Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the highest-earning athlete on the planet for last year, just beating long-time rival Lionel Messi who ranked third.

Al-Nassr managed to keep their 100% Saudi Pro League record this season after beating Al-Kholood 2-0 at Al-Awwal Park with Sadio Mane and Inigo Martinez getting on the scoresheet. Cristiano Ronaldo failed to impress yet again for Faris Najd as he missed an open goal. Regardless, Al-Nassr managed to make it two wins from two.

Wes Brown says Cristiano Ronaldo is “still better than a lot of strikers out there”, with the Portuguese “Superman” expected to keep going until he “breaks down”. There is no sign of the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star calling it quits any time soon, with the evergreen frontman still going strong with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr at 40 years of age.

Years before Cristiano Ronaldo became a global icon and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, he made a striking declaration to then Manchester United team-mate Edwin van der Sar. The Dutch goalkeeper, reflecting on former Real Madrid and Juventus forward's early days at Old Trafford, remembers a hungry individual confidently stating he would become the best player in the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo may have sat this one out, but Al-Nassr showed they are far more than just a one-man show. On opening night of the AFC Champions League, the Saudi powerhouse dismantled Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol with a ruthless 5-0 win at Al Awwal Park. The absence of their talismanic forward barely registered, as Jorge Jesus’ side showcased their attacking firepower with five different players getting on the scoresheet.