Cristiano Ronaldo’s Road to 1000 Goals: How Many More He Needs After Stunning Brace

Cristiano Ronaldo is edging closer to the 1000 goal mark. (Credit: Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Road to 1000 Goals: How Many More He Needs After Stunning Brace

Mark Kinyanjui 11:59 - 13.04.2025

Cristiano Ronaldo edges closer to equaling Pele's record after scoring a brace for Al Nassr, with one of the goals a stunning volley.

Cristiano Ronaldo reminded the world why he’s still a force to be reckoned with at 40, netting a spectacular second-half brace to inspire Al-Nassr to a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over Al-Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday.

The Portuguese icon, who started the match at Al-Awwal Park, remained quiet through most of the first half as Al-Nassr were pinned deep and eventually conceded a late goal before the break. But when the second half resumed, Ronaldo flipped the script.

Ronaldo’s 932nd goal

Just minutes into the second half, Ronaldo tapped in from close range after being set up perfectly by Sadio Mane — a simple finish, but a crucial one that brought his side level and reignited their momentum.

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Ronaldo’s 933rd goal - What a strike!

Only eight minutes later, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner struck again, this time in trademark fashion. Positioned on the edge of the box, Ronaldo unleashed a thunderous volley that rocketed into the top right corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

 Cue the "SIUU!!" celebration — with the entire stadium erupting in celebration alongside their captain.

Ronaldo had the chance to complete a hat-trick in stoppage time but opted to square the ball to January signing Jhon Duran instead of going for goal himself. 

Unfortunately, Duran fluffed the opportunity, but the gesture underscored Ronaldo’s leadership and team-first mentality.

The win sees Al-Nassr tighten their grip on third place in the standings with 57 points from 27 games. Despite the win, they still trail league leaders Al-Ittihad by 8 points, with only 7 matches left to close the gap. It will take a monumental effort, but with Ronaldo leading the charge, anything remains possible.

Ronaldo edging closer and closer to 1000 career goals

With his latest brace, Ronaldo moves to an astounding 933 professional goals. This season alone, he has racked up 32 goals and 4 assists across all competitions.

In November 2024, Ronaldo expressed his eagerness to play on for as long as possible, with admissions being made when it comes to historic goal targets, but Ronaldo does now have to take each day and game as it comes. 

“I now face my life as living in the moment. I can't think long term anymore.

“I said publicly that I wanted to reach 1,000 goals, but it seems that now everything is easy, just last month I reached 900. 

“It's about living in the moment, seeing how my legs will respond in the next few years. If I reach 1,000 goals, that's fine, but if I don't, I'm already the player with the most goals in history.”

Regardless, Ronaldo will want to match Pele’s record - albeit unofficial - of hitting the 1000 goal mark , after helping Brazil to two World Cup wins in 1958 and 1962, at 29 years old.

Ronaldo's goals for Al Nassr

Since joining the Saudi Pro League giants in January 2023, Ronaldo has now scored 79 goals in 72 matches across all competitions, following his brace yesterday that brought his career tally to 933 goals.

He has netted 55 goals in 54 league matches, 6 goals in 9 AFC Champions League appearances, 3 goals in 6 Saudi King Cup matches, 2 goals in 4 Saudi Super Cup games, and 6 goals in 6 Arab Club Champions Cup matches.

His relentless form saw him clinch the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot for the 2023-24 season with 35 goals in 31 matches, setting a record for the most goals scored in a single season.