Cristiano Ronaldo Not Obsessed With 1000-Goal Record! Portugal Boss Roberto Martinez Says CR7 Plays for Wins, Not Records

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And Ronaldo’s focus is still on helping the team win, not chasing personal records. At 41, he’s playing strong in Saudi Arabia, where his total now stands at 960 goals. He’s said before that he wants to hit 1,000 goals before hanging up his boots, a first in football history. Some fans believe this focus could create tension within the squad or show a lack of team awareness. Martinez shot down those claims, citing Ronaldo’s behaviour in the Euro finals. Ronaldo chose to pass to Bruno Fernandes when facing Turkey instead of going for a goal.

That choice, Martnez says, shows how much the player values group performance over personal stats. He pointed to that moment as proof that Ronaldo acts with team interests in mind. There’s no sign he’s pushing for individual fame over shared success. His actions during the tournament show clear loyalty to team outcomes. The manager believes his play reflects a mature and balanced mindset.

The Portugal coach said the team works together, with older players stepping up to make strong performances instead of trying to reach personal records. And there was no sign during the tournament that anyone wanted to break records. Everyone stayed focused on doing well as a group.

“Cristiano has been exemplary, a captain!” 🫡

Roberto Martinez on what Cristiano Ronaldo brings to Portugal 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/TmdkoXVXDK

— The Overlap (@WeAreTheOverlap) February 26, 2026

The thing is, Martnez didn’t think the 1,000-goal mark really matters when it comes to Ronaldo’s legacy. Whether he ends with 950 or 1,050 goals, it won’t change how great he’s seen as in football history. That milestone is more shaped by outside talk than what Ronaldo actually values.

He pointed out Ronaldo’s decision-making as the key part of his game. Being a striker isn’t just about getting goals – it is about making plays and choosing wisely in big moments. Even when he’s near scoring chances, he helps teammates and changes how the game unfolds. That shows how much he’s grown as a full forward. Probably more than just a scorer.

Ronaldo is expected to be Fit on time

The thing is, Ronaldo is still expected to be fit and available for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He left Saudi Arabia due to regional tensions and is currently in Spain. Martinez said that Ronaldo hasn’t stopped focusing on team contribution instead of personal stats. His priority remains playing, not just scoring. This shows his ongoing commitment to the squad’s success.