Cristiano Ronaldo has again made it clear to be the greatest player of all time and he asserts himself as the best in history. His confident declaration has brought back to the spotlight as he comes up to the landmark of 1,000 goals and it’s reminiscent of the comparisons with Messi.
Cristiano Ronaldo's declaration that 'The best in history is me, full stop,' reflects his confidence that his stats back up the claim. But yet the comments in October 2026 are hardly new. The interview in which he described himself as the greatest was aired in February 2025 and recent footage is out in news and the interview has been made recently with his career and future in Europe and other sporting headlines and the world at large.
At 41, Ronaldo is still active with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr and is pursuing his personal and professional goals. His career total is 980 goals, which is 20 short of the widely-heard 1,000-goal mark. While Ronaldo has been the target of much interest, he has also said that he does not want to chase that goal.
‘The Best In History Is Me’: Ronaldo Stands By His Claim
Ronaldo has always felt confident about his place among football's greatest players. In the interview that recently resurfaced, he said people were not paying enough attention to his current form and goalscoring record.
“If I scored 920 goals, 925, 930… the best in history is me, full stop. The numbers speak for themselves,” he said in an interview excerpt circulated by The Athletic and reported by other outlets.
Cristiano has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus throughout his career and currently continues his career with Al-Nassr. He is also a key player for Portugal who is one of the top goalscorers in international football.
But Ronaldo’s assessment is subjective, not objective. Football’s greatest-player debate is based on a lot of things: goals, assists, trophies, individual awards, playing style and impact on teams. But supporters of different players put different weight on that achievement, and that’s why the debate continues over time.
Ronaldo Plays Down The Pressure Of Scoring 1,000 Goals
Although Ronaldo is on the verge of 1,000 career goals, he has also said that he believes that it is important to reach the goal and the goal should be reached naturally rather than become a goal that comes to be seen as an obsession.
“If I get there, it is amazing, an objective, but I don’t think long-term,” Ronaldo said in the reported interview excerpt.
To Ronaldo, the milestone is significant because few players have been able to stay at the top-flight level of professional football for as long as Ronaldo. His career total consists of goals for club and country, accumulated across domestic leagues, continental competitions and international fixtures.
Ronaldo scored his 980th career goal for Al-Nassr against Al-Diriyah on October 9, according to reports on his return to club action. The goal took him 20 away from the 1,000 mark.
The number can become one of his biggest statistical accomplishments. But he will have to make the milestone and when he will get there and make sure he is there. Ronaldo has said he wants the landmark of Portugal and so the one he did, to finish a big chapter in his career, as well.
Lionel Messi Remains Central To The GOAT Debate
When you say Ronaldo’s claim there is always Lionel Messi in the conversation. The two forwards have dominated elite football for a whole lot longer and for much of the past two decades have been in the limelight, winning individual honours, breaking records, scoring a lot for the team and making the team great and winning big titles with their teams.
Messi has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, compared to Ronaldo’s five. Ronaldo’s supporters often cite his goalscoring output across different leagues, physical longevity and performances in multiple competitions. Messi’s supporters point to his playmaking, dribbling, creative ability and international prowess (see Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win).
Their career statistics also need context. The number of goals scored is one key measure of a forward’s contribution, but it does not capture all aspects of a player’s impact. And goals, chances created, tactical responsibility, performance opportunities, performances in big games and team success are part of how they are perceived to be valued in how their careers are viewed.
And the comparison has intensified even as both players move into their late careers. Messi is also younger than Ronaldo and has also produced a remarkable career goals list. But the two have been at different stages in life and played for different teams and with different competitions, making direct comparisons not as straightforward as a single table might suggest.
Ronaldo’s Portugal Future Faces Fresh Attention
Ronaldo’s comments have also resurfaced during a period of uncertainty with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. The forward left the camp in Portugal after a dispute over his expected role in the team and publicly explained the reason why. He said he still wants to be selected in the team but his involvement is in question and it is a matter of whether he is going to represent Portugal again.
The Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary response has added another dimension to the situation. There’s talk of suspension but that is not the same as a decision on his future in international football.
And for Ronaldo, continuing to score for Al-Nassr and remain available for Portugal would be the chance to extend his record and get close to 1,000 goals for Portugal. But his future with the national team will be shaped by the outcome of the dispute, the way it will develop and decisions that will be made by the player and coaching staff.
Ronaldo’s Legacy Goes Beyond One Number
He is the greatest player in history, Ronaldo has said, and one of the few things that will remain with him, especially when he gets to a career landmark. His longevity, goalscoring record, five Ballon d’Or awards and achievements at club and international level are part of his legacy.
At the same time, the argument over who is football's greatest player never comes down to one statistic or one player's assessment. Different generations of fans are interested in different criteria and the careers of Ronaldo, Messi, Pelé and Diego Maradona are still debated in terms of their individual performances, influence and style of play.
Ronaldo is still interested in football and he wants to hit 1,000 career goals. His new comments are a sign he believes in his own achievements in football and the approaching landmark can only make it more fulfilling for him to add to his already historic record.
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