Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2025 season didn’t just close; it added another compelling chapter to one of the most extraordinary careers in football history. On December 30, 2025, the Portuguese superstar scored his 957th competitive goal, bringing him closer than ever to the seemingly unreachable milestone of 1,000 career goals.

At 40 years old, Ronaldo remains at the top of the scoring charts for both club and country — a remarkable feat in an era where careers often fade before players reach their late 30s. He finished the year with over 40 goals, marking the third straight calendar year with such a haul, and continues to defy age and expectation with every touch of the ball.

A Goal Like No Other

Ronaldo’s most recent goal came in unconventional fashion — the ball ricocheted off his back before crossing the line in a thrilling 2–2 draw for Al-Nassr against Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League. Despite the unusual finish, the milestone counts just as powerfully toward his historic journey.

This goal not only capped Ronaldo’s season but also highlighted the perseverance that defines his legacy: he keeps scoring in critical moments, even when opposition defenses know his every movement.

This scoring tally combines goals from all major competitions — club matches across Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr, plus his prolific international record with Portugal.

Breaking Barriers in a New Era

No player in modern football, and few in recorded history, have approached the 1,000-goal mark in official competitions. Ronaldo has averaged roughly 0.74 goals per game across nearly 1,300 professional appearances, demonstrating consistency unmatched by his peers.

His motivation is clear: Ronaldo has publicly stated that he will not retire until he reaches 1,000 goals, provided he remains fit and healthy. Named Best Middle East Player at the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, he reiterated that his passion for the game and hunger for historic milestones are as strong as ever.

As 2026 unfolds, Ronaldo has just 43 goals left to achieve the coveted four-figure mark; a target that reads like legend in the making. Whether in the Saudi Pro League, international fixtures with Portugal, or potentially elsewhere should his career take a new turn, the chase continues to captivate fans worldwide.

Some numbers become records. Others become stories. Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 goals is fast shaping up to be both — a testament to enduring excellence and the sheer will of a player who refuses to slow down.