Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy the laws of aging, reaching a monumental milestone on Sunday, February 22, 2026. During Al-Nassr’s dominant 4-0 victory over Al-Hazem in the Saudi Pro League, the Portuguese superstar became the first player in history to score 500 goals after turning 30.
Ronaldo’s record-breaking night began early in the 13th minute. After receiving a precise pass from Kingsley Coman inside a crowded penalty area, Ronaldo displayed his signature clinical touch, controlling the ball with his right foot before slotting a left-footed strike into the far corner. This opening goal marked his 500th since celebrating his 30th birthday in 2015, a feat that underscores his unprecedented longevity in elite sports.
Chasing the 1,000-Goal Milestone
The brace against Al-Hazem brings Ronaldo’s total career tally to 964 goals, leaving him just 36 strikes away from his ultimate ambition: reaching 1,000 career goals. His current scoring rate suggests that the historic four-digit mark is well within reach before he considers retirement.
“My passion is high and I want to continue,” Ronaldo stated recently. “It does not matter where I play… I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going.”
Surpassing the Legends
Ronaldo’s achievement places him in a league of his own, far ahead of other “late-career” specialists:
| Player | Goals Scored After Age 30 | Total Career Goals |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 500 | 964 |
| Ronnie Rooke | 493 | 934 |
| Romario | 450 | 772+ |
While England’s Ronnie Rooke held a long-standing record for post-30 productivity—playing until the age of 49—Ronaldo has now officially eclipsed that mark at the highest level of the modern game. Even Brazil’s Romario, known for his incredible goal-scoring instincts well into his 40s, sits behind the Portuguese captain in this specific category.
A Triumphant Return
This performance also serves as a statement of intent following a brief period of friction. Ronaldo had recently missed two league matches and an AFC Cup fixture amid reports of a strike concerning Al-Nassr’s limited activity during the January transfer window. However, his return to the pitch on Sunday silenced any doubts regarding his commitment to the club and his relentless pursuit of footballing history.