Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic Portuguese forward, recently achieved a significant milestone by scoring his 900th career goal in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Croatia. This landmark goal, celebrated in the opening match of the UEFA Nations League campaign, only adds to his illustrious career. However, despite this achievement and his undeniable success, Ronaldo remains nonchalant about future World Cup aspirations, suggesting that his international trophy collection is already complete.
Ronaldo’s Career Milestone
On Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo reached a remarkable career milestone by netting his 900th goal, a feat that highlights his exceptional longevity and skill in the sport. This goal came in a crucial match as Portugal secured a win over Croatia, setting the tone for their UEFA Nations League campaign. Ronaldo’s achievement not only underscores his prolific goal-scoring ability but also his continuous contribution to Portuguese football.
The 39-year-old forward, currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has had a storied international career, featuring in five World Cups. Despite his impressive performances, Ronaldo has never advanced beyond the semi-finals at the World Cup, a record that contrasts with his success in other international tournaments.
Ronaldo’s World Cup Journey
Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey began in 2006, where he helped Portugal reach the semi-finals in Germany. Since then, he has participated in four more World Cups—2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. However, despite scoring in each tournament, Ronaldo has only managed to guide Portugal to a fourth-place finish in 2006 and has been unable to replicate that success in subsequent tournaments.
The upcoming 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA, will begin in June—just four months after Ronaldo’s 41st birthday. Given his age and the physical demands of international football, there is speculation about whether Ronaldo will still be playing for Portugal by then.
Ronaldo’s Response to World Cup Questions
When asked about his potential participation in the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo offered a remarkably relaxed response. The Portuguese captain stated, “Portugal winning a Euros is equivalent to a World Cup. I’ve already won two trophies for Portugal that I really wanted.”
Ronaldo’s words reflect his perspective on international success. He emphasized that his motivation is not solely driven by the pursuit of World Cup glory but rather by enjoying the game and continuing to set records naturally. “I’m not motivated by that,” Ronaldo added. “I’m motivated to enjoy football and records appear in a natural way. I don’t chase records; they’re the ones who chase me.”
A Legacy of Success
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career is adorned with numerous achievements and accolades. He has won 33 team trophies throughout his career, including the UEFA Nations League and the European Championship in 2016. His competitive spirit and relentless drive have kept him at the top of the game, even as he transitions into the later stages of his career.
In contrast to his success, Ronaldo’s rival, Lionel Messi, has captured the World Cup trophy with Argentina in 2022, further fueling the ongoing debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time. While Messi’s World Cup victory adds a significant achievement to his resume, Ronaldo’s impressive goal tally and European victories cement his place in football history.
The Ballon d’Or Debate
Public perception and individual awards play a substantial role in the discussion of football’s greatest players. Ronaldo, who has been frequently compared to Messi, has expressed skepticism about the validity of the Ballon d’Or after Messi’s record-extending eighth win last year. Despite Ronaldo scoring 62 more goals than Messi, the Ballon d’Or remains a pivotal point of contention in their ongoing rivalry.
Conclusion
As Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy age and set new records, his approach to the 2026 World Cup reflects a broader perspective on success. His focus remains on enjoying the game and adding to his already impressive list of achievements. Whether he will participate in the next World Cup remains uncertain, but his legacy as one of football’s greatest players is undeniably secured.
Source: Daily Mail
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