Cristiano Ronaldo has identified two major targets for the next stage of his career: helping Portugal win another UEFA Nations League title and reaching 1,000 career goals.
The Portugal captain revealed his ambitions ahead of the country’s 2026/27 Nations League campaign, which begins against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday.
“The missions now are two: winning the Nations League and reaching 1,000 career goals,” Ronaldo said, according to a post by journalist Fabrizio Romano.
At 41, Ronaldo remains a key figure for Portugal as he continues his pursuit of another international trophy while closing in on one of football’s most notable individual milestones.
Ronaldo Chasing 1,000 Goals
Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 career goals has become one of the major individual storylines of the latter stage of his career.
Recent reports have placed the Al Nassr forward on 979 career goals, leaving him 21 short of the milestone.
Reaching four figures would add another landmark to a career that already includes five Ballon d’Or awards, major club trophies and international success with Portugal.
Nations League Defence Begins
Portugal also have a team objective.
The country won the Nations League in 2019 and 2025 and will begin its latest campaign against Wales on September 24. The team will then face Norway and Denmark before another meeting with Norway on October 4.
Ronaldo has been included in new head coach Jorge Jesus’ first 25-man squad for the campaign.
His continued involvement comes after uncertainty over his international future following Portugal’s last-16 exit from the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo had previously indicated that the tournament would likely be his final World Cup appearance.
.
advertisement
Jorge Jesus Backs Ronaldo on Merit
Jesus, who previously worked with Ronaldo at Al Nassr, has made it clear that the veteran’s reputation alone will not guarantee him a place in the team.
The Portugal coach said Ronaldo would be treated like the other players and that selection would depend on performance, although he acknowledged the striker’s unique status and career achievements.
Jesus is expected to hand Ronaldo a starting role against Wales, according to reports ahead of Thursday’s opening Nations League fixture.
With Portugal beginning a new era under Jesus, Ronaldo enters the campaign with two clearly stated objectives: help his country compete for another Nations League trophy and continue scoring until he reaches 1,000 career goals.