Cristiano sets sights on 1,000th goal: He's counted at 978
At 41, the Portuguese begins a new Saudi Pro League season with a clear goal, as Al Nassr defends its title.
At 41, the Portuguese begins a new Saudi Pro League season with a clear goal, as Al Nassr defends its title.
Today, August 13, 2026, the new Saudi Pro League season kicks off, and with it, the countdown to a historic milestone. Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr's forward, is on the verge of his 1,000th career goal. According to Spanish outlet Marca, the 41-year-old Portuguese currently has 978 goals, meaning he needs just 22 more to reach the magic number.
This summer, despite Portugal's elimination by Spain in the World Cup round of 16, Ronaldo continued to set records. He became the only player in history to score at six different World Cups. However, this season's focus is clear: trophies and the 1,000th goal.
"I want to win trophies and reach that number everyone knows about. Without a doubt, if there are no injuries, I'll do it," Ronaldo said in December 2025 at the Globe Soccer Awards, as reported by Marca.
Al Nassr has entered the new season with changes. Ange Postecoglou has taken over as coach, replacing Jorge Jesus. "He did an exceptional job last year, and now the club is ready to take the next step. That's why I'm here," Postecoglou said at his unveiling, the former coach who won the Europa League with Tottenham in the 2024-25 season.
The most notable signing is Samú Costa, a teammate of Ronaldo's from the Portuguese national team, who arrived to fill the void left by Brozović's departure as a free agent. The squad also includes Bento, Simakan, Íñigo Martínez, Coman, Sané, and João Félix.
The main challenger for the title will once again be Al Hilal, led by Simone Inzaghi. The club has brought in Summerville, a sensation with the Netherlands at the World Cup, and retained Bono, Koulibaly, Theo, Milinković-Savić, and Malcom, although they lost Marcos Leonardo.
Al Ahli, a two-time AFC Champions League winner, has been weakened by the departures of Kessié, Mahrez, and coach Jaissle, with Trincão arriving. Al Ittihad replaced Dione Lopy with Fabinho, while Al Qadsiah will try to repeat last season's success and maintain its high status.
