Al Arabi Overview

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has questioned Cristiano Ronaldo's role in the Portugal national team, claiming the veteran forward is being picked out of nostalgia rather than merit. The former Sweden striker believes Goncalo Ramos has shown Portugal should move on after scoring the winner against Croatia.

The 2026 World Cup is well underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long and winding road to be navigated as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL tracks the tournament's most prolific stars.

Cristiano Ronaldo has already run “1,000 marathons” over the course of his career, but Louis Saha has told GOAL that the Portuguese GOAT may have another left in him at the 2030 World Cup. At 41 years of age, the evergreen frontman is currently gracing FIFA’s flagship event for the sixth time. Said tournament will be heading to his homeland in four years’ time.

Luka Modric criticised VAR after Croatia's World Cup exit to Portugal, insisting his side were unfairly treated following a controversial penalty and a disallowed equaliser. The Croatia captain questioned the consistency of officiating and suggested bigger nations receive more favourable decisions.