Omotayo Fashola
Football icon Roberto Carlos has weighed in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of the elusive 1,000-goal mark, suggesting that the Al Nassr forward may not be the pioneer to conquer this historic feat.
In an exclusive interview with O Jogo, the Brazilian World Cup winner emphasized that Pelé’s legendary 1,000-goal tally remains untouched in football’s record books, firmly stating that the late Santos maestro stands alone in achieving the remarkable milestone.
While acknowledging Ronaldo’s inevitable achievement of the landmark, Carlos stressed it wouldn’t overshadow football’s history.
He remarked: “For Cristiano’s fans and football enthusiasts, witnessing his relentless record-breaking journey is incredible.
“Pelé remains the sole player to have legitimately surpassed 1,000 goals, but Cristiano is on the cusp of joining that exclusive club. He looks revitalized in Saudi Arabia, playing with confidence and joy.
“There’s no doubt he will get there—his fitness, consistency, and passion make him unstoppable. He’s an inspiration, and Portugal should celebrate his legacy.”
The ex-Real Madrid defender also implored Ronaldo to prolong his illustrious career, insisting the all-time great still has much to contribute to the sport.
“Cristiano must never retire,” Carlos asserted. “If he ever considers quitting, I’ll personally urge him to reconsider. Even if he has to play on one leg, he should stay on the pitch—his influence on aspiring footballers is priceless.”
With 961 career goals and counting, Ronaldo inches closer to the historic landmark. Despite a recent spell on the sidelines at Al Nassr, Carlos remains unwavering in his belief that the Portuguese superstar will soon etch his name among football’s most elite achievers.
