Cristiano Ronaldo explains that winning the World Cup is not his ultimate dream

January 7, 2026 Oliver Obel

Cristiano Ronaldo has again challenged conventional thinking as he moves toward what would be his sixth World Cup appearance. Months before the tournament, the Portugal captain said his personal ambitions no longer revolve around football’s most prestigious prize.

For many players, lifting the World Cup is considered the defining achievement of a career. Ronaldo, however, has argued that his standing in the sport should not depend on a single competition.

A different legacy

Speaking in comments reported by Marca, Ronaldo questioned whether a short international tournament should carry more weight than sustained performance across club and international football.

“If you ask me: ‘Cristiano, is it a dream to win the World Cup?’ No, it’s not a dream,” he said. “Winning the World Cup will not change my name in the history of football. Winning a competition of six or seven games… do you think it’s fair to define the legacy of a player? No, it’s not.”

Ronaldo has repeatedly said that consistency over time, rather than one title, best reflects a player’s career.

Chasing history

Rather than discussing retirement, Ronaldo remains focused on extending his records. According to Marca, the forward is targeting 1,000 official career goals, a milestone no player has reached in the modern professional era.

He is currently 42 goals short of that figure. Based on his scoring rate since moving to Saudi Arabia, Spanish media have suggested the total could be reached in 2026 if injuries do not disrupt his progress.

“I always want to win more trophies and reach the figure that you all know,” Ronaldo said at the Globe Soccer Awards. “I’m sure I’ll get there if there are no injuries.”

GOAT debate

Ronaldo also addressed the long-running discussion over football’s greatest-ever player, dismissing the idea that a World Cup title is essential to that debate.

“People say Cristiano will be the best in history if he wins the World Cup. I don’t agree,” he said.

Portugal won Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019, the only major international trophies in the country’s history, both achieved during Ronaldo’s international career.

Focus in Saudi

Ronaldo’s immediate attention remains on club football. He is aiming to win his first Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr, who sit just one point behind leaders Al Hilal early in the season.

According to Marca, the club believes it is well positioned to challenge for the title, led by a player whose motivation shows little sign of fading.

Sources: Marca