Cristiano Ronaldo’s Unyielding Ambition
At the age of 40, Cristiano Ronaldo retains a fierce ambition to continue his football journey, determined to compete at the highest level against younger talents. The Al Nassr striker, who proudly holds the record as the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football with 141 goals for Portugal, shows no signs of slowing down, despite his family’s pleas for him to consider retirement.
Impact at Al Nassr
This season, Ronaldo has made a significant impact at Al Nassr, netting five goals across six matches, and recently celebrated a milestone by becoming the joint-leading scorer in World Cup qualifying history with his 39th goal in a match against Hungary.
Ronaldo’s Reflections
Ronaldo openly shared his thoughts with Canal 11, addressing the concerns voiced by his family: “People keep telling me it’s time to quit, that I’ve accomplished enough and there’s no need to chase a thousand goals.” Yet, he expressed his conviction that he is still contributing positively both to his club and the national team, stating, “I believe that I’m still producing good things and I want to keep going as long as I am able.”
Acknowledgment and Future Goals
Having achieved a staggering career total of over 940 goals, Ronaldo recently added another honor to his illustrious résumé by receiving the Prestige award during the Portugal Football Globes. He clarified that this recognition does not signify an impending retirement but rather a celebration of his dedication and hard work.
“It’s not an end-of-career award; it acknowledges the years of effort and ambition I’ve put into the game,” he remarked.
Inspiration and Commitment
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or recipient, also emphasized the importance of inspiring younger players:
“I enjoy winning and helping the new generations. Their energy helps me keep my competitive edge alive, which is a source of excitement for me.”
Looking Ahead
His current contract with Al Nassr extends until June 2027, ensuring his presence in the Saudi Pro League for several more years. Additionally, he famously led Portugal to victory in the UEFA Nations League, affirming his status as a key figure in the national setup as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
He stated, “Playing for the national team is the pinnacle of a football player’s career. I often joke that if I could, I would exclusively represent my country and not play for any club.”
As Portugal gears up to host the Republic of Ireland in an upcoming World Cup qualifier, Ronaldo remains focused and optimistic about their chances, saying,
“I am confident about our next matches. Our objective is clear: qualify for the World Cup and aim for victory, but we’ll take it one step at a time.”
