Cristiano Ronaldo cut a lonely and frustrated figure as he stormed off the pitch following Portugal's unexpected 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opener. While the rest of the squad stayed out to acknowledge the significant Portuguese support in Houston, the legendary captain opted for a swift exit to the dressing room.
Portugal were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by minnows DR Congo in their first World Cup group game, with a Yoane Wissa effort cancelling out Joao Neves' opener. Cristiano Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure up front, while Bernardo Silva also had an afternoon to forget as Roberto Martinez's side failed to live up to their billing as one of the pre-tournament favourites.
Cristiano Ronaldo has long defied the traditional aging process of elite athletes, and fellow former Manchester United forward Teddy Sheringham believes the Portuguese icon is nowhere near finished. Despite currently competing in Saudi Arabia and preparing for another major international tournament, the 41-year-old is being tipped to extend his professional career for another decade.
Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for what is widely expected to be his final appearance on the world stage as Portugal look to conquer the 2026 World Cup. However, former Premier League manager and Ronaldo’s compatriot Carlos Carvalhal believes careful management of the 41-year-old’s minutes will be the deciding factor in their pursuit of glory.
The tears began to flow down Cristiano Ronaldo's cheeks as soon as the full-time whistle blew at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha on the night of December 10, 2022. The forward was so upset by Portugal's shock World Cup quarter-final loss to Morocco he couldn't even bring himself to acknowledge his side's supporters. The pain was too great. So great, in fact, that he wasn't able to properly express his devastation until the following day - and even then only in a social media post.
Roberto Martinez will step down as Portugal manager following this current World Cup campaign. As his contract expires in late July, the Spanish tactician has decided not to renew. This monumental exit leaves fans wondering if legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo will also end his international career, as he chases the one elusive trophy missing from his cabinet.
Former Portugal winger Nani believes that the entire national team will push themselves beyond their limits to help Cristiano Ronaldo secure the ultimate prize at the 2026 World Cup. Having already lifted three major trophies together, the squad are determined to deliver international glory once more, driven by the global desire to see the legendary forward conquer the world.
Kylian Mbappe is learning how to share the limelight, Frank Leboeuf has told GOAL, with the World Cup-winning Frenchman boasting similar main character energy to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Those qualities are currently illuminating La Liga and the 2026 World Cup, but could they pass through the English Premier League at some point?
Portugal's stars are honouring their late teammate as they prepare for their 2026 World Cup quest in North America. Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of the Selecao squad were spotted wearing special commemorative wristbands during training in Miami as an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota.
Endrick has opened up on the military-like discipline and sacrifices that have defined his career so far, drawing direct parallels between his own professional approach and that of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo. The Brazilian wonderkid is currently focused on the 2026 World Cup as he seeks to secure his long-term future at Real Madrid under the watchful eye of new boss Jose Mourinho.
Former Portugal defender Jose Fonte has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest player of all time, pointing to his longevity and consistency at the highest level. The Euro 2016 winner also revealed how CR7 influenced his own career and backed Portugal to challenge for 2026 World Cup glory.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has robustly dismissed lingering concerns regarding his physical condition at the 2026 World Cup. The legendary forward, who enjoyed a prolific domestic campaign in Saudi Arabia, confidently promised to deliver success and bring immense joy to the Portuguese public.
Brazilian icon Kaka has lifted the lid on his difficult four-year spell at Real Madrid, admitting that many supporters now view him as one of the club's greatest transfer failures. The former Ballon d'Or winner arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu with a massive reputation but struggled to replicate the world-class form he displayed at AC Milan.
Alvaro Morata has lifted the lid on Cristiano Ronaldo's lesser-known side, praising the Portuguese icon's generosity during their time together at Real Madrid. The AC Milan striker recalled the gifts CR7 gave younger team-mates and explained why, after playing alongside him at two clubs, he considers him the greatest player of all time.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has sent a clear message to his squad, including captain Cristiano Ronaldo, by admitting he is still undecided on his starting line-up for their World Cup opener. Despite concluding their warm-up schedule with a victory over Nigeria, the former Everton and Belgium boss insists that places are still very much up for grabs.
After years of build-up, the 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. The best players in the world have descended on the United States, Mexico and Canada with dreams of lifting the most prestigious trophy in global football ahead of the action getting under way in Mexico City.
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