Cristiano Ronaldo’s 1000-goal chase is not an obsession, insists Portugal boss Roberto Martinez ahead of FIFA World Cup

Roberto Martinez downplayed Cristiano Ronaldo desire of reaching 1000 career goals, claiming that the striker is a team player.

Updated on: Mar 22, 2026, 16:10:27 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez feels that Cristiano Ronaldo's desire to reach 1000 career goals before retirement has not become an 'obsession'. The Al Nassr star is currently on 960 career goals.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during a 2026 World Cup qualifier. (AP)

Having turned 41 this year, he is still scoring goals but recently suffered an injury that has ruled him out for a few weeks. He wasn't included in the Portugal squad for their international friendlies this month. But according to Martinez, he will be back in action for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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"I don't agree with that. If Cristiano had played the European Championship focused on scoring a goal to break another record, the assist against Turkey for Bruno Fernandes wouldn't have happened", he said, according to goal.com.

"It's not true that our players have records or personal goals in mind. The only thing I saw at the European Championship was a different kind of responsibility in the more experienced players, a maximum responsibility to have a top performance in the tournament."

When pressed on revealing if Ronaldo had a goal target, he said, "No, because I don't see Cris playing with the anxiety or intention of reaching 1,000 goals. Whether he has 950 or 1,050 goals, he has the same legacy. It won't change anything. That's outside talk."

Martinez also feels that Ronaldo shares his mindset. "Absolutely. Because we've had games where Cris faces the goal and looks for the assist. It's an aspect I value a lot. It's very important. A striker isn't just about scoring goals, it's about making the right decisions inside the box. That's what assists are for. And assists are more important than goals, in general. ," he said.

"We're talking about a striker who has 25 goals in 30 games. But I value behaviour inside the box much more. And Cristiano doesn't have the obsession that people talk about from the outside regarding his 1,000th goal. Because his behavior isn't like that. I can't say for the club, but here with the national team it's not like that," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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