Roberto Martinez has dismissed any suggestion that Cristiano Ronaldo's move to the Saudi Pro League has diminished his effectiveness on the international stage. Following a scouting mission to Riyadh, the Portugal head coach expressed his admiration for the veteran striker’s enduring hunger and physical condition as he prepares for another World Cup.
The World Cup has been the home of some of the very best players in football's history so it is little surprise that the subject of the best goal at the tournament is so hotly debated. Diego Maradona, Pele, and even Benjamin Pavard would put forward their own arguments for the prize, but which of them come out on top, if any?! GOAL guides you through the 15 best goals in the World Cup finals.
Sebastian Soria is on the verge of making World Cup history as the Qatar veteran has been named in Julen Lopetegui's preliminary squad for the 2026 tournament. At 42 years old, the forward is poised to eclipse the long-standing record held by Cameroon icon Roger Milla as the oldest outfield player to ever grace the competition, opening the door for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has opened up on the relentless drive of Cristiano Ronaldo. Approaching the twilight of his career, the legendary forward remains fiercely dedicated. Martinez insists the veteran is no longer motivated by financial rewards or adding to his vast trophy cabinet, but rather by an insatiable, unique hunger for continuous personal improvement.
Former Portugal manager Paulo Bento has admitted his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo deteriorated during their time together with the national team. The coach says he refused to compromise his principles despite tensions with the star forward.
Lionel Messi has provided a surprising assessment of the international landscape ahead of the 2026 World Cup, suggesting that several nations are currently better equipped than Argentina to lift the trophy. The Inter Miami superstar identified four specific rivals he believes are entering the tournament in superior form compared to the defending champions, including Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo could grace the 2030 World Cup, former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has told GOAL, as a home finals in Portugal are “not too far” away for the history-making GOAT. The Al-Nassr superstar may be 41 years of age, but the evergreen frontman has proved over the course of his remarkable career that anything is possible and he likes nothing more than making a mockery of biological and sporting logic.
Cristiano Ronaldo is still hoping to become a team-mate of eldest son Cristiano Junior, with former Manchester United colleague Louis Saha telling GOAL that it is “easier” for CR7 to live that “dream” than it was for LeBron James in NBA circles. One GOAT has already made professional sport a family business, with it possible that another could follow that lead.
Mateus Mane continues to generate plenty of interest at Wolves, with Michael Gray telling GOAL that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has already asked questions of the teenage wonderkid. Several other heavyweight outfits are said to be monitoring the talented 18-year-old, who faces some big decisions on his future at club and international level.
Cristiano Ronaldo has candidly admitted that the final whistle on his legendary career is approaching fast. The Portuguese icon, now 41, remains the driving force behind Al-Nassr’s pursuit of silverware, but has acknowledged that his time at the top is naturally reaching its conclusion.
Cristiano Ronaldo could still star in the Champions League at 41 years of age, the Portuguese GOAT’s former Manchester United team-mate Louis Saha has told GOAL. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is now plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, is considered to have “three things” that make him “unique” and capable of gracing any stage.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has set his sights on delivering the 2026 World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo as the ultimate tribute to the iconic forward's career. The midfielder believes winning the global showpiece would be the perfect way to reward his long-time team-mate for his unparalleled contribution to the sport.
Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro has identified the unique trait that allows Cristiano Ronaldo to remain a dominant force in world football as he nears his sixth World Cup finals. The former Al-Nassr sporting director insists that the 41-year-old’s professional discipline makes him a certainty to lead the Portugal attack during the upcoming tournament.
Will the Portuguese star leave through the front door?
The question echoes around the stadium and beyond. Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential departure from Manchester United is the talking point of the football world. Having arrived in 2003 as a raw teenager with a mohawk and departed a decade later as a Ballon d’Or winner, he returned in 2021 eager to add more silverware to his collection. Yet here we are, less than two years on, with rumours swirling that he could once again walk out of Old Trafford.
So what does it mean to “leave through the front door”? In football parlance, it is a phrase that suggests departing on good terms, head held high, reputation intact. It implies gratitude for the memories, respect for the club and its supporters, and a clear path to the next challenge. For a player of Ronaldo’s stature, it also means acknowledging his own legacy while leaving room for the next generation to flourish.
The alternative—slinking out the back way—is unthinkable for a man who has b
Hearts sensation Claudio Braga has seen his stock rise meteorically this season, and the 26-year-old striker now finds himself on the verge of a dream Portugal call-up. As Roberto Martinez monitors the forward's progress in Scotland ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a unique conundrum has emerged regarding his goal celebration, which he copied from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a superb backheel goal in training for Al-Nassr ahead of his return to competitive action. The Portuguese superstar looks sharp and ready for the Saudi Pro League restart after a spell on the sidelines due to a muscular injury.
Bruno Fernandes grabbed two assists and Joao Felix got on the scoresheet as Portugal saw off the United States, 2-0, on Tuesday. The Selecao grabbed goals either side of half-time, and were disciplined in between to ease to a win in Atlanta. Manager Roberto Martinez would have liked to have had Cristiano Ronaldo at his disposal, but he will take heart from the fact that his side got the job done without their main man.
The U.S. played with more intensity and created a fair number of chances to get something from the game, but they never quite got the final details right on either side of the field
Portugal
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
