Saudi Pro League news

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".

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

Inigo Martinez has revealed that he "didn't even dare" tell his former coach Hansi Flick about his decision to leave Barcelona over the summer due to their "exceptional" relationship. After playing a major role in Barca's domestic dominance, the ex-Athletic Club centre-back left for the Saudi Pro League to team up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.

Casemiro faces a huge call on his £375,000-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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.