Cristiano Ronaldo has set a new and inspiring career goal after being named the Middle East’s best player at the Global Soccer Awards.
The Portuguese football captain addressed the crowd after receiving his award in Dubai: “It is difficult to continue playing, but I am motivated. My passion is high and I want to continue. It does not matter where I play, whether it is in the Middle East or Europe.”
“I always enjoy football and want to continue. My goal is to score a thousand goals, and I will do that if I remain injury-free,” vowed the 40-year-old footballer.
Ronaldo scored two goals in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 win against Al Akhdoud on Saturday, taking his career total to 956. He scored around 40 goals in 2025 alone.
The footballer joined Al-Nassr in 2022 and signed a new contract, aiming to stay with Al-Nassr until he is at least 42 years old.
Before that, former Real Madrid legend Pierce Morgan opened up about his plans to retire soon as he considered it an emotional farewell.
Ronaldo is Portugal’s highest ever goalscorer with 143 goals. He also holds records for Real Madrid’s top scorer with 450 goals and top player to score more than 100 goals for four clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus and Al-Nassr.
He has also announced that the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, will be the last time he plays for his national team.
Furthermore, Ronaldo also helped Portugal win its first major international men’s trophy at Euro 2016.
During the event, the Portuguese football star also presented Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic with the newly launched Globe Sports Award at Atlantis, The Royal in Dubai.
The former Manchester United legend said: “For me he is an example of longevity. He deserves this because he is an example for the previous generation, the current one and the next.”
