Cristiano Ronaldo endured a night to forget in the United Arab Emirates as Al-Nassr were dismantled 4-0 by Al-Ain in a shocking AFC Champions League Elite display. The Portuguese forward, who is chasing his 980th career goal, could only watch as his side were systematically picked apart by the two-times Asian champions.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has handed Al-Taawoun severe penalties after offensive chants referencing the tragic passing of Diogo Jota echoed from the stands during a league fixture. Disciplinary chiefs have imposed a substantial financial penalty alongside a two-game stadium closure following the appalling incident against Al-Hilal.
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has firmly dismissed sensational speculation linking the German club with a move for veteran striker Karim Benzema. Despite widespread reports suggesting direct contact between both parties following the forward's release in Saudi Arabia, the Rhineland hierarchy have ruled out any late market swoop.
Cristiano Ronaldo may be “slower” than he was, at 41 years of age, but Gus Poyet has told GOAL why the Portuguese GOAT can play for as long as he wants in the Saudi Pro League. The ex-Chelsea and Tottenham star has spent time coaching in the Middle East and sees no reason why a global superstar pursuing another notable milestone should consider hanging up his boots any time soon.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has expressed his shock following pointed criticism regarding the departures of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli during a hectic summer window. The Gunners boss found himself in the firing line after both players left north London under a cloud of frustration and public questioning.
Saudi Pro League stars Sadio Mane and Julian Quinones have earned landmark nominations for the 2026 Ballon d'Or following superb domestic and international campaigns. The Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah forward duo lead a strong RSL contingent recognised by France Football, with goalkeepers Yassine Bounou and Edouard Mendy also shortlisted for the Yashin Trophy.
The stage is set for what could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final opportunity to conquer Asia as the Asian Champions League prepares to kick off next week. With the Saudi Pro League having invested billions to transform the regional landscape, Al-Nassr and their domestic rivals are determined to keep the continent's most prestigious trophy in Riyadh or Jeddah.
The “shared legacy” that exists between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi means that both men will want to reach 1,000 competitive career goals, former MLS star Shaka Hislop has told GOAL. CR7 is closest to hitting that milestone at present, while turning out for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, but a fellow GOAT on the books of Inter Miami is not far behind.
Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi has jumped to the defence of his superstar attackers after the Saudi giants saw their historic 47-game unbeaten league run come to a crashing halt. Despite fielding a frontline worth over $200m, the league leaders slumped to a shock 2-0 defeat against Neom at the Kingdom Arena.
Cristiano Ronaldo transitioning into the Hollywood movie industry cannot be ruled out, Shaka Hislop has told GOAL, even if the Portuguese GOAT finds himself operating as “Vinnie Jones’ sidekick”. At 41 years of age, the Al-Nassr superstar is heading towards retirement and speculation is rife regarding what he will do next - with it possible that the big screen awaits.
Joao Felix was left furious following Al-Nassr's dramatic 2-1 defeat against rivals Al-Ittihad on Saturday evening, threatening to lift the lid on the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese forward made the fiery outburst while walking towards the team bus, as Ange Postecoglou's side suffered their first league loss of the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo was caught on camera cheekily spying on tactical instructions held by opponent Danilo during a Saudi Pro League clash. The hilarious moment brought smiles to both players on the pitch, but Ronaldo was left frustrated as Al-Ittihad held on to hand Al-Nassr their first defeat of the season in a fiercely contested 2-1 thriller.
Ellie Watkins has admitted she is still in shock after her husband Ollie completed a stunning €60 million transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The England international left Aston Villa after six successful years, prompting an emotional farewell from his family as they relocate to Riyadh.
Gabriel Martinelli has completed a £60 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after being frozen out of the Arsenal squad. The Brazilian winger posted a heartfelt farewell message to the Gunners, but conspicuously omitted manager Mikel Arteta following a reported rift between the pair.
Gabriel Martinelli has officially ended his seven-year association with Arsenal, completing a blockbuster £60m move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal. The Brazilian forward, who was a pivotal figure in the Gunners' recent Premier League title success, makes the switch after being frozen out of the first-team picture by Mikel Arteta at the start of the new campaign.
Ange Postecoglou has revealed that the opportunity to coach Cristiano Ronaldo was a major factor in his decision to take charge of Al Nassr. The Australian manager believes working with the Portuguese superstar adds another remarkable chapter to his own managerial journey.
Folarin Balogun could be heading to Turkey or Saudi Arabia after his $45 million transfer to Everton sensationally collapsed. The United States men's national team forward abruptly abandoned the Premier League switch following significant complications during his medical, leaving Monaco scrambling to find a new buyer.
Former Al-Nassr defender Alvaro Gonzalez has provided an interesting perspective on Cristiano Ronaldo's character away from the spotlight, describing the Portuguese icon as approachable behind closed doors. However, the Spaniard revealed that a dramatic switch occurs on the pitch, where the forward transforms into a fierce competitor driven to succeed.
For some football fans, the summer is the part of the calendar that they look forward to the most - and that's not just because it's filled by a World Cup every four years! Rather, it's because the end of the season means only one thing: It's time for transfers! The 2026 window once again proved to be exceptionally busy, with some huge names making big-money moves all the way up to Deadline Day on September 1.
England forward Ollie Watkins announced his arrival in the Saudi Pro League in style, coming off the bench to score on his debut in Al-Hilal's convincing 3-0 triumph over Al-Ahli. The £51 million summer signing from Aston Villa sealed all three points with a late header, maintaining the league leaders' perfect start to the domestic campaign.
Darwin Nunez has finally broken his silence on a turbulent period in Saudi Arabia, describing his final months at Al-Hilal as a situation he wouldn't wish on any fellow professional. The Uruguayan striker looks to have turned a corner after securing a temporary move away from the Riyadh giants to find regular first-team football.
Karim Benzema’s adventure in the Saudi Pro League has come to an abrupt and unexpected end, with Al-Hilal confirming the termination of his contract by mutual consent on Monday. The former Real Madrid icon and 2022 Ballon d’Or winner leaves the Riyadh giants after just six months, casting serious doubt over whether he will continue his professional playing career.
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