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Cristiano Ronaldo has long been open about his ambition to hit the 1,000-goal milestone in his career, but on Wednesday he revealed there are actually two "missions" he hopes to accomplish before hanging up his boots.
Few players in soccer history have amassed more individual and team honors than the Portugal all-time record holder. Yet even as his career enters its final chapter, Ronaldo continues to chase lofty targets. As Portugal kicked off its September–October international camp, the striker outlined the goals he's still pursuing.
"The missions are now two," Ronaldo said. "Winning the Nations League and reaching 1,000 career goals."
Cristiano Ronaldo training at the 2006 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/E82vPg3O3R
Portugal will take on Wales on Thursday to begin its UEFA Nations League title defense, having claimed the trophy for the second time in Ronaldo's career in 2025. Regarding the pursuit of 1,000 goals, the former Real Madrid striker insisted it isn't an obsession, though he knows exactly how he'd like to achieve the monumental milestone.
"I've already admitted that I want to get there [1,000 goals], and I will get there," Ronaldo said. "An obsession? No. I never do things obsessively, because if I do, things don't turn out the way I want. The rest is about enjoying each day.
"Now it's the Nations League with the new coach, I hope things go as well as possible and that I can enjoy it. But I really want to achieve that record."
When asked which club he'd like to score his 1,000th goal for, a puzzled Ronaldo prompted the journalist to say Portugal on his behalf, before adding: "Scoring my 1,000th goal for the national team would be the culmination of something, a beautiful story."
Ronaldo Confirms He Considered Retirement After 2026 World Cup
Six World Cups. Six attempts. But it wasn't meant to be for Cristiano Ronaldo. pic.twitter.com/VExoaWuSRr
Returning to the Portugal national team for the first camp under new head coach Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo admitted he had contemplated stepping away from international soccer following Portugal's round of 16 exit at the 2026 World Cup against eventual winners Spain.
Career-long rival Lionel Messi did go on to announce his international retirement following the tournament. However, despite entertaining the thought, Ronaldo still believes he has plenty to offer one of international soccer's most decorated nations.
"Yes I did [consider retiring from Portugal]," Ronaldo said. "Of course, I'm always thinking on my decisions, my future, the present also. I'm a thinker. You have to think. This is why you see me here now. It means I will continue.
"I had a conversation with our president, with our coach. I still believe that I'm able to help the national team to reach what they want, and will finish when I feel like I'm not doing anything here. I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football."
He added: "I know why young kids love Cristiano, because they see me as an example, and I will continue to do that, even when I am retired in 10 years. I'm happy with myself. It doesn't matter if I play tomorrow, if I rest the next game, for me the most important thing is that I feel good."
Ronaldo will step onto the pitch on Thursday for the 234th time in a Portugal jersey, looking to find the net for the 980th time in his career as he pushes forward in his quest to complete his final two missions.