Will Cristiano Ronaldo score 1000 career goals? Portugal boss gives his opinion

Robin Bairner

• 7 Sept 2024 22:30 BST
• 3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo made history on Thursday when he scored his 900th career goal, netting for Portugal against Croatia in a 2-1 Nations League victory.

Ronaldo remains central to Portugal’s efforts, despite being 39 years old, and is still free-scoring in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.

Still in formidable physical condition, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus striker has now turned his sights on the magical number of 1000 career goals.

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Portugal boss Roberto Martinez is not discounting Ronaldo, who he describes as an “inspiration”, hitting that figure.

“I think scoring 900 goals is not easy,” he said prior to Sunday’s Nations League match with Scotland in Lisbon. “It’s a historic feat, incredible. It’s an inspiration for generations, for football, but for me as a coach, now, the important thing is why Cristiano scored during the game and played well.

“He gave a very good performance, full of intelligence. Our striker is not just about scoring goals.

“It is a number for the future, to talk about forever, but for us right now, it’s about the performance that Cristiano gave us for 88 minutes against Croatia. It was a big display in which he opened spaces, won the game and worked hard for the victory.”

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Don’t back against Ronaldo, says Martinez

Martinez was pressed on whether Ronaldo can hit 100 more career goals to hit the 1000-goal milestone.

“I don’t think anyone can say that Cristiano can’t do anything because what he’s doing and what he’s done is incredible,” Martinez said.

“I think that for us the objective is collective, what Cristiano can do for the national team and for me is not just goals, assists are very important, so if he can make 100 assists I'll be very happy.”