Cristiano Ronaldo has slammed critics who questioned Joao Felix’s decision to join Al-Nassr, branding them 'idiots' after a Portuguese podcast mocked the forward’s move. Felix left Chelsea this summer for Saudi Arabia in a £26 million deal and has already impressed. Ronaldo, who has been central to Al-Nassr’s project, leapt to his team-mate’s defence on social media.

Lionel Messi has been sent "it's done" advice after choosing to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo and extend his remarkable playing career. With CR7 extending his Al-Nassr contract at 40 years of age, Argentine icon Messi is expected to tread a similar path by agreeing fresh terms with Inter Miami in MLS. Neither of the all-time greats are ready to consider retirement any time soon.

Erling Haaland is being backed to rise above Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League goal stakes, making more history in the process. The prolific Manchester City striker has become the fastest man to 50 efforts in elite European competition, with Pep Guardiola expecting the Norway international to go on and set a new all-time benchmark.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s one-time Manchester United team-mate Giuseppe Rossi has great admiration for the Portuguese superstar, but admits that he prefers to talk about Lionel Messi. American-born Rossi - who spent time in England, Spain and the United States during his playing days - has offered a slightly different take on the long-running GOAT debate.

Cristiano Ronaldo may have sat this one out, but Al-Nassr showed they are far more than just a one-man show. On opening night of the AFC Champions League, the Saudi powerhouse dismantled Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol with a ruthless 5-0 win at Al Awwal Park. The absence of their talismanic forward barely registered, as Jorge Jesus’ side showcased their attacking firepower with five different players getting on the scoresheet.