Kuwait Football Association president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah has expressed hope that Cristiano Ronaldo will score his 1,000th career goal during the 2026 Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait, as the Al Nassr captain closes in on one of football’s most remarkable individual milestones.
Al-Yousef made the statement during the Saudi Super Cup draw ceremony on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, expressing his desire for Kuwaiti football fans to witness a historic moment when the four team tournament takes place in December.
Speaking to Saudi Arabian broadcaster Thmanyah, the Kuwait FA president said he hoped Ronaldo would reach the milestone and score another goal during the competition.
“God willing, Ronaldo will score his 1,000th goal, and even his 1,001st, in Kuwait,” Al-Yousef said.
Ronaldo has scored 981 career goals, according to the figures reported by GOAL, leaving him 19 goals short of reaching the 1,000 mark.
The Portuguese forward strengthened his position in the pursuit of the record by scoring during Al Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday, October 12.
The goal added to his remarkable scoring record across club and international football, further increasing anticipation among supporters eager to see whether he can reach the milestone.
However, achieving the target during the Saudi Super Cup will depend on his performances in the matches leading up to the competition and his ability to maintain his scoring form throughout the tournament.
At 41, Ronaldo continues to compete at the highest level of professional football, with his goalscoring consistency remaining a defining feature of his career.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward has built his reputation through an exceptional record of scoring in domestic leagues, European competitions and international tournaments with Portugal.
His pursuit of 1,000 career goals has become another major talking point surrounding his later years in the game, with each additional goal bringing him closer to the landmark.
Saudi Super Cup Draw Sets Up Al Nassr Semi Final
The 2026 Saudi Super Cup will take place in Kuwait from December 19 to 23 at the Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium.
The competition will feature four Saudi clubs: Al Nassr, Al Ahli, Al Qadsiah and Al Khaleej.
The draw has paired Al Ahli against Al Qadsiah in the first semi final, while Al Nassr will face Al Khaleej in the other fixture.
The semi finals are scheduled for December 19 and 20, with the final set to take place on December 23.
Al Nassr enter the tournament as Saudi Pro League champions, while Al Khaleej qualified as King’s Cup runners up. Al Ahli secured their place after finishing third in the league, with Al Qadsiah qualifying after placing fourth.
For Al Nassr, the competition presents an opportunity to add another trophy to their collection. For Ronaldo, it could also provide a stage to achieve an individual milestone that would attract worldwide attention.
Nevertheless, the immediate challenge will be to overcome Al Khaleej and secure a place in the final before turning attention to the possibility of reaching the historic scoring figure.
Kuwait FA President Welcomes Tournament
Al-Yousef expressed satisfaction with Kuwait’s selection as host of the Saudi Super Cup, describing the competition as one of the strongest football tournaments scheduled to take place in the country.
He said hosting the event would provide an opportunity for Kuwaiti supporters to watch some of Saudi Arabia’s leading clubs compete for a major trophy.
The Kuwait FA president also highlighted the close relationship between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, expressing solidarity with the kingdom’s leadership and people.
His remarks reflected the significance of the tournament beyond the competition itself, particularly its potential to strengthen sporting ties between the neighbouring countries.
Ronaldo’s participation is also expected to attract considerable attention from football supporters in Kuwait and across the Middle East.
Since joining Al Nassr in December 2022, the Portuguese forward has become one of the most recognisable figures in Saudi football, contributing to the growing international profile of the Saudi Pro League.
His presence has increased interest in Al Nassr matches, while his individual achievements continue to attract attention from supporters who follow his pursuit of career records.
Al-Yousef also discussed the popularity of Al Nassr among Kuwaiti football fans, including supporters of Al Qadsia, one of Kuwait’s established clubs.
He linked part of that connection to Bader Al-Mutawa, the celebrated Kuwaiti forward who previously represented Al Nassr.
Ronaldo’s Historic Target Adds Excitement
With 981 career goals reported, Ronaldo needs another 19 to reach the 1,000 mark.
Whether he achieves that target before the Saudi Super Cup or during the competition remains uncertain. His progress will depend on the number of matches he plays, his fitness and his scoring form in the coming weeks.
Al-Yousef’s comments have nevertheless added another storyline to the tournament, giving supporters an additional reason to follow Al Nassr’s campaign in Kuwait.
Reaching 1,000 career goals would represent a significant milestone in Ronaldo’s already decorated career. Scoring the landmark in front of Kuwaiti supporters would also make the occasion memorable for the tournament’s host nation.
For now, however, the milestone remains an ambition rather than a confirmed outcome.
Al Nassr must first navigate their upcoming fixtures before arriving in Kuwait for the semi final against Al Khaleej, while Ronaldo continues his pursuit of the scoring record.
The Saudi Super Cup will ultimately be decided by the teams’ performances on the pitch, but the possibility of witnessing Ronaldo’s 1,000th career goal has added an extra dimension to the December competition.
