- Al-Nassr and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has been dealt a harsh reality check as he approaches retirement.
- Despite defying age at 39, Ronaldo has been told that his ambition to reach 1,000 career goals is unlikely to come true.
- Meanwhile, Ronaldo gave a full-throttle performance as Al-Nassr edged out Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been bluntly informed that his football career is nearing its end, with his goal of reaching 1,000 career goals deemed unattainable. The Al-Nassr captain, set to turn 40 in February next year, continues to defy his age with impressive performances, showing little sign of decline despite being in the twilight of his extraordinary career.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest for 1000 goals Back in September, the Portuguese icon became the first player to net 900 goals across all competitions, sparking his declaration that he aims to hit the coveted 1,000-goal mark before retiring.
Ronaldo scores 900th goal 🐐 😎 I knew he would do it 🐐 Next objective: reach 1000 goals this season ⚽️ Only 100 left 💪 pic.twitter.com/AYv0fwa67H
— Svetlana (@laneksa7) September 5, 2024
Additionally, Ronaldo has begun talks to extend his contract with Al-Nassr and has shown interest in representing Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. According to BeIN Sports, national team coach Roberto Martinez praised Ronaldo’s enduring abilities, remarking that “he doesn’t play like he’s 39.”
“[Cristiano] Ronaldo doesn’t play like a 39-year-old player”
Portugal manager Roberto Martínez says age isn’t holding Cristiano Ronaldo back 💪 pic.twitter.com/VWSZvbNkHL
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 15, 2024
Despite his achievements, Cristiano has faced criticism for recent displays with Portugal, particularly after his frustration during a goalless Nations League draw against Scotland. This outburst fueled debates about his current role in a national team brimming with attacking talent.
Cristiano Ronaldo left the pitch at the end of the Scotland-Portugal match with some nice words for the referee. 🇵🇹🙃
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) October 16, 2024
Ex-Liverpool star criticises Ronaldo Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann weighed in, asserting that Ronaldo’s focus should shift from personal milestones to benefiting the team. “Ronaldo has scored a few goals in the Nations League, but does he make them a better side? I’m not sure, they’re a massively talented team who could win these games without him,” Hamann told Flashscore, as quoted by Goal.
He continued: “Ronaldo is at a point in his career where he needs to start prioritising the team instead of himself.
“I’m not sure how much of the say the manager has in team selection, which is a big issue.
“I’d be very surprised if Cristiano Ronaldo reaches 1000 career goals, I don’t think he can go on for that long.”
While Ronaldo’s physical capabilities remain remarkable, the question of how long he can sustain this level continues to linger. For a player who has built his career around being the focal point of his teams, transitioning to a different role could prove to be his greatest challenge.
Ronaldo excluded from Zidane’s Real Madrid greats
In another report, TRENDYNEWS.co.ke revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo was unexpectedly left out of Zinedine Zidane’s three-man shortlist of players who impressed him most during his coaching career. Despite Ronaldo’s pivotal role in Zidane’s achievements at Real Madrid, the French football legend omitted the Portuguese star from his top selections.