Ronaldo Scores Twice on Injury Comeback as Portugal's World Cup Captain Closes In on 1,000 Career Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to competitive action on April 3 with a brace in Al-Nassr's 5–2 victory over Al-Najma, easing concerns about his fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Portugal captain's two goals — a penalty and a powerful strike — took his official career tally to 967, leaving him just 33 short of the historic 1,000-goal milestone.

The Injury That Raised Alarm

Ronaldo sustained a right hamstring injury on February 28 during Al-Nassr's Saudi Pro League match against Al-Fayha. Initially described as a muscle issue requiring two to four weeks of rehabilitation, the injury proved more serious than first thought. Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus acknowledged after further tests that the setback was worse than expected, and Ronaldo travelled to Madrid for specialised treatment.

The timing was particularly sensitive. With the World Cup set to kick off on June 11 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the injury came just months before what is widely expected to be Ronaldo's sixth and final appearance at the tournament. He missed Portugal's March friendlies against Mexico and the United States as a precaution, fuelling speculation about whether the 41-year-old could recover in time.

Martinez Dismisses Concerns

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has repeatedly sought to calm nerves. "Cristiano's injury is similar to those of Rúben Dias and Nelson Semedo. He is recovering well, and this is not an issue that should raise doubts about his participation in the World Cup," Martinez said after Portugal's warm-up matches.

"The World Cup is not at risk. He is not at risk," the coach added, describing the problem as a minor muscle injury rather than a structural concern. Martinez emphasised that the squad still has approximately 60 days to monitor all players before the final selection.

The Road to 1,000

Ronaldo's comeback performance offered more than just reassurance about his fitness. At 967 official career goals, he is within striking distance of a number no male footballer has ever reached. At his current scoring rate with Al-Nassr — roughly a goal every 90 minutes across all competitions this season — the milestone could arrive before the World Cup begins.

He has scored 135 goals for Portugal across 215 appearances, making him the all-time leading scorer in men's international football. A strong World Cup could push him well past 140 international goals and potentially deliver the 1,000th career goal on the sport's biggest stage.

What This Means for Portugal's Campaign

Portugal are in Group K alongside South Korea, Uruguay, and Cameroon, with their opening match against South Korea scheduled for June 14 in New York. Martinez's squad is considered among the tournament favourites, with a blend of experienced players and emerging talent including Rafael Leão, Bernardo Silva, and João Félix.

But the team's fortunes remain inextricably linked to Ronaldo's availability. His leadership, aerial presence, and penalty-taking ability make him central to Portugal's tactical setup, even at 41. The comeback brace against Al-Najma suggests that, barring any further setbacks, Portugal's captain will be fit and firing when it matters most.

Ronaldo himself posted a gym photo on social media with the caption: "Getting better every day."

Related: Sporting CP fell to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Alvalade.