Dec 29 : ‌Cristiano Ronaldo said his passion for the game remains undimmed and that he is still motivated to reach his target of 1,000 career goals.

After the Portuguese forward was named Best Middle East ‌Player at the Globe Soccer ‌Awards in Dubai on Sunday.

Ronaldo’s double for Saudi side Al-Nassr on Saturday took his tally to 956 goals for club and country, and with the 40-year-old set to play on ‍for “one or two more years” his target looks achievable.

My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn’t matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe. I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going.

“You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number (1,000 goals) that you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries.”

Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano announced the award on X on Sunday.

“Cristiano Ronaldo wins Best Middle East Player Award at Globe Soccer 2025,” he wrote.

• Cristiano Ronaldo attends White House dinner alongside Saudi crown
• Indonesia floods death toll passes 500″
• Russia’s Putin, Israel’s Netanyahu discuss Middle East in call, Kremlin says”
• Ronaldo clear for World Cup opener despite red card
• Ex-wife of Dubai royal says she fears arrest as custody battle escalates”