Cristiano Ronaldo reflects on his legacy: “I’m the one to blame for saying 1,000”

Cristiano Ronaldo made a heartfelt return to Portugal this week, where he received the prestigious Quina de Platino award from the Portuguese Football Federation in recognition of his 200 international caps. In a touching moment, the Al Nassr star opened up about his journey with the national team, his goals for the future, and his stance on the elusive milestone of 1,000 career goals—a target he admits doesn’t weigh heavily on his mind.

“Thank you to the Federation for this award and for acknowledging the long road I’ve traveled with the national team,” Ronaldo began. “I’m very proud, very fulfilled; it’s been a lot of hard work. It’s funny—I joined the team at 18 with just a dream to make my debut. Then I reached 25 caps, then 50... At one point, I thought, ‘Why not 100?’ It felt like such a milestone, three digits. And so I began aiming for 150, then 200, and I can’t describe how great that feels,” the Al Nassr player shared.

Ronaldo used the moment to address fellow players, stressing the honor of representing one’s country. “I want to say, especially to my teammates, that after playing for so many clubs, winning trophies, Champions Leagues, Ballon d’Ors, FIFA awards... there’s nothing greater than representing your country. Representing your entire nation, your culture, your children, your mother, your father, your closest friends. I’m often disappointed by players who do not want to play for the national team.”

Ronaldo on Portugal’s potential

Reflecting on Portugal’s potential, Ronaldo urged his compatriots to see the nation’s strength beyond its size. “People sometimes call Portugal a small country. But Portugal is a big country. We have to think that way. No matter our size, we have it all—amazing infrastructure, incredible stadiums, brilliant coaches. The talent in our players, the stars we have—just a few rough edges to smooth out, and we’ll be great. I believe Portugal will become great, not just in soccer but in other sports too.”

Before leaving the stage, Ronaldo was asked about his ambitious goal to score 1,000 career goals—a goal he no longer views as essential. “Honestly, I’m the one to blame for this. In life, in some things—football included—I now live in the moment. I think that’s the most important thing. We don’t need to think long-term; I can’t think long-term anymore. That’s it—living in the moment, enjoying it. I said publicly I wanted to reach 1,000 goals, and now people think that’s all I want. My aim now is to live in the moment, see what my legs can give me. If I hit 1,000, fantastic; if not, well... no one has scored more goals than me anyway,” he concluded.

At 39, Ronaldo continues to answer Portugal’s call. His impressive record includes 216 caps and 133 goals for his country, and he remains an integral part of the squad under coach Roberto Martínez. For Ronaldo, age is just a number as he continues his historic journey.