When will Cristiano Ronaldo reach 1,000 career goals?

Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old Al Nassr forward, enters the 2026-2027 season with a historic target: scoring his 1,000th official career goal. Following three goals in this summer's World Cup, his tally stands at 976, leaving him 24 goals short of the record. Over the past 22 seasons, Ronaldo has scored at least 24 goals in every campaign except for 2022-2023, when he netted 23 during a turbulent period that saw him leave Manchester United for Al Nassr in January. Reaching 1,000 official competitive goals would be a distinct achievement, as historical statistics attributed to players like Pelé, Romário, Ferenc Puskás, and Gerd Müller often include friendly and unofficial matches. Al Nassr’s first opportunity to help him close the gap comes this Saturday against Al Fateh, marking the start of their Saudi Pro League title defence. Since joining Al Nassr, Ronaldo has scored 129 goals in 148 matches, an average of one goal every 1.15 games. Maintaining this rate would require approximately 27.5 matches to reach his 24-goal target. He also has opportunities in Portugal’s six UEFA Nations League matches between September and November, provided he is selected by new head coach Jorge Jesus, who previously managed him at Al Nassr. Ronaldo has scored 16 goals in 24 international appearances since the start of 2024; if he maintains that pace, he could net roughly four goals internationally, leaving him needing 20 club goals—a feat that would take about 23 matches at his current Al Nassr scoring rate. The 23rd match of Al Nassr’s season could be the Saudi Super Cup final on 4 December, should they progress. Following that, the club faces an AFC Champions League fixture and the Riyadh derby against Al Hilal on 11 December. While reaching the milestone during the derby would be significant, it depends on his physical and technical fitness. Given the heavy schedule of league matches, the AFC Champions League, the King’s Cup, and the Super Cup, it is unlikely Ronaldo will play every fixture. Load management and minor injuries may slow his progress, and playing twice a week while also featuring in all six Portugal matches is improbable. Last season, Ronaldo scored his 24th goal for club and country on 14 February in a 2-0 win over Al Fateh. The season prior, he reached the 24-goal mark on 21 January against Al Khaleej. With the Saudi Pro League pausing on 15 December for the Asian Cup, reaching the milestone before that date would require an exceptional run. It is more likely he will reach approximately 990 goals by then, resuming his pursuit when play restarts in February. During that period, Al Nassr faces two Champions League matches, home games against Al Riyadh and Al Ettifaq, an away trip to Al Taawoun, a potential Champions League round-of-16 tie, and a home match against Al Ittihad on 11 March. Consequently, assuming fitness is maintained, February 2027 remains the most probable window for Ronaldo to score his 1,000th goal, a moment that will focus the football world’s attention on Riyadh once he reaches 999.