Cristiano Ronaldo has solidified himself as one of soccer’s greatest ever goalscorers. But at age 37, does the Portuguese superstar have enough left in the tank to reach the mythical 1,000 career goals mark?

Ronaldo currently sits on 819 official goals for club and country. With his unrelenting dedication to excellence, an assault on 1,000 is not out of the question. But with Father Time as his biggest opponent, CR7’s chances depend on several factors aligning.

Firstly, Ronaldo must stay healthy and in peak physical condition. His work ethic and commitment to fitness are unmatched, which boosts his longevity. However, injuries or burnout could derail his quest quicker than any defense.

Secondly, Ronaldo requires a top supporting cast to boost his scoring. Despite his otherworldly talents, he cannot do it alone. Playing for an elite Champions League contender seems essential to consistently find the net.

Finally, and perhaps most crucially, Ronaldo must accept a potential bench role to manage his minutes. His days as an 90-minute player appear over. But as more of an offensive super-sub, he could still thrive.

Given ideal circumstances, Cristiano scoring another 181 goals by age 40 is achievable, if admittedly still a long shot. But writing off Ronaldo has proven foolish, so 1,000 goals remains a possibility soccer fans dream of witnessing.