Cristiano Ronaldo has been told he must accept a reduced role for the Portugal national team if he is to continue his record-breaking international journey. Following the appointment of Jorge Jesus as the new Seleccao boss, former Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has suggested that the legendary forward will no longer be an undisputed starter.
Cristiano Ronaldo is being backed to make the move into Hollywood movies once his playing career comes to a close, with Mikael Silvestre telling GOAL that CR7 should have no problem cracking that industry “if Vinnie Jones can become an actor”. There is no indication that the Portuguese GOAT is ready to head for Los Angeles just yet, but a new challenge will be sought at some point in the not too distant future.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to have taken in their “last dance” at the World Cup finals, former France international Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL. Two all-time greats featured at the 2026 event, as their evergreen exploits thrill audiences across the globe, but Argentina and Portugal may be without their respective GOATs when the 2030 tournament rolls around.
The 2030 World Cup could feature a massive expansion to 64 teams, according to a bold new claim. Following the conclusion of the 48-nation tournament won by Spain, the prospect of an even larger global competition across six host countries is now being openly discussed by high-ranking football executives, setting the stage for a historic centenary celebration.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to announce his retirement from international football after one final appearance for Portugal. The forward is expected to bid farewell to the national team in a Nations League match against Wales, concluding a record-breaking career where he became the most capped player and greatest goalscorer in international football history.
Portugal have been warned they could suffer a major loss in attention and revenue once Cristiano Ronaldo ends his international career. A leading marketing expert believes the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) must prepare a new strategy before the five-time Ballon d'Or winner steps away.
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez has claimed on social media that the 2030 World Cup will expand to an unprecedented 64-team tournament. The bold declaration follows confirmation from Gianni Infantino that FIFA plans to evaluate further expansion after the groundbreaking 48-team 2026 edition in North America.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Instagram account appeared to like an explosive social media post alleging FIFA corruption and claiming officials attempted to hand the 2026 World Cup to Lionel Messi. The viral interaction surfaced before Argentina's final loss to Spain, after a tournament filled with fierce officiating disputes.
And just like that, it's over. After five-and-a-half weeks of breathless action, the 2026 World Cup is beginning to appear in the rearview mirror, the biggest international tournament in football history leaving behind a lifetime of memories while champions Spain continue their own celebrations.
Newly-appointed Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has insisted he will refrain from making wholesale changes to the squad following their premature World Cup exit. The former Al-Nassr manager confirmed that his upcoming selection will closely resemble the previous group, keeping the door firmly open for veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Brazil icon Ronaldo has offered a sobering assessment of Cristiano Ronaldo's longevity, suggesting the veteran forward may no longer be able to cut it at the very highest level of international football. While acknowledging that the Al-Nassr superstar remains a force in the Saudi Pro League, 'O Fenomeno' believes the physical demands of a World Cup are becoming an insurmountable obstacle for the legendary No. 7.
The 2026 World Cup came to a close in New Jersey on Sunday as Spain were deservedly crowned champions after a dour 1-0 win over 10-man Argentina in one of the worst finals in the tournament history. La Roja substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of a game that was essentially attack versus defence even before Enzo Fernandez got himself stupidly sent off for a second yellow card in the final minute of normal time.
The 2026 World Cup is over, and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With the expanded 48-nation tournament coming to a close, following a month of thrilling action in North America, which star has taken home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL lists the tournament's most prolific performers.
Portugal
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