The Portuguese superstar is showing no sign of slowing down at 39 years of age. He posted 50 goals for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr last season and has already been on target for club and country in the current campaign. Efforts on UEFA Nations League duty have taken CR7 beyond 900 career strikes.

The all-time great has made no secret of the fact that he wants to make more history by posting 1000 goals, and former Manchester United team-mate Saha believes the evergreen frontman could go even higher than that. Saha has told Betfred: “I could wish for him to score 1000 goals or even 1100 goals because Cristiano deserves all the respect and everyone that follows the sport should want this guy to fulfil his dreams because for kids wanting to be athletes, he’s the biggest inspiration you can have. 900 goals is a massive achievement already and what he’s done is unbelievable.”

Ronaldo is prepared to delay any thoughts of retirement for the foreseeable future, with there still plenty left for him to achieve while retaining his relentless desire to be the best. He has already graced 11 major international tournaments, winning 214 caps and scoring 132 goals, but could have one more left in him.

Saha added on seeing Ronaldo reach the 2026 World Cup finals, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico: “I wish the best for Cristiano. He has a vision and he’s an inspiration for any kid. You need to understand, if you score 300 goals in your career then that means you’re a top, top goalscorer, so for him to hit 900 is unbelievable. Kylian Mbappe currently has just under 350 to his name and that’s also unbelievable. To Cristiano, 900 goals means a lot and every time he scores goals, it’s like he’s won the World Cup. The guy is just obsessed with contributing to his team and whatever he aims to do, he’ll do whatever he can to achieve it. If he feels as if he needs to go to the World Cup in 2026 and win it, then that’s what he’ll try and do and the tournament is not too far away.”

Ronaldo will turn 40 in February 2025, but he has kept himself in remarkable shape down the years. Having been able to steer clear of serious injury, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner appears capable of playing on for as long as he boasts drive and ambition.