Cristiano Ronaldo’s 1,000-goal pursuit takes unexpected turn with Turkey interest

Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Al-Nassr for the Turkish league during the forthcoming winter transfer window, according to reports in Turkey.

Ronaldo’s contract with the Saudi Pro League club expires at the end of the current season. That means he would be free to sign an agreement with another club during the winter window before moving on a free transfer in the following summer.

Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu said on the KAFA Sports YouTube channel that an intermediary had sounded out clubs in the Turkish league about the possibility of signing the Portugal captain in January.

A move would raise the prospect of Ronaldo reaching 1,000 career goals away from Saudi Arabia and Al-Nassr. Supporters of the club had hoped to see the milestone achieved in their team’s colours.

Ronaldo has scored 985 goals during his career, leaving him 15 short of becoming the first player in football history to reach 1,000.

The reports have emerged despite no current indication that Ronaldo is preparing to leave Al-Nassr. He is in his fourth season with the club and is competing for the Roshn Saudi League title, the King’s Cup, the AFC Champions League Elite and the Saudi Super Cup.

Al-Nassr were third in the Saudi league standings on 28 points on 20 November 2026, two points behind leaders Al-Hilal and level on goal difference with second-placed Al-Qadsiah.

In the AFC Champions League Elite, Al-Nassr were seventh in the West region with six points from two wins and one defeat. They also had a game in hand against United Arab Emirates side Al Wasl.

The Riyadh club reached the last 16 of the King’s Cup after beating Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the Riyadh derby. They are due to play Al-Kholood at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on Monday, 11 January.

Al-Nassr will also face Al-Kholood in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final in Kuwait on 19 December. If they win, they will meet the winner of the other semi-final between Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah on 23 December.

Ronaldo ends Portugal career

The speculation follows Ronaldo’s recent decision to retire from international football after 23 years with Portugal, having first represented his country in 2003.

He ended his international career after a dispute during the previous international break raised questions about his relationship with manager Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals. He won three major honours with his country, including UEFA Euro 2016, as well as two UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.