Cristiano Ronaldo has not left Riyadh and continues to train with Al-Nassr, debunking reports of a strike. The Portuguese legend remains furious over the club's lack of transfer activity and the controversy surrounding Karim Benzema's proposed move to Al-Hilal, but a return to his homeland has been ruled out as he eyes the MLS or Europe for his next step.
Three years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo stunned the sporting world by joining Al-Nassr. Six months later, the Portuguese trailblazer was joined in the Saudi Pro League by a number of high-profile players, including Karim Benzema, Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte. Some of those superstars were clearly past their prime, but the mere fact that they were willing to move to the Middle East felt significant.
N’Golo Kante has officially completed a dramatic move to Fenerbahce after agreeing to terminate his contract with Al-Ittihad. The French World Cup winner has put pen to paper on a deal until June 2028, returning to European football after FIFA finally granted the green light following an administrative blunder that had initially derailed the switch.
A former team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo has delivered his verdict on the Portuguese legend potentially returning for a third spell at Manchester United. The 40-year-old has reportedly become unhappy at Al-Nassr, believing owners the Public Investment Fund (PIF) have favoured its other three teams ahead of his own. Ronaldo could seek a fresh move in the coming months as he targets hitting 1,000 career goals before he retires.
Mohamed Salah has reportedly emerged as Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad's number one priority to replace Karim Benzema. The Egyptian has long been a target for Saudi Arabian clubs and has endured a disappointing campaign so far, hitting out at Liverpool in December before jetting off to the Africa Cup of Nations. The 33-year-old signed a new contract with the Reds last April but his future is up in the air having only scored six club goals this season.
N'Golo Kante reportedly refused to turn up for training with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad on Tuesday after a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce collapsed. The France international was set to fly to Istanbul to wrap up the transfer, but an administrative error from Al-Ittihad apparently stopped the deal from going through. There is still a chance of the transfer being completed, with Turkiye's transfer window not closing until Friday, February 6.
Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham is being billed as “the one” to make a union between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo possible. Two all-time greats have competed against one another down the years, but have never graced the same team. That ultimate pact may yet happen, with CR7 seeing a move to MLS mooted on the back of his strike action at Al-Nassr.
Ezequiel Garay forms part of an exclusive group of players. The former Real Madrid and Argentina defender has worked alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. That makes him well placed to pass judgement of which of the iconic forwards can be considered the GOAT. It comes as little surprise to find that the South American sides with his fellow countryman.
Fenerbahce have released a scathing statement placing the blame for the collapse of the high-profile swap deal involving N'Golo Kante and Youssef En-Nesyri squarely on Al-Ittihad. The Turkish giants claim a data entry error by the Saudi side in the Transfer Matching System caused the deadline to be missed, leaving the club furious after they had fulfilled all their obligations.
Cristiano Ronaldo has seen his supposed strike action at Al-Nassr branded “strange”, with the Portuguese GOAT reportedly refusing to play for his Saudi Pro League employers. He is tied to the most lucrative contract in world football, but has grown frustrated at business in the Middle East. A move is now being mooted that could put his 1,000 career-goal target at risk.
Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Al-Nassr in the summer, with a move to either Major League Soccer or a return to Europe both options for the Portugal superstar. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United ace has a release clause of €50 million (£43m/$59m) in his contract ahead of the summer window and will not lack for offers if he decide to quit the Saudi Pro League.
Karim Benzema has completed a shock January transfer from Al-Ittihad to Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal on deadline day. The former Real Madrid star was into the final few months of his deal with Al-Ittihad but has now moved on. The proposed move is unlikely to go down well with Cristiano Ronaldo who has been left frustrated by recent transfer activity in the Saudi Pro League.
Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of Al-Nassr's squad for Monday's Saudi Pro League clash against Al Riyadh. Ahead of the game there had been speculation that Ronaldo would refuse to play in the match after being left frustrated by the way the PIF (Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia) is managing the club, particularly in regards to transfers.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence in the Saudi Pro League is reportedly impacting three high-profile deals that were being lined up late in the winter transfer window. Portuguese GOAT CR7 is frustrated at how things are playing out at Al-Nassr and is looking to flex his muscles when it comes to business being done by domestic rivals in the Middle East.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to consider a shock move to Major League Soccer, but not merely to extend his playing career. A leading football finance expert believes the Portuguese icon is "pretty enough" to successfully launch a second career in Hollywood, suggesting a strategic switch to California could be the perfect bridge to enhance his global superstardom after hanging up his boots.
Cristiano Ronaldo could refuse to play for Al-Nassr in their next Saudi Pro League fixture, according to reports in his native Portugal. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is said to be cutting a frustrated figure in the Middle East. With that in mind, the evergreen 40-year-old is considering ruling himself out of contention for selection in a derby date with Al-Riyadh.
Ivan Toney has explained why he followed Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League, with the England World Cup hopeful netting more goals in that division this season than Portuguese GOAT CR7. Toney has also delivered a bold statement regarding the standard of competition in the Middle East and that which he previously graced in the Premier League.
Mexican striker Julián Quiñones continues his red-hot run in the Saudi Pro League, scoring his 17th goal of the season in Al-Qadsiah’s draw against league leaders Al-Hilal. His powerful header in the 76th minute extended his scoring streak to eight straight matches and temporarily lifted him above Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Boot race.
Cristiano Ronaldo got on the scoresheet and Joao Felix was the star of the show as Al-Nassr earnt a fourth straight Saudi Pro League victory in a 3-0 win at Al-Kholood. The win puts Jorge Jesus' side just three points off leaders Al-Hilal and saw Portuguese duo Ronaldo and Felix at the centre of things, as the 40-year-old opened the scoring from close range before Mohamed Simakan headed home a Felix corner and Kingsley Coman struck from the spot to make the result safe.
Manchester United have suffered a major transfer setback as long-term target Ruben Neves is reportedly on the verge of signing a new contract with Al-Hilal. Despite holding talks with the Red Devils in December, the midfielder is in advanced negotiations to remain in Saudi Arabia, ending Michael Carrick's hopes of a January reinforcement.
Tottenham are reportedly exploring a move to rival Inter Milan for Al-Ittihad star Moussa Diaby. The winger swapped Aston Villa for the Saudi Pro League team in a £50 million ($69m) deal in the summer of 2024, but he could be heading back to Europe in 2026. The winger is said to be open to returning to a Champions League club, which boosts Inter and Spurs' chances of signing him.
Former Manchester United star Teddy Sheringham sees no reason why his fellow Red Devils legend Cristiano Ronaldo could not join Lionel Messi in MLS at some stage. The 1999 Treble winner has told GOAL when CR7 could go chasing the American dream, how far beyond the age of 42 the Portuguese GOAT will play, and whether his goals numbers will ever be repeated.
Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema has reportedly refused to play for Al-Ittihad ahead of their Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Fateh. The veteran striker is in his third season at the Jeddah outfit but it seems this could be his last following an apparent dispute with the club. The 38-year-old's contract expires in the summer - however, at this rate, the Frenchman could be leaving before then.
Maya Jama has revealed just how much she is missing boyfriend Ruben Dias while working away in South Africa. The Love Island host shared a fan-made video of the Manchester City star and explained how she had been busy watching it during her daily commute in a bid to get a daily fix of her beau. Meanwhile, Dias is currently back in Manchester but is currently sidelined due to injury.
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Ousmane Dembele has reportedly emerged as a shock target for the Saudi Pro League ahead of the summer transfer window. The Ballon d'Or winner is being eyed for a move in what is being tipped to be the Saudi competition's "biggest deal since Cristiano Ronaldo". Dembele's current PSG contract expires in 2028 and senior Saudi Pro League figures are now preparing a lucrative package to tempt him to the Middle East.
Work has been completed on what could become Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s retirement home, with a stunning €25 million (£22m/$30m) mansion - which is considered to be the “biggest” in Portugal - boasting a spa, private cinema and views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is yet to be determined whether CR7 will actually move into the property.
Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a loved-up message to fiancee Georgina Rodriguez on the occasion of her 32nd birthday. The Argentine-Spanish influencer and entrepreneur has been back in the United States paying another visit to the White House. She was not joined by her partner on this occasion, with Portuguese superstar CR7 busy doing his day job in Saudi Arabia.
Mamadou Niang has disclosed the crucial conversation he had with Sadio Mane that prevented the Africa Cup of Nations final from descending into chaos. The former Marseille striker intervened as the Lions of Teranga walked off the pitch in protest at a late penalty decision, urging his compatriot to ensure the team finished the game "like men" before their eventual dramatic victory.
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