12.10.2026 14:12
Cristiano Ronaldo reiterated his claim that he is the best player in football history. The Portuguese star, who is approaching the 1000-goal mark in his career, said, "Even if I have scored 920, 925, 930 goals, I am the best in history, period." Ronaldo, stating that he has not yet made a definitive decision about retirement, made striking statements about his future.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues his career at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, spoke to CNN about his place in football history, his 1000-goal target, and his retirement plans. The 41-year-old Portuguese star argued that the performance he has produced throughout his career has not been appreciated enough.
"I AM THE BEST IN HISTORY, PERIOD"
Ronaldo, who is stated to have appeared in 1337 matches and reached 980 goals in his professional career, said that his 1000-goal target was not a determining factor in considering himself the best in football history.
The Portuguese footballer said, "Everything should happen naturally. Even if I have scored 920, 925, 930 goals, I am the best in history, period. The numbers speak for themselves. If I reach 1000 goals, that would be great; it is a goal, but I am not thinking long-term."
"PEOPLE DO NOT VALUE MY GOALS"
Despite his advancing age, Ronaldo, who continues to score goals, claimed that his current performance is not appreciated enough. The star footballer expressed his discomfort on this issue, saying, "People do not value the form I am in and my goals."
UNDECIDED ABOUT RETIREMENT
Ronaldo, who had previously hinted that he might quit football at the end of the season, stated that he had not yet made a definitive decision about retirement. The 41-year-old player expressed that uncertainty about his future continues, saying, "I don't know what will happen tomorrow. Maybe I will wake up having lost my motivation and no longer want to play. I really don't know."
HIS TENSION WITH JORGE JESUS HAD MADE HEADLINES
Ronaldo had also made headlines with the disagreement he experienced with coach Jorge Jesus after leaving the last national team camp. The Portuguese star had claimed that Jesus did not keep his promise to him and conveyed the developments during the camp process contrary to reality.
In a 1,740-word statement sent to the Portuguese press, Ronaldo had stated that he expected an apology from Jesus because he was not played in the match against Norway.
WANTS TO CONTINUE HIS NATIONAL TEAM CAREER
Ronaldo, who stated that he did not plan to leave the Portugal national team, had said that he hoped to play in one or more farewell matches in the future.
The experienced footballer, who has worn the Portugal jersey since 2003, is the top scorer in men's national team football with 146 goals scored in his national team career.