According to a report by BBC Sport on Sunday, October 18, 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo is moving closer to a historic milestone in football, with the Portuguese superstar reportedly just 19 goals away from reaching 1,000 career goals.

The achievement has renewed interest in a statement Ronaldo made in 2017 after scoring the 400th goal of his career. At the time, the forward expressed his determination to continue finding the back of the net and set himself another ambitious target.

"400 today, and I will try to score another 400," Ronaldo said in 2017.

Nearly a decade later, his words have taken on greater significance as he approaches the 1,000-goal mark. What appeared to be an ambitious personal goal has become a realistic possibility, highlighting his longevity and consistency throughout his career.

Ronaldo has continued scoring for several major clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr, while also delivering goals for Portugal's national team.

His spell at Real Madrid was particularly impressive, as he became the Spanish club's all-time leading goalscorer. He also enjoyed successful periods at Manchester United and Juventus before moving to Saudi Arabia to continue his career with Al-Nassr.

At international level, Ronaldo has established himself as Portugal's all-time leading goalscorer and one of the most prolific players in international football history.

His pursuit of 1,000 career goals is particularly remarkable given the length of time he has maintained his scoring ability. Despite advancing in age, the forward has continued to compete and contribute goals for both club and country.

Reaching the milestone would represent another extraordinary achievement in a career already decorated with individual awards, major trophies and numerous scoring records.

With only 19 goals reportedly separating him from the landmark, attention will remain on Ronaldo as fans wait to see whether he can fulfil the ambition he expressed in 2017.