Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to "pack it in" and retire from professional football following the 2026 World Cup rather than attempting a final career move to the United States. Former Arsenal and Sweden midfielder Anders Limpar believes the Al-Nassr superstar should focus on protecting his unmatched legacy rather than testing himself in a league that might provide a harsh reality check.
The age-old debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has seen another heavyweight chime in with a definitive verdict. Despite spending nearly a decade as a teammate and close friend of the Portuguese superstar at Real Madrid, former Brazilian international Marcelo has revealed who truly caused him the most problems on the pitch.
Julian Alvarez has revealed that he channelled his inner Lionel Messi to produce a moment of magic during Atletico Madrid’s Champions League triumph over Barcelona. The Argentine forward curled a sublime free-kick into the top corner at the Spotify Camp Nou, evoking memories of his legendary international team-mate.
Liverpool icon Vladimir Smicer has urged Mohamed Salah to snub the riches of Saudi Arabia in favour of a move to MLS, suggesting the Egyptian could reach the same heights of global superstardom as Lionel Messi in the United States. The former Reds midfielder also believes he has identified the tactical reason behind Salah's uncharacteristic dip in form under Arne Slot this season.
Will the Portuguese star leave through the front door?
The question echoes around the stadium and beyond. Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential departure from Manchester United is the talking point of the football world. Having arrived in 2003 as a raw teenager with a mohawk and departed a decade later as a Ballon d’Or winner, he returned in 2021 eager to add more silverware to his collection. Yet here we are, less than two years on, with rumours swirling that he could once again walk out of Old Trafford.
So what does it mean to “leave through the front door”? In football parlance, it is a phrase that suggests departing on good terms, head held high, reputation intact. It implies gratitude for the memories, respect for the club and its supporters, and a clear path to the next challenge. For a player of Ronaldo’s stature, it also means acknowledging his own legacy while leaving room for the next generation to flourish.
The alternative—slinking out the back way—is unthinkable for a man who has b
Harry Maguire reportedly rejected a lucrative opportunity to join Lionel Messi at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami in favour of signing a one-year contract extension with Manchester United. The 33-year-old defender was due to become a free agent this summer but has now committed to a new deal at Old Trafford, which includes an option for another 12 months.
Kylian Mbappe joined the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Ruud van Nistelrooy in an elite Champions League club after scoring in Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. The Frenchman brought up his 14th goal in Europe for the 2025-26 campaign to give Real hope of a comeback in the second leg at Allianz Arena.
Lionel Messi found himself trending for an unusual reason following Inter Miami's 2-2 draw with Austin. The legendary forward produced a rare misplaced pass that left fans convinced he was still looking for his retired former team-mate Jordi Alba.
From Lionel Messi's Inter Miami having their homecoming spoiled to Julian Hall leading the way for the Red Bulls, MLS delivered another compelling weekend of football
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has joined the long list of sporting icons left in awe of Lionel Messi’s genius on the pitch. The Red Bull driver believes the Argentina and Inter Miami maestro possesses a unique ability to read the game that renders tactical preparation almost useless.
Barcelona icon Ronaldinho has offered a glowing endorsement of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, insisting that the club's legendary No.10 shirt is being "well taken care of" by the academy graduate. Speaking from Miami, the Brazilian reflected on the heavy legacy of the jersey he famously passed to Lionel Messi before praising Yamal’s incredible early impact at the club.