PARIS: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly backed Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portugal and Al-Nassr star moves closer to an unprecedented milestone of 1,000 career goals.
The brief exchange took place during the Esports World Cup in Paris, where Ronaldo greeted Infantino. The FIFA president referred to the striker’s goal tally and said, “23 to go? I wish you luck!”
Ronaldo currently leads the active men’s scoring charts with 977 career goals, while Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is second with 923, according to the figures cited in the report.
At 41, Ronaldo remains one of the most prolific scorers in men’s football. He has scored 130 goals for Al-Nassr and needs 23 more goals to reach the 1,000 mark.
Ronaldo added to his tally after coming off the bench to score in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 Saudi Pro League victory. He found the net seven minutes after entering the game.
His career tally includes goals scored for both club and country, with his pursuit of 1,000 goals continuing to attract worldwide attention.
Messi, 39, remains the closest active player to Ronaldo in the scoring race, with 923 career goals for club and country.
Al-Nassr’s domestic and regional commitments could provide Ronaldo with numerous opportunities to reach the milestone in the coming months if he maintains his scoring rate.
The veteran forward is also being managed carefully by Al-Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou, with the club aiming to keep him in top form throughout the season.
Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 goals has become one of the most closely watched individual milestones in world football, with every goal bringing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner closer to history.
