Saudi Pro League

Saudi Pro League news

Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United

Private chef & coming back 'massive': How Utd moulded Ronaldo

Danny Simpson has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, detailed how Manchester United helped to mould Cristiano Ronaldo into a global superstar. The Portuguese icon took his first tentative steps towards greatness while at Old Trafford, with often surprising work behind the scenes - which left the odd team-mate confused - helping to turn CR7 into the phenomenon that he is today.

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Brits Abroad: Contrasting Klassiker for Kane & Jobe

GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave the comforts of the United Kingdom in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.

Cristiano Ronaldo IShowSpeed

📽️ | Ronaldo directs IShowSpeed in drum beating celebration

Cristiano Ronaldo was spotted directing IShowSpeed in drum beating celebrations after Al-Nassr's 5-1 victory over Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday. YouTube sensation IShowSpeed, who is known to be a Ronaldo super fan, was spotted at the stands in Riyadh as he watched Ronaldo score a thunderous goal and help take Al-Nassr four points clear at the top of the league table.

Cristiano Ronaldo Juventus

Why Ronaldo ate grass at Juve! Bizarre behaviour explained

Former Juventus defender Gianluca Frabotta has explained why Cristiano Ronaldo bizarrely took to smelling and chewing grass while in Turin. It was during the reign of Maurizio Sarri that the Portuguese icon indulged in some questionable behaviour, with the tactical demands of an enigmatic coach leaving the five-time Ballon d'Or winner feeling "annoyed".

Al Nassr v Al Fateh - Saudi Pro League

Ronaldo posts epic message after Al-Nassr stunner

Cristiano Ronaldo marked another historic milestone in style, scoring a spectacular long-range goal as Al-Nassr demolished Al-Fateh 5-1 in the Saudi Pro League. The 40-year-old reached an unprecedented 800 club career goals before delivering a trademark post-match message that reiterated his belief that hard work is central to everything that he has ever achieved.

Joao Felix Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr

Felix bags hat-trick & Ronaldo scores stunner in Al-Nassr win

Cristiano Ronaldo made amends for a penalty miss by scoring a stunning goal in the second half, while Joao Felix stole the limelight with a sublime hat-trick to help Al-Nassr pick up a thumping 5-1 win over Al Fateh on Saturday in the Saudi Pro League. Jorge Jesus' side maintained their 100 per cent record in the league, as they remained at the top of the table with 15 points from their first five games.

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Man Utd star De Ligt reveals why he supports the Red Devils

Manchester United star Matthijs de Ligt revealed why the Red Devils have always held a special place in his heart, and it all traces back to two club icons, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edwin van der Sar. Long before he became one of Europe’s most sought-after defenders, De Ligt was just a football-obsessed kid in the Netherlands. He might have come through Ajax’s legendary academy, but beneath that red-and-white shirt, his footballing heart was always rooted for United.

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Ronaldo shows off bold new look in return to Al-Nassr training

Cristiano Ronaldo shared a bold new haircut as he showed off his shaved head as he returned to Al-Nassr training in Riyadh this week. The 40-year-old superstar looked every inch the warrior he is with his new look while going through the hard yards on the training pitch. Known for making regular tweaks to his hairstyle down the years, CR7 will hope this latest iteration helps him to deliver yet more success.

Harry Kane Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi

📽️ | Messi & Ronaldo get shoutouts as Kane names his favourites

Harry Kane has been busy picking out some of his favourite players in quickfire quiz games with GOAL. The England captain named Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as part of his selection, as well as greats such as Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry. Former Three Lions strikers Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch were also on Kane's shortlist, as well as Bayern Munich team-mate Joshua Kimmich.

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 2025

Ronaldo back at Sporting without No.7? 'Beautiful story' plea

Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to complete a "beautiful story" by returning to his roots at Sporting, even if that path is trodden without taking on the No.7 shirt. Ronaldo took his first tentative steps down the road to superstardom in Lisbon and has seen it suggested on a regular basis that he could bring his record-shattering career full circle by finishing where it all began.

Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr 2025-26

Ronaldo 'lives football to the fullest', says ex-Barcelona defender

Former Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez has opened up on his unexpected bond with Cristiano Ronaldo since joining Al-Nassr. The Spaniard praised the Portuguese icon’s humility, calling him “approachable” and obsessed with football, while recalling a touching late-night meeting soon after his arrival at the Saudi Pro League club in the summer transfer window.

Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United

Ronaldo return? CR7 wants to 'make Man Utd great again'

Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Old Trafford in some capacity, the Portuguese's former team-mate Danny Simpson has said in an exclusive interview with GOAL, as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wants to "make Manchester United great again". A third stint with the Red Devils may be taken in once retirement has been reached and a move into directorial posts is explored.

Casemiro Manchester United 2025-26

Casemiro facing huge call on ÂŁ375k-a-week Man Utd contract

Casemiro faces a huge call on his ÂŁ375,000-a-week Manchester United contract, according to reports. The Brazil international midfielder has been at Old Trafford since 2022, when he completed a stunning switch to England from La Liga giants Real Madrid. His current deal is running down, with interest from clubs in his homeland and the Saudi Pro League said to have been shown.

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Ronaldo fulfils promise to Liverpool star after Portugal clash

Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo finally made good on a promise in the wake of his team's 2-2 draw with Hungary in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday night. The Al-Nassr forward had long promised to swap his shirt with Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai, and the midfielder confirmed after the match that he had finally got his hands on the Portugal icon's jersey.

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Raphinha explains why he rejected 'really tempting' Saudi Arabia offer

Raphinha had a phenomenal 2024-25 season, but in the summer of 2024, he was one of the players Barcelona were desperate to offload him. The Brazil international has previously stated that he would've considered a departure because he was struggling mentally. In a recent interview, he reiterated that "the offer from Saudi Arabia really tempted me", but conversations with Hansi Flick changed his mind.

Karim Benzema Al-Ittihad 2024-25

Benzema made top transfer target for Turkish giants

Karim Benzema could be set for a surprise return to Europe, with Turkish giants Fenerbahce making the ex-Real Madrid striker their top January target. After a slow start to the season and a lack of goals, the Istanbul club are reportedly ready to test the waters for the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who remains under contract with Al-Ittihad until 2026.

Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United 2022

'Perfect for him' - Ronaldo tipped to fill future role at Man Utd

Cristiano Ronaldo is being tipped to fill a future role at Manchester United, after taking in two spells at Old Trafford as a player, with Wes Brown claiming that an executive post for the Portuguese superstar would be “perfect”. Evergreen Al-Nassr frontman CR7 is not ready to consider a role behind the scenes just yet, with a new two-year contract being committed to in the Saudi Pro League that will take him beyond his 42nd birthday.

Vinicius Junior Real Madrid 2025-26

Vini Jr isn't untouchable! Real would sanction €250m transfer

Vinicius Junior is no longer "untouchable" at Real Madrid, according to reports, with Los Blancos prepared to sanction a sale if the right offer arrives. That deal would need to smash all kinds of records, with the Spanish giants demanding €250 million (£217m/$290m) for their Brazil international forward. Few teams can afford to meet that asking price, but big-spending sides in the Saudi Pro League could.

Portugal v Slovenia: Round of 16 - UEFA EURO 2024

Ronaldo backed to continue for 'many years' by former team-mate

Pepe has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to keep playing for "many more years", insisting the 40-year-old is still capable of breaking records and defying expectations. Speaking about his former Real Madrid and Portugal team-mate, Pepe said he hopes fans won’t have to face the day the five-time Ballon d'Or winner retires anytime soon, highlighting the enduring impact of the football legend.

Cristiano Ronaldo LeBron James

‘CR7 biggest brand in the world’ - Football’s first billionaire

Cristiano Ronaldo is “the biggest brand in the world”, according to the vice president of his former employers at Sporting, with the Portuguese GOAT becoming a “one-man show”. CR7 has become football’s first billionaire, allowing him to emulate the achievements of legendary figures such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, LeBron James and Tiger Woods. There is no sign of the evergreen Al-Nassr striker slowing down.

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'He gives me advice' - Mbappe reveals chats with idol Ronaldo

Kylian Mbappe has opened up about the strong relationship he has forged with “role model” Cristiano Ronaldo, saying he regularly receives advice from the Portugal superstar. The France forward has made no secret of his admiration for the Real Madrid legend over the years, having followed in his footsteps by becoming the star attraction at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Fulham v Manchester United - Premier League

Maguire to turn down ÂŁ500k-a-week offer amid Man Utd talks

Harry Maguire is reportedly prepared to reject a staggering ÂŁ500,000-a-week offer from Saudi Arabia to stay at Manchester United - but only if the club give him the assurances and new contract he's looking for. The England defender, whose deal expires next summer, is said to be open to extending his stay at Old Trafford if United make clear he remains part of their long-term plans.

Al Ahli v Kawasaki Frontale: AFC Champions League Elite Final

Toney back in the Prem? Al Ahli striker targeting Jan return

Ivan Toney could make a sensational return to the Premier League in a last-gasp bid to be included in England manager Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans. Toney left Brentford last year to join Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, but has dropped down the Three Lions’ pecking order and could make a dramatic move to force his way back in.

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'It's better to do things with hair!' - Ronaldo opens up

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed how hair treatments have played a crucial role in maintaining his trademark confidence, insisting he “wouldn’t be the same” without his iconic hair. The Portuguese superstar, now 40, admitted that his appearance and self-esteem are closely linked, as he continues to champion health and wellness through his hair care brand in Saudi Arabia.

Avram Glazer and Sir Jim Ratcliffe of Man Utd

Revealed: The eye-watering fee the Glazers want for Man Utd

The Glazer family have finally hinted they’d consider selling Manchester United but only for a reported mind-blowing £5.2 billion. That’s more than double the club’s current £2 billion market value, and the clearest signal yet that the Florida-based owners will only budge if a global powerhouse comes knocking on their door with a record-breaking cheque.

Bruno Fernandes Manchester United 2025-26

Revealed: Fernandes transfer stance amid Saudi interest

Bruno Fernandes continues to see a move to the Saudi Pro League speculated on, but the Manchester United captain reportedly has “no interest” in completing such a switch at this stage of his career. That will be music to the ears of those at Old Trafford, with the Portuguese playmaker a talismanic presence for the Red Devils while continuing to fill their armband.

Chelsea FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League

Man Utd set to offer ageing star new ÂŁ140k-a-week contract

Manchester United are reportedly set to offer Harry Maguire a new £140k-a-week contract amid a surge in interest from Saudi Pro League clubs. Old Trafford chiefs are in advanced talks to keep the 32-year-old centre-back beyond this season, with his current deal set to expire in just eight months. Despite whispers of an Arabian raid, United’s hierarchy has begun formal discussions with Maguire’s representatives about extending his stay.

Al-Nassr v Al-Ahli - Saudi Super Cup Final

Coman claims Bayern wanted him to go as winger explains Al-Nassr move

Kingsley Coman’s sudden exit from Bayern Munich after years of loyalty shocked fans and raised questions inside the club. The French winger has now broken his silence revealing that not everyone in Munich wanted him to stay, despite manager Vincent Kompany’s support. His move to Al-Nassr was the result of a fractured Bayern board and financial strain behind the scenes.

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Man Utd sale? Saudi promoter says Red Devils 'finalising deal'

Saudi sports promoter Turki Al-Sheikh, who has helped to bring major boxing events to the Middle East, has sensationally claimed that Manchester United are up for sale once more and are “finalising a deal” that will see the club passed on to new owners. The Red Devils were involved in a protracted takeover saga throughout 2023 that ended when Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group acquired a 25 per cent stake in the club and took control of football operations at Old Trafford.

Frequently asked questions

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have won the Ligue 1 title 12 times, more than any other club. Their first win was in 1986, and they claimed their record-breaking 12th title in 2023, surpassing AS Saint-Etienne.

The Ligue 1 consists of 18 teams since the 2023-24 season, prior to which 20 teams took part in the league. The inaugural season of the French first division in 1932-33 also consisted of 20 teams, divided in two groups of 10 teams each.

Mickael Landreau holds the record for the most Ligue 1 appearances, with 618 matches as a goalkeeper. His career spanned nearly two decades, playing for clubs like Nantes, Paris Saint-Germain, Lille, and Bastia.

Delio Onnis holds the record as the all-time top scorer in Ligue 1 with 299 goals. Playing as a centre-forward, his remarkable goal-scoring feats spanned the 1970s and 1980s, where he starred for clubs like AS Monaco and Reims, making him a legend in French football.

As of 2024, Dimitri Payet holds the record for the most assists in Ligue 1 history, with a total of 130 assists. The attacking midfielder achieved this milestone during his successful stints with several clubs, including Marseille and Lille.

Pierre Braine holds the record of being the oldest player in Ligue 1 history, aged almost 45 years in a Ligue 1 game in 1945.

At 15 years and 225 days, Kalman Gerencseri is the youngest player in Ligue 1 history. The Frenchman played for Lens against Monaco in a Ligue 1 game in 1960.

Notable players who have graced Ligue 1 include legends like Zinedine Zidane, George Weah, Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe.

Prominent managers in Ligue 1 include Arsene Wenger, Laurent Blanc, Carlo Ancelotti, Adi Hutter, Luis Enrique, etc.

The Orange Velodrome in Marseille is the largest stadium in Ligue 1, with a capacity of 67,394 spectators. Home to Marseille since 1937, it is renowned for its electric atmosphere and hosting significant football events in France.

Neymar is indeed the most expensive player in Ligue 1 history. His transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 was valued at a record €222 million, which remains the highest transfer fee ever paid for a player.