Cristiano Ronaldo, the prolific Portuguese forward, continued to defy age and expectation by scoring his 950th career goal as Al-Nassr defeated Al-Hazm 2-0 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Buraidah. The milestone highlights his enduring influence in world football and brings him 50 goals shy of the coveted 1,000-goal mark.
Ronaldo netted the 88th-minute winner in the Saudi Pro League clash, marking his sixth goal in as many matches this season. With the victory, Al-Nassr strengthened their lead atop the league standings with 18 points, three ahead of Al-Taawoun and eight clear of defending champions Al-Ittihad.
“Happy to help the team win and to hit 950 goals! Always hungry for more!” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram, reflecting his relentless ambition. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has made no secret of his aim to reach the 1,000-goal milestone, despite family urging him to step back.
“People, especially my family, say, 'It's time for you to stop. You've done everything. Why do you want to score a thousand goals?' But I don't think so. I think I'm still producing good things, I'm helping my club and the national team, and why not keep going? I'm sure that when it's over, I'll leave feeling fulfilled, because I gave it my all,” Ronaldo said after receiving the inaugural Prestige Award at the Portugal Football Globe on October 7, quoted by Goal.com.
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Ronaldo also reflected on his evolving perspective with age, stating: “I know I don't have many more years, but I try to enjoy the few I have to the fullest. If it were 20 years ago, I would say I wanted to 'eat the world.' Now I don't see things that way. Age allows you to think differently. I make short-term plans because it gives me more energy. It gives me a will to live. That's what I try to do: enjoy each day, training session by training session, game by game. The rest will soon be seen.”
The Portuguese superstar is expected to add to his tally when Al-Nassr faces Al-Ittihad in the last 16 of the King Cup of Champions on Tuesday, a fixture that will also reunite him with former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema.
Ronaldo’s longevity and insatiable appetite for goals have cemented his status among the all-time greats of the sport, as he continues to excel in both domestic and international arenas well into his late 30s.
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