Saudi Pro League news

Karim Benzema has admitted he is unsure whether he will stay at Al-Ittihad beyond this season, confirming European offers are on the table while insisting he has no intention of retiring any time soon. As he approaches 38, the 2022 Ballon dOr winner wants clarity over the club's sporting plans before deciding where he will play next, as he remains determined to continue for at least two more years.

Ballon d’Or winner Lothar Matthaus has explained why he will always side with Lionel Messi in the Argentine icon’s GOAT debate with Cristiano Ronaldo. Two legends of the modern era consider themselves to be the greatest of all-time, but opinion across the rest of the world remains divided. Matthaus knows what it takes to be considered the best player on the planet.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been sent home by Portugal following his red card against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday. Ronaldo received his marching orders on the hour mark, his first dismissal of his international career, having elbowed Ireland defender Dara O'Shea, as the Selecao crashed to a surprise 2-0 defeat at the Aviva Stadium. Portugal remain top of World Cup qualifying Group F despite the loss.

Karim Benzema has fiercely defended actress Lyna Khoudri, his partner, against a far-right activist who criticised her participation in a tribute to the victims of the November 13, 2015 terrorist attack. The Al-Ittihad striker fired back on social media, dismissing the activist as "just an extra in our world" for mistaking the solemn ceremony for a staged performance.

Cristiano Ronaldo has laughed off questions regarding his 1,000th goal being scored in the 2026 World Cup final, suggesting that anybody expecting that to happen has “been watching too many movies”. CR7 admits that such a scenario would be “perfect”, but prefers to keep his focus locked on the present - with the all-time great also reluctant to speculate on his potential involvement at Euro 2028.

Fraizer Campbell has told GOAL, during an exclusive interview, why “incredible specimen” Cristiano Ronaldo could play on for several more years and start moving towards the age of 50. The Portuguese GOAT is still going strong at 40 and has signed a new contract at Al-Nassr. While he has dropped the odd retirement hint, that path is not expected to be trodden any time soon.

It's easy to understand why Cristiano Ronaldo enjoys being interviewed by Piers Morgan. There aren't really any questions, just compliments - and who wouldn't like having their ego massaged for an hour at a time? Morgan also provides the Portuguese with a platform to promote his products. In last week's sycophantic sit-down, for example, the journalist claimed that people tell him that he smells like Ronaldo because he wears his idol's aftershave. Truth be told, though, Morgan spends so much time kissing the Ballon d'Or winner's backside that it would actually be surprising if he smelled like anyone else.

Lionel Messi's Instagram picture of his surprise return to Barcelona has already garnered more likes on Instagram than Cristiano Ronaldo's Nations League celebration post. Messi tearfully bid farewell to Camp Nou in 2021 as Barca's crippling financial crisis left them unable to renew his contract, forcing their greatest ever player to walk away from the club he had called home since boyhood.

Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney reportedly wants to join Tottenham as the England outcast is keen to reunite with Thomas Frank following their successful spell together at Brentford. The forward's transfer to the Saudi Pro League last year was one of the most talked-about deadline day moves of the 2024 summer window. His £40 million ($53m) switch from the Bees was heralded as a new beginning, but just over a year later, whispers of homecoming are beginning to circulate.

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last, as he prepares to grace that tournament for a record-shattering sixth time. The evergreen 40-year-old continues to make himself available for Portugal, but recently stated that retirement may not be too far away. He has now joked that he could prolong his remarkable career for another 10 years.

Cristiano Ronaldo claims to not be overly fussed about winning the World Cup, with his GOAT status already secure, but former Premier League rival Clinton Morrison has exclusively told GOAL that the Portuguese is lying and will want to match Lionel Messi. CR7 will get another shot at savouring glory in 2026, as part of his ongoing efforts to reach 1,000 career goals.

Piers Morgan loves to massage Cristiano Ronaldo's ego. The outspoken British journalist is an insatiable status hunter, and reeled in his biggest fish some time ago with endless public declarations of admiration, eventually building a bromance that has earned him exclusive access to a footballing icon. But it is not one built on the foundation of truth.

Didier Deschamps has confirmed he has received approaches from the Saudi Pro League regarding a coaching role after his tenure with the France national team concludes with the 2026 World Cup. The Bleus boss also categorically denied reports linking him with a return to Juventus or taking over the Brazil national team, reiterating his commitment to his pre-determined departure from the French setup.

Lionel Messi is being backed to emulate the achievements of eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo by also reaching 1,000 career goals. Portuguese superstar CR7 is closing in on that figure while plying his club trade for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Argentine GOAT Messi is also being tipped to hit that notable milestone after signing a contract extension in MLS with Inter Miami.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s former head coach has offered insight into the legendary forward’s mentality and shared why he believes the Portuguese captain could fire his national team to glory in next summer’s World Cup. Hugo Oliveira added that Ronaldo is still desperate to add to his ceaseless goal tally, and his hunger could well see him surpass his 1,000 career goals target.

Cristiano Ronaldo was filmed launching into a sarcastic tirade against the referee during Al-Nassr’s 3–1 victory over Neom in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday. The Portuguese forward always played with his heart on his sleeve and couldn't hide his frustrations despite scoring as his team continued their perfect start to the new league campaign in 2025-26.

Liverpool star Federico Chiesa, who was once a teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, settled the GOAT debate as he picked Lionel Messi over the Al-Nassr star. It’s the question that has divided football fans for nearly two decades, and still, when both legends are at the twilight of their respective careers, the debate rages on. There have been contrasting opinions, but Chiesa has no doubt that the crown belongs to one man, and he is Messi.