Giuseppe Rossi on Ronaldo’s Drive to 1,000 Goals

Former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi says Cristiano Ronaldo’s ambition to reach 1,000 career goals keeps him playing at 41. Rossi, who shared the Old Trafford pitch with Ronaldo for three seasons, believes the Portuguese star’s personal goal-setting outweighs trophy hunting. Ronaldo currently has 977 goals, 146 for Portugal, and is set to play Al-Nassr’s next Saudi Pro League match on August 25.

Rossi on Ronaldo’s Ambition

Giuseppe Rossi, who spent three seasons with Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford, told GOAL that the Portuguese striker’s drive to reach 1,000 career goals is the main reason he continues to play at 41. Rossi said, “It’s become personal for him to try and achieve everything he wants to achieve. He’s one of the most ambitious people out there in the world today, even outside of football.”

The 1,000-Goal Quest

Ronaldo is currently 41 and has 977 goals to his name, 146 of which came for Portugal - the most by any male international player. Rossi believes Ronaldo will reach the 1,000-goal milestone next year and that the achievement could signal the end of his career. “Will Cristiano Ronaldo retire after he scores his 1,000th goal? Maybe,” Rossi said. “If he puts his mind to it, and wants to go beyond that 1,000th goal, he will go on and do that too.”

Recent Form and Future Matches

Ronaldo’s latest goal came in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 Saudi Pro League win at Al-Riyadh, where the defending champions kept a perfect start to the new season. He is set to feature in Al-Nassr’s next match against Al-Ettifaq on Tuesday, August 25. Rossi praised Ronaldo’s performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the 41-year-old scored three goals for Portugal.

Rossi’s Perspective

Rossi said the time for Ronaldo’s retirement is “nearing” but lamented that fans would miss seeing him play in future World Cups. He added, “When he does hang up his boots, he will rightly go down as one of the best players to play the game, ever.” Rossi’s comments highlight the blend of personal ambition and legacy that keeps Ronaldo on the pitch.

Legacy and Learning

Rossi concluded that Ronaldo’s record tally and ambition make him a player to celebrate and learn from. “He’ll get there. He’ll score 1,000 goals. He’s already a player we should all celebrate, and a player to learn from,” Rossi said.