Cristiano Ronaldo is close to one of football’s biggest records, scoring 1,000 competitive goals for club and country. The 40-year-old forward, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has already broken records in the Champions League and in international football with Portugal. On September 22, 2025, former Manchester United coach René Meulensteen told betting site BetVictor that Ronaldo might retire once he reaches that 1,000-goal milestone. Meulensteen even suggested that some goalkeepers would want to let the ball in, just to be remembered as the player who conceded Ronaldo’s historic strike.
René Meulensteen says goalkeepers may “let it in” for Ronaldo
René Meulensteen worked with Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford during the Portuguese star’s time at Manchester United. Speaking to BetVictor on Monday, Meulensteen said Ronaldo’s 1,000th goal would be remembered forever. He explained:“He will be remembered for 1,000 goals. If it is done in a spectacular manner, or for Portugal, then probably you would say, yes, let’s do it for Portugal.”The Dutch coach added with a smile that no goalkeeper would mind being linked with the history books.“The world will be watching. Can you imagine being the goalkeeper? You want to let it in, don’t you? Because you’re going to be remembered as the one who let Cristiano’s 1,000th goal in.”Also Read: Juventus Target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic From Al-Hilal To Strengthen The Midfield In The Saudi Pro LeagueRonaldo, who has already scored for clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr, is still pushing at the highest level despite his age.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr and with Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo signed a two-year deal with Al-Nassr in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that runs until 2027. Despite that contract, Meulensteen believes the superstar could stop earlier. He said that reaching 1,000 goals may convince Ronaldo to finally hang up his boots.“What Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved is unparalleled, especially in the modern game where the pace is incredibly quick. To still be performing at such a high level is remarkable.”Ronaldo continues to be the all-time top scorer in both the UEFA Champions League and in men’s international football. He is still the main star in Portugal’s attack. QMeulensteen suggested the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America might be the last tournament Ronaldo plays for his country, with the 1,000-goal mark possibly being the grand finale to his career.
