Ronaldo is close to reaching the milestone of 1,000 goals.

After a month-long absence due to a hamstring injury, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the Saudi Pro League with a brace against Al-Najima last weekend.

At 41 years old, the Portuguese striker is still showing impressive form, trailing the leader of the Saudi Arabian National Championship by only 3 goals.

According to statistics, the two goals in the recent match have raised CR7's total to 967, just 33 goals away from the record of 1,000 goals. However, the problem lies in the only tournament Ronaldo has won with Al-Nassr so far: the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace on his return to the Saudi Pro League (Photo: AL-NASSR FC)

This is a club competition for teams owned by the Saudi Arabian royal family, held since 1981 and experiencing several periods of suspension. Notably, the Arab Club Champions Cup is not recognized by the International Football Federation (FIFA).

Speaking to the Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Transfermarkt representative Gonçalo Tristão Santos stated: "The six goals Ronaldo didn't count were scored in a tournament that took place in the 2023-2024 season (the Arab Club Champions Cup), and this competition is not officially recognized by FIFA." This is also why Transfermarkt currently lists CR7's goal tally at 961.

According to this calculation, Ronaldo needs to score 1,006 goals to guarantee reaching the record of 1,000 goals, regardless of whether FIFA changes its mind about recognizing the Arab Club Champions Cup or not. Currently, CR7 has a maximum of 10 matches remaining with Al-Nassr (7 matches in the Saudi Pro League and 3 matches in the AFC Champions League Two).

Furthermore, the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams could also be an opportunity for the striker born in 1985 to score more goals. Even if he doesn't reach his 1,000-goal mark, Ronaldo still has a chance next season as his contract with Al-Nassr has been extended until June 2027.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/ronaldo-sap-dat-cot-moc-1000-pha-lap-cong-196260408205010629.htm