Cristiano Ronaldo has made his feelings clear: he believes he is the greatest footballer in history, and he isn’t waiting for 1,000 goals to prove it. Just 20 goals away from the landmark, the Portugal captain has made his bold claim while a return to the national team looms amid disciplinary proceedings over his recent camp exit.
Ronaldo insists his goals prove he is the greatest
Speaking to CNN Portugal, Ronaldo said his goalscoring record still does not receive sufficient credit, despite his 980 goals in 1,337 professional appearances for club and country. “People are not valuing the form I am in, my goals,” Ronaldo said, according to CNN Portugal, as quoted by The Athletic. Asked whether he was chasing the 1,000-goal milestone, the Al-Nassr forward made clear that reaching the figure would be an achievement rather than the basis of his claim to greatness. “Things have to happen naturally,” he said. “If I scored 920 goals, 925, 930 … the best in history is me, full stop. The numbers speak for themselves. If I get there (to 1,000 goals), it is amazing, an objective, but I don’t think long-term.” Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, had said a month earlier that he would “probably” retire after the club season ends next June. Asked again about his plans, he admitted that he could not predict when his motivation might change. “I don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow. Maybe I wake up demotivated and don’t want to play anymore, I just don’t know,” he said.
Portugal wants Ronaldo back despite disciplinary proceedings
The interview follows Ronaldo’s abrupt departure from Portugal’s camp during the October international break, after a dispute involving head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo subsequently accused Jesus of breaking his word and giving a false account of the events surrounding his exit. The Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary council has since opened proceedings, classified the case as “urgent” and imposed a provisional, non-automatic suspension while its investigation continues. However, federation president Pedro Proença has already indicated that Portugal wants their captain back for November’s international fixtures. “The federation, the coach and all of Ronaldo's teammates are of one mind, we want Ronaldo back,” Proença said in comments relayed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano. “I expect Ronaldo to return during the international break next November, and he is also eager to return, he is the best player of all time,” he added. Ronaldo previously said in his 1,740-word statement explaining his departure that he had no intention of retiring from international football and hoped to receive “one or more farewell matches”. He remains the leading scorer in men’s international football with 146 goals, having represented Portugal since 2003.
Ronaldo scores again as Al-Nassr fans show their support
Ronaldo returned to club action on October 9, scoring the opening goal in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Diriyah Club. His finish in the 23rd minute took his professional career tally to 980 goals, keeping the 1,000-goal landmark within reach. Al-Nassr supporters also displayed a large banner reading “Greatness is earned” and chanted his name during the seventh minute, offering visible backing as the dispute with Portugal continued.
Portugal have already secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals after winning their opening four matches and reaching 12 points at the top of their group. They host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales three days later, with Ronaldo’s availability dependent on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings and any final sanction. For now, Ronaldo continues to pursue goals at club level while insisting that his place in football history is already settled, regardless of whether he eventually reaches four figures.
