Zlatan Ibrahimovic has questioned Cristiano Ronaldo's role in the Portugal national team, claiming the veteran forward is being picked out of nostalgia rather than merit. The former Sweden striker believes Goncalo Ramos has shown Portugal should move on after scoring the winner against Croatia.
Cristiano Ronaldo has already run “1,000 marathons” over the course of his career, but Louis Saha has told GOAL that the Portuguese GOAT may have another left in him at the 2030 World Cup. At 41 years of age, the evergreen frontman is currently gracing FIFA’s flagship event for the sixth time. Said tournament will be heading to his homeland in four years’ time.
Cristiano Ronaldo retains the ability to make “people shut their mouth”, Louis Saha has told GOAL, with a former Manchester United team-mate of CR7 explaining why the Portuguese superstar attracts more criticism than fellow GOAT Lionel Messi. Both men are currently on 2026 World Cup duty, with more questions being put to an evergreen European frontman than his eternal South American rival is facing.
Cristiano Ronaldo paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota after Portugal's dramatic World Cup win over Croatia. Wearing a shirt bearing Jota's old No.21 after the final whistle, the Portugal captain dedicated the victory to his late international team-mate.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to bring down the curtain on his legendary international career at the conclusion of the current World Cup tournament. The Portugal captain's sister went public with the definitive retirement update, revealing that the 41-year-old forward has no intention of extending his record-breaking international career to Euro 2028.
Gonacalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time winner after a chaotic contest between Portugal and Croatia, with Roberto Martinez's side squeaked out a 2-1 victory to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. Croatia scored first, but Portugal came from behind. Ronaldo scored once from the penalty spot and was replaced by Ramos, who delivered the match's biggest moment.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric as global icons who have surpassed the limitations of public scrutiny. Speaking ahead of a high-stakes World Cup knockout clash, Martinez insisted that the two legendary captains serve as the ultimate examples for the next generation of footballers.
Former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has paid a glowing tribute to the historic rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Bayern Munich icon believes the two superstars created a unique standard of consistency that world football will never witness again, as both legends continue their historic battle at the World Cup.
When Portugal play Croatia on Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo will attempt to do something he's never managed before: score a goal in the knockout stage of the World Cup. The Portuguese is one of the finest forwards the game has ever seen and, against Uzbekistan last week, became the first man to score in six different editions of the game's most prestigious tournament, which is testament to his remarkable longevity and work ethic.
Former striker Chris Sutton has strongly criticised Portugal manager Roberto Martinez ahead of their World Cup knockout match against Croatia, describing his continued reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo as completely embarrassing. Sutton believes Martinez is holding his talented squad back by pandering to Ronaldo and refusing to substitute him despite his declining impact on the pitch.
England icon John Barnes has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo's attitude could derail Portugal in the World Cup knockout stages, describing the situation as an accident waiting to happen. In contrast, Barnes praised Lionel Messi, highlighting how the Argentina captain's humble nature unites his team-mates, unlike Ronaldo who creates tension when things do not go his way.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo led an emotional training ground tribute to assistant coach Ricardo Carvalho following the sudden passing of his father, Manuel Ribeiro de Carvalho. The tight-knit Seleccao squad formed a poignant huddle at their Florida base to support the former Chelsea defender before his departure from their World Cup camp.
The Golden Boot may not always lead to team success, but the race for the individual award this summer might be one of the most compelling in recent memory
Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan has delivered a blunt critique of Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the legendary forward is currently a hindrance to Portugal’s World Cup ambitions. Despite leading his nation into the knockout stages, the 41-year-old’s performances have sparked debate among pundits and former colleagues alike.
James Rodriguez has heaped praise on his former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo after the pair reunited during a goalless World Cup group-stage match between Colombia and Portugal in Miami. The Colombia captain expressed his deep admiration for Ronaldo, highlighting their enduring friendship and marvelling at the incredible physical condition of the Portuguese superstar at 41 years old.
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