Portugal news

Diogo Jota’s two sons will accompany the matchday mascots when the late striker’s former clubs Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers meet at Anfield on Saturday. The Premier League fixture is the first time the two teams have met since the Portugal international died - alongside his brother Andre Silva - in a car crash in the Spanish province of Zamora in July.

Ronaldo took his first tentative steps down that path while on the books of Manchester United, having joined the Red Devils from Sporting in 2003. He won the Premier League title at Old Trafford, along with the first of five Champions League crowns and a handful of Ballons d’Or.

Frank Leboeuf knows what it takes to win the World Cup and he has told GOAL that he hopes 2026 “is dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo” when it comes to another bid for global glory. FIFA’s flagship event is heading to the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Portugal being advised on how best to handle their evergreen frontman when it comes to collective efforts to steal a prestigious trophy away from Lionel Messi and Argentina.

Discover the 2026 World Cup dates, match schedule, group standings, results and every channel broadcasting the tournament.

Roberto Martinez has outlined why Cristiano Ronaldo is still an undisputed starter for the Portugal national team. Ronaldo turns 41 in February but captains the Selecao and is expected to play a prominent role for Martinez's side at the 2026 World Cup next summer. And the Portugal boss has explained that the staff analyse 'three pillars' to determine his continued selection.

Cristiano Ronaldo is aiming to become the first player in history to score 1,000 professional goals, but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez does not view it as a "goal". The Portugal captain, whose career has been defined by shattered records and relentless ambition, has his sights set on finishing at the very top, yet those closest to him insist the pursuit of the landmark milestone is not driving his every move.

The 2026 World Cup will offer plenty of chances for some legends to be born, but will also be a platform on which big stars might burn out.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has come to the aid of Bruno Fernandes, saying the midfielder is only on the receiving end of “lazy” criticism because he is in the spotlight as the club’s talisman. The Red Devils captain has been told he - like Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo - is an easy target for scorn because of his “enormous” contribution at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo will, much like eternal rival Lionel Messi, want to be "the number one" when the day comes to retire. Former Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo admits as much, with Portuguese GOAT CR7 not ready for the "last word" just yet. He still has targets to chase down, with the plan being to compete for World Cup glory in the summer of 2026.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has shared his thoughts on whether the Portugal national team is better off without veteran talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. The legendary forward turned 40 back in February but is aiming to play a key role for his team at World Cup 2026. There have been suggestions that Portugal may be stronger without their ageing superstar, who only scored once in five games at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Erling Haaland has been put in an exclusive club, with the Manchester City striker considered to be one of few players that are capable of chasing down Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo when it comes to goal output. Messi and Ronaldo, who continue to dominate GOAT debates, are considered to have "changed the game" and put down serious markers for the next generation.

Cristiano Ronaldo could soon become a part of one of the biggest film franchises of the modern era, as Fast & Furious star Vin Diesel confirmed on social media that a role has been written for CR7 in the next instalment of the American movie series. Portugal and Al-Nassr superstar Ronaldo, 40, is nearing the end of his playing career and previously announced in April of this year that he was launching his own film studio alongside Matthew Vaughn.

Cristiano Ronaldo could, if he extends his international career beyond the 2026 World Cup, be in line for a reunion with Jose Mourinho. That is because the self-anointed ‘Special One’ is considered to be a guaranteed pick as next manager of the Portugal national team. Mourinho is currently with Benfica, with his recent struggles on the trophy-winning front being explained.