Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo would not be the first player to score 1,000 career goals, emphasizing that Pelé remains the sole individual to achieve that milestone.
Speaking to Portuguese sports newspaper O Jogo, Carlos, a former Real Madrid star and countryman of Pelé, acknowledged Ronaldo’s impending achievement but insisted the historic record belongs to the Brazilian icon. “The only player who ever scored 1,000 goals was Pelé,” Carlos said, as quoted by World Soccer Talk. “But Cristiano might be able to join that group. I see him looking happy and sure of himself in the Saudi league.”
Ronaldo, currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has scored 961 official goals in his career. Carlos expressed absolute confidence that the Portuguese forward will reach the 1,000-goal mark, citing his durability and sustained performance. “I’m absolutely certain he’ll reach that milestone. He never gets injured. He keeps playing really well,” Carlos added.
However, the debate over the all-time scoring record hinges on definitions. Pelé’s tally of 1,000 goals—often cited in his honour—includes goals scored in friendly matches and less-official competitions, leading to disputes among statistical bodies. FIFA, for instance, recognizes Pelé’s international and top-level club goals separately. The controversy means that while Ronaldo may become the first to reach 1,000 in recognized professional matches, Pelé is still widely credited as the first to reach the symbolic number.
Carlos also urged Ronaldo to continue his career indefinitely, praising his influence on younger players. “Cristiano can’t stop, ever. If he ever decides to stop playing, I’ll call him and tell him not to stop. He should never stop playing soccer,” Carlos stated. “He gives a lot of strength and energy to any boy who wants to start playing.”
The 38-year-old Ronaldo did not feature for Al-Nassr in his club’s last three matches, though his pursuit of the 1,000-goal landmark continues to draw global attention. Should he achieve the feat in official competitions, it would mark a singular milestone in modern football history, yet Roberto Carlos’s comments reaffirm that Pelé’s name remains intrinsically linked to the symbolic number.
The discussion highlights the enduring legacy of Pelé and the ongoing evolution of football’s statistical records as active stars like Ronaldo push the boundaries of longevity and scoring.
