‘Goalkeepers will want to let in Cristiano Ronaldo’s 1,000th goal’ - Ex-Man Utd coach tips Al-Nassr & Portugal superstar to retire after reaching landmark & making more history

Ronaldo is looking to become the first player to reach four figures on the competitive goal front. He is within sight of that target after maintaining remarkable individual standards. Prolific strike rates have been enjoyed for United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al-Nassr and Portugal.

The all-time leading scorer in Champions League and men’s international football is determined to further cement his legacy, with the evergreen 40-year-old being informed that he may get the odd helping hand as he closes in on a remarkable achievement.

Meulensteen, who worked with Ronaldo at Old Trafford, told football betting site BetVictor: “He will be remembered for 1,000 goals, but if it is done in a spectacular manner, if it would be done for Portugal, if you would have had a choice, then probably you would say, yeah, let's do it for Portugal.

“The world will be watching, telling you. Can you imagine being the goalkeeper? You want to let it in, don't you? Because you're going to be remembered as the goalkeeper that let Cristiano's 1,000th goal in.”

Ronaldo has committed to a two-year contract with Al-Nassr that will take him through to 2027. Meulensteen believes the end of a stunning career could be reached before that point, adding: “What Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved is unparalleled, especially in the modern game where the pace is incredibly quick. To still be performing at such a high level is remarkable.

“You can see how much it means to him when he plays for Portugal. They have good players around him, and they seem to accept that Cristiano, despite not being 28 anymore, is still the player he is and has achieved what he has.

“While you might see some minor things creeping into his game, the fact that he remains so effective in front of goal is absolutely fantastic. It would be great to see him at next year's World Cup, which will probably be his last for Portugal. I believe he will keep playing until he scores his 1,000th goal, that might be the moment he decides to retire.”

Ronaldo is expected to grace the 2026 World Cup alongside eternal rival Lionel Messi. Two all-time greats are showing no sign of slowing down, with Argentine icon Messi also seeing a contract extension mooted at MLS side Inter Miami.