As Messi takes control of UE Cornellà, he joins Ronaldo in Spanish football as club owners in rival roles.(Image via Getty)
At a time when most players are years into retirement and settled into coaching or punditry, 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is choosing his final act carefully, with three clear goals still on his agenda. The Portugal forward is expected to make his sixth appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which he has indicated will be his last, bringing his career to a close with one final push for legacy, numbers, and something more personal.
The missing piece: a World Cup title
The most obvious goal is also the one that has defined the final chapter of his international career. Ronaldo has never won a World Cup, despite playing in five editions between 2006 and 2022, making 22 appearances and scoring eight goals. His best finish remains fourth place in 2006. Winning the World Cup is the one major honour missing from his record, and it is also the one already secured by Lionel Messi. That comparison has followed both players for years, and it remains central to how their careers are measured. Portugal are not traditionally among the favourites, and historically have only reached the semi-finals twice, in 1966 and 2006. However, their European Championship win in 2016 serves as a reminder that they can compete beyond expectations. Despite a minor hamstring injury in March 2026 and a previous red-card suspension that was later lifted, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez continues to view Ronaldo as a key part of the squad heading into the tournament.
The race to 1,000 career goals
Alongside the international ambition, Ronaldo is also closing in on a statistical milestone that has rarely been approached in football history. He scored his 969th career goal on April 19, 2026, during Al Nassr FC’s 4-0 win over Al Wasl FC in the AFC Champions League 2 quarter-finals, finding the net in the 11th minute. That leaves him within reach of the 1,000-goal mark, a figure that has become a clear personal target. Messi, currently on 905 goals, is also within distance, although the approach appears different. While Ronaldo continues to push towards the milestone, Messi has shown less urgency, even passing up opportunities, including allowing Nicolás Otamendi to take a penalty so he could mark his farewell moment with the national team, a gesture that shows he’s not chasing numbers in the same way. The contrast is not about ability but intent. Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 has become part of his closing narrative, a target he is actively chasing rather than something that might happen along the way.Also read: Could Ronaldo play alongside his son at Al-Nassr next season? Reports say club planning step-up after 16th birthday
A different kind of milestone: playing with Cristiano Jr
The third objective is less conventional but equally significant for Ronaldo. There is now a realistic possibility that he could share the pitch at senior level with his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.. The idea has gained traction after reports that Al Nassr are considering promoting Ronaldo’s eldest son to the first team. Cristiano Jr. will turn 16 in June, and while that step would still depend on development and timing, the possibility is no longer distant. If it happens, it would place Ronaldo in a rare category of athletes who have competed alongside their children at the highest level. The comparison most often drawn is with LeBron James and Bronny James, who have moved towards a similar milestone in the NBA. In football, such instances are extremely rare, particularly at top-flight level, which is why this objective carries a different kind of weight. It is not tied to trophies or records, but to a moment that would stand on its own in the sport’s history.
Current form and final stretch
Ronaldo’s form suggests these targets are not purely symbolic. Even at 41, he continues to influence games and contribute decisively for Al Nassr, maintaining a level that keeps him relevant both at club level and internationally. His current deal with the Saudi club runs until 2027, signed in a record-breaking extension that will keep him there into his 42nd year, with reports placing his earnings at around €200 million per season, along with performance bonuses and commercial add-ons tied to goals and success.On the international front, he remains central to Portugal’s plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, which is expected to mark the final chapter of his international career. He continues to play a key role in qualifying and leadership within the squad, guiding a younger generation while still leading the attack as they prepare for one last major tournament together. Go to Source
