Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – April 5, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of football immortality hit a new high this week as he notched his 931st career goal in Al Nassr’s 3-1 victory over rivals Al Hilal on Friday, April 4, at the Kingdom Arena. The brace in the Saudi Pro League derby brought the 40-year-old Portuguese superstar within 69 strikes of the unprecedented 1,000-goal mark—a feat he’s publicly targeted. Yet, a former Al-Hilal star has cast doubt on Ronaldo’s ambitions, labeling the milestone “impossible” and reigniting debate over the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s twilight years.
The skeptic is none other than Thiago Neves, the Brazilian midfielder who dazzled for Al-Hilal between 2009 and 2011, helping them clinch two Saudi Pro League titles. Speaking to Globo Esporte on Saturday, Neves didn’t mince words: “It’s impossible for him to reach the 1,000-goal mark. He’s 40 now—his body won’t hold up forever, even with his discipline. The Saudi League isn’t Europe; he’s scoring, sure, but the pace and the years left? No chance.” Neves, now 40 himself and retired since 2022, acknowledged Ronaldo’s “incredible” longevity but argued that time is an unbeatable foe, even for a player of CR7’s caliber.
Ronaldo’s latest heroics against Al Hilal—doubling the lead with a clinical finish in the 47th minute and sealing the win with an 88th-minute penalty—earned him MVP honors and silenced doubters on the pitch. His career tally now stands at 931 goals across Sporting CP (5), Manchester United (145), Real Madrid (450), Juventus (101), Al Nassr (83), and Portugal (147). This season alone, he’s bagged 19 goals in 17 Saudi Pro League matches, leading the golden boot race, plus four more in the AFC Champions League. With nine league games left and a Champions League quarterfinal looming, Ronaldo’s form suggests he’s far from finished.
Yet, Neves’ comments tap into a broader narrative. Ronaldo himself has wavered on the 1,000-goal dream. In November 2024, while on Portugal duty, he told ESPN, “I can’t think long-term anymore. One thousand goals is great, but if it doesn’t come, I’m already the player with the most goals in history.” That shift—from boldly predicting 1,000 to embracing the moment—followed his 900th goal in September 2024 against Croatia. Post-Al Hilal, he reiterated to the Saudi Pro League, “I’m not chasing 1,000 goals. If it happens, perfect; if not, no. The moment is the most special thing.”
Supporters see Neves’ take as shortsighted. Al-Hilal’s current coach, Jorge Jesus, offered a contrasting view on April 3, telling reporters, “I hope Cristiano Ronaldo reaches 1,000 goals. He’s an example at 40—100% professional.” Fans on X echoed this optimism, with one writing, “Thiago Neves saying it’s impossible? Ronaldo’s already at 931—69 more is just two good seasons!” Another quipped, “Neves couldn’t hit 200 goals himself—let the GOAT cook.” Indeed, Neves’ career total of 171 goals pales beside Ronaldo’s haul, fueling accusations of envy.
The math, however, offers a reality check. At his current Saudi Pro League rate of 1.12 goals per game, Ronaldo would need roughly 62 more matches to hit 1,000—about two full seasons, assuming no injuries. His Al Nassr contract expires in June 2025, but reports suggest an extension to 2026 is on the table, potentially aligning with the World Cup. Add Portugal duty—where he’s scored 14 goals in 18 matches since turning 39—and the target feels within reach. Still, Neves’ point about age lingers; Ronaldo’s admitted his legs’ response will dictate his future.
For now, Ronaldo’s focus remains on the present. “It was a great win, not because I scored,” he said after the derby. “We beat a fantastic team away.” As Al Nassr chase the title—seven points behind leaders Al Ittihad—his goals keep piling up, defying skeptics like Neves one strike at a time. Whether 1,000 becomes reality or remains a dream, Ronaldo’s milestone march continues to captivate the football world.
By Staff Writer, Global Football Digest