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.
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.
The group stage of the 2026 World Cup came to a dramatic conclusion on Saturday, as Austria scored a 96th-minute equaliser against Algeria to qualify for the knockout stage while simultaneously eliminating Iran, who had been set to progress as one of the tournament's third-placed finishers. Elsewhere, Lionel Messi came off the bench to help Argentina maintain their 100 percent winning record with a 3-1 victory over Jordan and, in doing so, the No.10 extended his record-breaking goals tally at the finals to 19.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr has touched down in Miami alongside Georgina Rodriguez to support his father in the final group match against Colombia. The teenager was spotted wearing the iconic Portugal No.7 shirt, a jersey he looks destined to inherit as he continues his own burgeoning football career.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has hit back at suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo should be managed similarly to Lionel Messi or Erling Haaland, labeling such comparisons as "childish." Despite his age, the veteran forward has played every single minute of the Selecao’s World Cup group stage campaign so far.
Portugal helped Colombia make history, but not the kind either side wanted. In one of the priciest matches of the group stage at a sweltering Miami Stadium, Los Cafeteros played the first 0-0 World Cup match in their 100-year history - and Portugal deserved plenty of blame after wasting several clear-cut chances against their South American opponent.
The father of Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot has revealed the close bond and mutual respect shared between his son and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking from the World Cup, Jacinto Teixeira highlighted how a childhood admiration evolved into a genuine friendship during their time together at Old Trafford.
CM Punk joins The Late Run with the belt and proves he’s a serious football head, talking Celtic loyalty, the Rangers rivalry, why Americans tune in for World Cups and a wild Brazil flag story involving armed men. Plus: Messi over Ronaldo, WWE vs soccer trash talk, Ocho’s WrestleMania entrance and footballers who could make it in WWE.
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has been grabbing headlines for more than just his performances on the pitch at the 2026 World Cup. The Portugal international has found himself the subject of significant social media attention after being unofficially crowned the most handsome player at the tournament.
Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has opened up on the reality of sharing a dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the forward is far more personable than his public image suggests. The Class of '92 graduate believes that many people struggle to connect with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner simply because they are intimidated by his legendary status.
Speaking exclusively on the Beast Mode On Podcast, José Mourinho has backed Cristiano Ronaldo and his native Portugal to stake a serious claim for World Cup glory, while ranking England among the favourites. Having recently returned to Real Madrid for a second spell in charge at the Bernabeu, Mourinho has also explained why he is hoping to see Madrid's star names suffer early exits from FIFA's flagship event in North America.
New Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho joins Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On Podcast as he exclusively discusses his sensational return to the Liga giants, the World Cup and whether England can finally end 60 years of hurt, and some of the joyous, and panful, experiences he's had in management to date. Mourinho also chats openly about his time at Tottenham, and the controversial nature of his sacking just days before the League Cup final, among many other intriguing topics in a must-see episode of the award-winning podcast.
Jurgen Klopp has revealed himself to be an enthusiastic observer at the 2026 World Cup, praising the continued dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Liverpool manager was deeply impressed by the way the two veteran stars continue to shape the tournament despite their advanced age.
Anthony Elanga has shared his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, revealing the crucial lessons he learned during their shared time at Manchester United. The Sweden international is relishing the opportunity to feature at the same World Cup as Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, expressing his immense pride at sharing football's grandest stage with the sport's greatest players.
Bruno Fernandes has expressed his relief after Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics by scoring twice in a dominant World Cup victory over Uzbekistan. Following a tough opening draw, Fernandes highlighted the importance of seeing his captain find the back of the net, insisting that Ronaldo remains the ultimate go-to player for their national side.
Fabio Cannavaro has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to prolong his illustrious career after watching Ronaldo dismantle his Uzbekistan side. Following a week of heavy criticism, Ronaldo answered his detractors by making World Cup history, prompting Cannavaro to praise his intelligence and reveal the heartfelt advice he gave him on the international stage.
Rio Ferdinand has furiously defended Cristiano Ronaldo following his impressive two-goal performance for Portugal against Uzbekistan at the World Cup. The former Manchester United defender took to social media to emphatically silence Ronaldo's critics, praising his remarkable longevity, historic scoring records, and unmatched ability to consistently deliver on football's biggest stage.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has heaped praise on Cristiano Ronaldo, describing his captain as an "exemplary" leader following a dominant 5-0 World Cup victory over Uzbekistan. The Al-Nassr superstar netted twice to silence critics who had questioned his role in the national team after a difficult week of external pressure.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has mocked Cristiano Ronaldo following the Portugal icon's "I'm back" declaration during the 2026 World Cup. The legendary Swede questioned why the Al-Nassr forward felt the need to announce his return after scoring twice in Portugal's dominant victory over Uzbekistan.
Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a defiant message to his critics after inspiring Portugal to a dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan at the 2026 World Cup. The legendary forward has revealed the personal toll of the media scrutiny he faced after Portugal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo on matchday one, calling it a "dark week".