The football world is abuzz with anticipation: who will be the first to reach the elusive 1000-goal mark, Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? Both legends continue to defy age and redefine greatness well into their late thirties, captivating audiences worldwide. As of November 2025, the stats provide a fascinating glimpse into this ongoing race against time.
Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40 years old, currently leads with 953 career goals. The Portuguese superstar has been in impressive form for Al-Nassr, scoring in his sixth consecutive Pro League match and demonstrating a relentless scoring rhythm. In 2025 alone, he has tallied 36 goals across all competitions for club and country. Furthermore, Ronaldo has achieved a remarkable milestone, recording 100 goal contributions (83 goals and 17 assists) in just 85 appearances in the Saudi Pro League. His drive to reach 1,000 goals is evident, as he stated he is "working on our dream". He is only 47 goals away from the iconic milestone.
Lionel Messi, at 38, is hot on Ronaldo's heels. The Argentinian maestro has accumulated over 890 senior career goals. In 2025, Messi has recorded 42 goals in 49 games. Playing for Inter Miami, Messi has continued to showcase his brilliance, netting 29 goals in the first half of the season and earning a spot in the 2025 MLS Best XI. Messi's impact extends beyond goal-scoring, as he also boasts 20 assists in 2025, highlighting his creative playmaking abilities.
Looking at the 2025/2026 season, Messi has 16 goals in 16 appearances, while Ronaldo has 9 goals in 10 appearances. While Ronaldo has the lead in total career goals, Messi has the advantage in goals per game this season.
The race to 1000 goals is not just about current form, but also about longevity and consistency. Ronaldo's commitment to Al-Nassr until 2027 indicates his determination to continue playing at a high level. Messi, likewise, continues to shine in the MLS, demonstrating that age is just a number.
Ultimately, predicting who will reach the 1000-goal mark first is a matter of speculation. Both players possess the talent, drive, and opportunity to achieve this historic feat. As they continue their careers, football fans around the globe will be eagerly watching to see which of these legends will etch their name even further into the record books.
