In Riyadh, Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 career goals has again become inseparable from the argument over his place in football history. The Al Nassr forward has revived comments made in a February 2025 television interview, in which he described himself as the game’s most complete player and said he belonged at the summit of the all-time debate.
The remarks returned to circulation in recent days, prompting fresh discussion after a broadcaster reposted the interview and then removed it within hours because the comments were not current. Ronaldo’s position, however, was unequivocal: he believes his output and range set him apart.
Quick facts
- Ronaldo said personal preference can favour Lionel Messi, Pelé or Diego Maradona.
- He argued that dismissing him as an incomplete footballer is false.
- The Portugal captain has reached 980 official senior goals after scoring for Al Nassr against Al Draih on 9 October.
- His return for the Saudi club followed a dispute during Portugal’s October international gathering.
- The Portuguese Football Federation opened a disciplinary case after he left the camp.
“People are not judging my form or my goals,” Ronaldo said, insisting that the statistics make his case. He added that he respected supporters who chose Messi, Pelé or Maradona, but maintained that such choices were a matter of taste rather than proof that he should be excluded.
For Ronaldo, the issue is not simply a final milestone. He acknowledged that 1,000 goals remains a target, yet stressed that he does not need to cross that line to justify what he has already achieved for club and country.
The Portugal episode
The debate around his legacy has unfolded alongside tension with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. During the October international window, Ronaldo said he had been given a managed participation plan designed to protect his fitness, including agreed minutes and substitutions.
Before Portugal’s match against Norway, he said he was told to warm up for a possible 30-minute appearance. He ultimately did not enter the match, and later left the squad after what he viewed as a failure to honour the prior arrangement.
Ronaldo accepted that he had made a mistake by not going to acknowledge supporters after the game. He apologised to Portugal fans and said he would accept any punishment considered by the federation.
He nevertheless left open the possibility of continuing with the national side, saying he wanted an appropriate farewell whenever his international career eventually ends. Jesus has said publicly that a return rests with the player, though the relationship between coach and captain remains under close scrutiny.
Back on the score sheet
Al Nassr offered Ronaldo a swift route back to the pitch. His goal against Al Draih on 9 October took his official career total to 980, moving him within 20 of the four-figure landmark.
It was also his first appearance back with the Saudi club after the Portugal controversy. In a career measured across Lisbon, Manchester, Madrid, Turin and now Riyadh, the numbers continue to climb — and so does the argument Ronaldo has never been inclined to avoid.
