Roberto Martinez has revealed what makes Cristiano Ronaldo special, with Portugal’s national team boss explaining the GOAT mentality that has allowed CR7 to break all kinds of records. The legendary forward is still going strong at 40 years of age, with Adebayo Akinfenwa’s ‘Beast Mode On’ podcast being informed of why a unique character has been able to enjoy such longevity.
England stars will, if they are being honest, want to avoid Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for as long as possible at the 2026 World Cup, says Nigel Winterburn. The ex-Three Lions defender has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, been discussing the chances of bringing 60 years of pain to a close ahead of the group-stage draw taking place on December 5.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez is the latest high-profile guest to join Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On Podcast. The former Everton, Wigan and Belgium national team boss opens up on what it's really like to manage legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo, the devastation of Diogo Jota's death, England's chances of World Cup glory and much, much more.
Mexico have officially confirmed upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Belgium as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The match against the Portuguese side is set for March 28 at the newly renovated Estadio Banorte (Azteca), while the clash with Belgium will take place on March 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
U.S. Soccer have confirmed the U.S. men's national team's final four opponents ahead of next summer's World Cup. The road to the tournament will continue in March as the U.S. host Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal and Belgium before clashes with Germany and another yet-to-be-named opponent in two pre-tournament friendlies next summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo could play for Portugal beyond the 2026 World Cup, Wes Brown has said in an exclusive interview with GOAL. Ahead of the group stage draw for next summer’s finals, a former Manchester United team-mate of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has explained why he could have more Hollywood storylines and another major tournament left in him.
A little over a year ago, Gianni Infantino announced that Inter Miami would participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. He said the Herons were "deserved participants", having supposedly proven themselves "the best club" in MLS. Only they hadn't. Miami may have finished top of the regular-season standings, but the play-offs had yet to get under way.
Cristiano Ronaldo has continued to honour the late Diogo Jota after sending his family and his Portuguese team-mates a special gift to commemorate their 2025 Nations League triumph. The Liverpool forward and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a car crash in Spain in July, leaving the footballing community in mourning. And although Jota is gone, Ronaldo is helping to keep his memory very much alive.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s reduced punishment for his red card against the Republic of Ireland has sparked fury across social media, with fans accusing FIFA of "bending the rules" to ensure the Portugal captain is available for the first games of the World Cup. The decision to convert what many expected to be a multi-match violent conduct ban into a one-game ban with two games suspended has ignited a fierce debate.
England could avoid facing France until the World Cup final and any of the top-four ranked teams until the semi-final stage, after it was confirmed that FIFA are set to implement a Wimbledon-style seeding system to the 2026 World Cup draw. Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions will find out their opponents in the group stage on December 5, and the new draw system aims to give the best possible opportunity for a heavyweight clash in the final of the tournament next summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to receive only a one-match ban for his red card against the Republic of Ireland in Portugal's penultimate World Cup qualifier. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was sent off after elbowing Dara O'Shea off the ball and was set for a three-match ban for 'violent conduct'. However, FIFA's disciplinary committee has decided to let the 40-year-old off easy.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez have reportedly finalised a wedding venue that holds a special meaning for the Al-Nassr and Portugal superstar. The couple got engaged in August this year after Ronaldo proposed to his long-term girlfriend. They plan to tie the knot next summer, following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo still justifies his place in the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, highlighting not only his recent goalscoring form at international level but also the "hunger" that drives the 40-year-old five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Ronaldo is set to play at his sixth World Cup tournament, which is likely to be his last.
Real Madrid have issued an apology after they showed the wrong player in a tribute to Portuguese striker Diogo Jota and brother Andre Silva. The Spanish giants made the mistake during the Ordinary General Assembly of Representative Members as they wished to remember the duo, who both tragically lost their lives in a car accident over the summer.
A Donald Trump ally has admitted she didn't recognise Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo during the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star's recent visit to the White House. The trip to meet the US President came as part of a visiting delegation from Saudi Arabia, led by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump hosted a dinner at the White House, which was attended by Ronaldo and fiancee Georgina Rodriguez.
Cristiano Ronaldo's sisters have hit back at the Portugal icon's critics following his meeting with US president Donald Trump at the White House earlier this week. Ronaldo was invited to a formal dinner party organised by the US president in honour of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Al-Nassr star's White House visit divided opinion which saw plenty of criticism aimed at Ronaldo online.
Cristiano Ronaldo put out a message on social media after attending a White House dinner with Donald Trump. The event was attended by influential figures from global business, technology and sport, and it marked Ronaldo’s first public appearance in the United States since 2016. The black-tie gathering was arranged as part of efforts to strengthen the expanding political and economic relationship between Washington and Riyadh. Ronaldo’s presence alongside the Saudi delegation once again highlighted how prominently the Al-Nassr forward now features in the kingdom’s soft-power and sporting strategies.
At an extravagant White House state dinner honouring Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), U.S. President Donald Trump announced the presence of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Acknowledging his youngest son Barron's admiration for the Al-Nassr and Portugal striker, Trump joked that the meeting had increased his son’s respect for him. Ronaldo was joined at the black-tie event by his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez, and they both posed for a selfie with Elon Musk at one stage.
Lionel Messi and Argentina have been told that they were “lucky” to savour World Cup glory at Qatar 2022. All-time great Messi completed his medal collection at that event, as he inspired the Albiceleste to a global title. Wesley Sneijder has suggested that the South Americans were fortunate to claim that crown, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal considered to have a better chance of landing the same prize in 2026.
Ballon d’Or winner Lothar Matthaus has explained why he will always side with Lionel Messi in the Argentine icon’s GOAT debate with Cristiano Ronaldo. Two legends of the modern era consider themselves to be the greatest of all-time, but opinion across the rest of the world remains divided. Matthaus knows what it takes to be considered the best player on the planet.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be “terribly sorry” about missing a “once in a lifetime” win for his country, claims the President of Portugal, as “geniuses are like that”. All-time great CR7 was forced to sit out a 9-1 victory over Armenia through suspension, with that stunning success seeing Roberto Martinez’s side secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Roberto Martinez maintains that Portugal are “better with Cristiano Ronaldo” after securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup without their talismanic captain. CR7 was forced to sit out a meeting with Armenia through suspension, having collected the first red card of his international career when earning a record-extending 226th cap. He will get the chance to grace another major tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo was among the first to congratulate Portugal on their World Cup qualification after seeing his international colleagues book tickets to that 2026 showpiece in a nine-goal showing against Armenia. CR7 sat that game out through suspension, but will get to grace another major international tournament after barely being missed in a resounding win.
Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves hat-tricks helped a Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal qualify for the 2026 World Cup with an emphatic 9-1 win over Armenia on Sunday. The Seleccao were without their iconic forward following his red card against Ireland, but virtuoso displays from Fernandes and Neves ensured they topped UEFA Group F thanks to a thumping victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a message of support to his Portugal team-mates ahead of their meeting with Armenia. The Selecao currently top Group F ahead of the final round of World Cup qualification games but defeat to Ireland on Thursday means they need to win to book their trip stateside next summer. And ahead of the game, Ronaldo took to Instagram to throw his backing behind the national team.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been sent home by Portugal following his red card against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday. Ronaldo received his marching orders on the hour mark, his first dismissal of his international career, having elbowed Ireland defender Dara O'Shea, as the Selecao crashed to a surprise 2-0 defeat at the Aviva Stadium. Portugal remain top of World Cup qualifying Group F despite the loss.
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