Cristiano Ronaldo telah mendapat lampu hijau untuk kembali berlatih bersama Al-Nassr setelah menjalani program rehabilitasi yang sukses di Madrid dan Riyadh. Bintang asal Portugal tersebut, yang sempat absen akibat cedera otot paha belakang, diperkirakan akan tampil dalam laga Liga Pro Saudi melawan Al-Najma pada Jumat mendatang. Pemulihannya ini menjadi dorongan yang tepat waktu, baik bagi upaya klubnya dalam perburuan gelar juara maupun persiapan Portugal menjelang Piala Dunia 2026.
Mantan bintang Barcelona dan Manchester United, Gerard Piqué, turut angkat bicara mengenai perdebatan abadi antara dua mantan rekan setimnya yang legendaris. Meskipun tetap berpendapat bahwa Lionel Messi memiliki bakat alami yang tak tertandingi dan merupakan pesepakbola terhebat sepanjang masa, Piqué mengakui bahwa Cristiano Ronaldo tak tertandingi dalam hal etos kerja.
Pelatih Portugal, Roberto Martinez, mengungkapkan apa yang akan membuat Cristiano Ronaldo “pensiun”, mengingat penyerang Al-Nassr yang tak kenal usia ini masih tampil prima di usia 41 tahun. Mantan bintang Manchester United, Real Madrid, dan Juventus ini terus mempertahankan performa individu yang luar biasa di level klub. Ia bersiap untuk tampil di putaran final Piala Dunia keenamnya musim panas ini dan belum menunjukkan tanda-tanda akan melambat.
Saat Mohamed Salah bersiap untuk mengakhiri kariernya di Liga Premier, Liga Pro Arab Saudi muncul sebagai tujuan yang paling mungkin bagi pemain berusia 33 tahun tersebut. Meskipun Al-Nassr tetap menjadi klub dengan kekuatan finansial terbesar di kawasan tersebut, muncul pertanyaan mengenai bagaimana pemain asal Mesir itu akan beradaptasi bersama Cristiano Ronaldo. Ikon asal Portugal itu sebelumnya telah meminta agar ada lebih banyak investasi untuk skuad, namun masih ada keraguan apakah ia akan menginginkan bintang global lain yang berbagi sorotan di Riyadh.
Cristiano Ronaldo sudah lama dikaitkan dengan kepindahan yang glamor ke Major League Soccer untuk mengakhiri karier legendarisnya, namun seorang ikon timnas AS meyakini bahwa kesempatan itu sudah terlewat. Seiring sang bintang Portugal melanjutkan perjalanannya di Liga Pro Arab Saudi, muncul pertanyaan apakah ia masih memiliki stamina fisik yang cukup untuk suatu saat bermain di Amerika Utara.
Legenda Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand, ikut angkat bicara dalam perdebatan seputar warisan Neymar, sekaligus menanggapi secara langsung pernyataan mantan rekan setimnya, Wayne Rooney, yang baru-baru ini menyebut bahwa pemain Brasil itu tidak pernah menjadi "pemain kelas atas". Dalam podcast-nya, bek mantan timnas Inggris itu menegaskan bahwa pada masa jayanya, Neymar memiliki bakat dan kemampuan teknis yang setara dengan Lionel Messi dan Cristiano Ronaldo. Meskipun mengakui kehebatan Rooney sendiri, Ferdinand berpendapat bahwa bintang Santos itu pernah menjadi pewaris tak terbantahkan dari takhta sepak bola dunia.
Manchester United, often simply referred to as "United," are one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in the world, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The club was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath. The team changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to its current home, Old Trafford, in 1910.
Famous players
Manchester United have been home to some of the greatest footballers in history. Sir Bobby Charlton, a World Cup winner with England in 1966, is arguably the most iconic figure in the club's history. Other legendary players include George Best, known for his flair and skill, and Eric Cantona, who brought a winning mentality to the club during the 1990s. More recent stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes have also contributed significantly to the club's success.
Honours
Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in English football, having won a record 20 Premier League titles (formerly the First Division). They have also lifted the FA Cup 12 times, the League Cup five times, and the UEFA Champions League three times. The club's dominance in English football was particularly evident during the 1990s and early 2000s under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Managers
Sir Alex Ferguson is undoubtedly the most successful manager in Manchester United's history. He spent 26 years at the club, leading them to an unprecedented era of success. Before Ferguson, managers like Matt Busby and Wilf McGuinness played crucial roles in shaping the club's identity. More recent managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho, have faced the challenge of maintaining the club's high standards.
Stadium
Old Trafford, often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams," is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. With a capacity of roughly 75,000, it is among the largest football stadiums in the United Kingdom. The stadium has hosted numerous major matches, including UEFA Champions League finals and FIFA World Cup matches.
Location
Manchester United are based in the city of Manchester, which is located in the northwest of England. The club's home ground, Old Trafford, is situated in the Trafford borough. Manchester is a major industrial city with a rich footballing heritage.
Owners
In February 2024, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company, INEOS, acquired a significant 25% stake in Manchester United. This acquisition granted Ratcliffe sporting control over the club, placing him in a position to influence key decisions related to its operations.
Ratcliffe has already made a substantial financial commitment to Manchester United. His large investments demonstrate his dedication to the club's success and his willingness to provide the necessary resources for its growth.
Frequently asked questions
When were Mamelodi Sundowns formed?
A young group of players who lived around Marabastad in Pretoria, most notably Frank Motsepe, Roy Fischer, Ingle Singh and Bernard Hartze, formed the club in the 1960s.
Who are the owners of Mamelodi Sundowns?
Mining magnate Patrice Motsepe bought into Sundowns in 2003 and less than a year later raised his stake from 51% to 100% and renamed the club 'Mamelodi' Sundowns.
What is Mamelodi Sundowns stadium called?
The club play home games at either Loftus Versfeld Stadium in central Pretoria, or Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
What are Mamelodi Sundowns nicknames?
The club have a variety of nicknames, including: Bafana ba Style, Masandawana, Ka bo Yellow, Shoe Shine and Piano, and The Brazilians.
How many trophies have Mamelodi Sundowns won?
31 domestic trophies plus one Caf Champions League (2016), one Caf Super Cup (2017) and the African Football League (2023)
How many times have Mamelodi Sundowns won the league?
The club have won a total of 17 league titles under the auspices of the PSL (14) and NSL (3).
Who has made the most appearances for Mamelodi Sundowns?