Ronaldo nets 950th career goal, says he is 'hungry for more'

Cristiano Ronaldo, the prolific Portuguese forward, continued to defy age and expectation by scoring his 950th career goal as Al-Nassr defeated Al-Hazm 2-0 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Buraidah. The milestone highlights his enduring influence in world football and brings him 50 goals shy of the coveted 1,000-goal mark.

Ronaldo netted the 88th-minute winner in the Saudi Pro League clash, marking his sixth goal in as many matches this season. With the victory, Al-Nassr strengthened their lead atop the league standings with 18 points, three ahead of Al-Taawoun and eight clear of defending champions Al-Ittihad.

“Happy to help the team win and to hit 950 goals! Always hungry for more!” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram, reflecting his relentless ambition. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has made no secret of his aim to reach the 1,000-goal milestone, despite family urging him to step back.

“People, especially my family, say, 'It's time for you to stop. You've done everything. Why do you want to score a thousand goals?' But I don't think so. I think I'm still producing good things, I'm helping my club and the national team, and why not keep going? I'm sure that when it's over, I'll leave feeling fulfilled, because I gave it my all,” Ronaldo said after receiving the inaugural Prestige Award at the Portugal Football Globe on October 7, quoted by Goal.com.

Ronaldo also reflected on his evolving perspective with age, stating: “I know I don't have many more years, but I try to enjoy the few I have to the fullest. If it were 20 years ago, I would say I wanted to 'eat the world.' Now I don't see things that way. Age allows you to think differently. I make short-term plans because it gives me more energy. It gives me a will to live. That's what I try to do: enjoy each day, training session by training session, game by game. The rest will soon be seen.”

The Portuguese superstar is expected to add to his tally when Al-Nassr faces Al-Ittihad in the last 16 of the King Cup of Champions on Tuesday, a fixture that will also reunite him with former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema.

Ronaldo’s longevity and insatiable appetite for goals have cemented his status among the all-time greats of the sport, as he continues to excel in both domestic and international arenas well into his late 30s.