Cristiano Ronaldo reveals two final missions as retirement nears

Cristiano Ronaldo has identified two remaining ambitions as he enters the latest chapter of his remarkable career ‘Helping Portugal retain the UEFA Nations League title and reaching 1,000 career goals’.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain made the declaration on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s Nations League opener against Wales in Lisbon, where new head coach Jorge Jesus will take charge of the national team for the first time.

“The missions are now two,” Ronaldo said. “Winning the Nations League and reaching 1,000 career goals.”

Ronaldo enters the international window on 979 goals for club and country, leaving him 21 short of the landmark.

He has scored 833 goals at club level and 146 for Portugal, where he has made 233 appearances. He is set to win his 234th cap against Wales.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward has repeatedly spoken about his desire to reach four figures, but insisted the pursuit has not become an obsession.

“I’ve already admitted that I want to get there, and I will get there,” Ronaldo said.

“An obsession? No. I never do things obsessively. The rest is about enjoying each day.”

Ronaldo said he would particularly like to score his 1,000th goal for Portugal, describing such an achievement as the culmination of his international career.

“It would be the culmination of something, a beautiful story,” he said.

Portugal begin their Nations League title defence after beating Spain on penalties in the 2025 final, following a 2-2 draw.

Ronaldo scored Portugal's second goal before the holders prevailed in the shootout.

It was Portugal’s second Nations League triumph, following their inaugural success in 2019.

The Wales match also marks the beginning of a new era following Portugal’s elimination by eventual champions Spain in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

Roberto Martinez subsequently left his position and was replaced by Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.

Jesus has already confirmed Ronaldo will start against Wales, while stressing that the veteran forward's reputation does not guarantee him selection.

“Cristiano is a symbol of Portugal and the national team,” Jesus said, while making clear that performances would determine his decisions.

Ronaldo acknowledged that he considered retiring from international football after the World Cup defeat but decided to continue following discussions with the Portuguese Football Federation and Jesus.

“I still believe that I’m able to help the national team,” he said.

“I will finish when I feel like I’m not doing anything here.”

He also said his contribution to Portugal is no longer limited to scoring goals, highlighting the importance of supporting younger players and providing leadership away from the pitch.

Portugal’s Nations League campaign continues with away matches against Norway and Denmark before another home fixture against Norway on October 4.

The competition features a revamped knockout structure, with the top two teams in each group advancing to two-legged quarter-finals.