current average, Ronaldo could theoretically reach the milestone within the next 45 to 50 matches. This timeline places the historic moment in late 2026 or early 2027, though a "peak" scoring streak could pull that date forward into the upcoming 2026 World Cup window.

Recent Friction at Al Nassr

The birthday celebrations come amidst a period of reported tension in Riyadh. Recent reports from Portugal suggest Ronaldo sat out Al Nassr’s latest fixture as a form of "strike" or protest. The veteran is reportedly frustrated by what he perceives as a lack of balanced investment from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) across all "Big Four" Saudi clubs, specifically citing the transfer of Karim Benzema to rivals Al Hilal as a move that "damages fair competition." Cristiano Ronaldo Set To Boycott Second-Successive Saudi Pro League 2025–26 Match, Portugal Captain Eyes Al Nassr Exit by June .

Despite these off-field headlines, Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus has remained calculated with Ronaldo’s minutes, frequently substituting him early once a result is secured to preserve his fitness for the final sprint toward 1,000 goals.

The "Too Perfect" World Cup Dream

The global footballing community has long speculated whether goal number 1,000 could arrive on the world’s grandest stage. Ronaldo himself recently addressed the possibility of reaching the mark during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final this summer.

Longevity and the "Post-40" Record

Ronaldo has already shattered the record for the most goals scored by a player after the age of 30, currently sitting at 494. By scoring six more times, he will become the first person to score 500 goals after turning 30, effectively a second Hall of Fame career achieved entirely in his veteran years.

His physical conditioning continues to be the benchmark for the sport. At 41, he remains the joint-second top scorer in the Saudi Pro League, proving that while his explosive pace has diminished, his "completeness" and positioning in the box remain elite.

What Lies Ahead for Cristiano Ronaldo

With Al Nassr currently trailing league leaders Al Hilal by six points, Ronaldo’s immediate focus will be returning to the pitch for the domestic title charge. However, with the 1,000-goal countdown ticking in the background of every match, each strike now carries the weight of history.

Whether the milestone is reached in a stadium in Riyadh or during the 2026 World Cup in North America, the 41-year-old has made one thing clear: he will not stop until the scoreboard reads four digits.