Cristiano Ronaldo was named as a key reason for Inigo Martinez to join Al-Nassr from Barcelona as the defender opened up on having "enriching conversations" with the Portugal hero. At 40, Ronaldo continues to defy age and expectation. His blistering display against Al-Ittihad served as another reminder that he’s still operating at the highest level.
Karim Benzema and coach Laurent Blanc admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr were just too "strong" for Al-Ittihad. Saudi football’s early-season blockbuster lived up to the hype, but it ended in utter domination from the Riyadh giants as Ronaldo and Sadio Mane got on the scoresheet to beat the reigning champions in their own backyard.
Cristiano Ronaldo shared a defiant message on social media after Al-Nassr's statement win against Al-Ittihad. The clash between two of Saudi football’s heavyweights was billed as a showdown for early supremacy, and it was Ronaldo and Sadio Mane who delivered the knockout blows.
Sadio Mane was able to show off his absolute skill as he led Al Nassr to a 2-0 win over Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad in a top of the table clash. Cristaino Ronaldo also got onto the scoresheet while his former Real Madrid teammate, Benzema, failed to turn up to the event. Al Nassr have now drawn out a three-point lead atop the Saudi Pro League standings.
Benfica's new boss Jose Mourinho has shut down speculation linking Karim Benzema with a sensational return to Europe. While rumours swirled over a January reunion, Mourinho insisted the 37-year-old striker is happy at Al-Ittihad, thriving financially, and unlikely to leave Saudi Arabia, despite his illustrious Real Madrid past and recent form.
Wayne Rooney admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo's brain blew him away as the Manchester United legend hailed his former team-mate's "selfish mentality". The pair formed one of the most devastating partnerships Old Trafford has ever seen, firing United to Premier League and Champions League glory. Yet behind the scenes, differences in mindset and priorities were already bubbling.
Benfica might expect a reunion between newly appointed manager Jose Mourinho and one of his former players at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema. While the former French international is currently playing for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, his contract expires next year, and the club are ready to let him go if the Portuguese side pay a small transfer fee.
Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to play in Europe again, says ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen, with the Portuguese committed to a new two-year contract at Al-Nassr. He is already 40 years of age, with the “spectacular” money on offer in the Middle East expected to ensure that CR7 sees out his record-shattering playing career in the Saudi Pro League.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been told that goalkeepers will want to let in his 1,000th goal, allowing them to join the Portuguese GOAT in the history books. CR7 continues to chase down that personal landmark, with ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen suggesting that the Al-Nassr superstar will be ready to hang up his boots and retire once another record has been broken.
Joao Felix has boldly claimed Al-Nassr will be "closer to the title" in the Saudi Pro League this season, with the Portuguese thriving in an "amazing" team alongside countryman Cristiano Ronaldo. CR7 sounded a "we want more" message after helping to extend a perfect start to the 2025-26 campaign, with Felix very much on board when it comes to trophy chasing.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix stole the show with braces as Al-Nassr put five past Al-Riyadh in a thumping Saudi Pro League win. The hosts barely needed to break sweat before tearing Al-Riyadh apart on Saturday night at Al-Awwal Park. Jorge Jesus' men fresh from thrashing Istiklol 5-0 in the AFC Champions League, carried that ruthless edge into the Saudi Pro League, and Felix set the tone within minutes.
Premier League executive Karren Brady has hit back at bold claims from Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo that the Saudi Pro League is on the same level as the Premier League. Brady admitted she was left “gobsmacked” by the comparisons, insisting the Saudi project is far from matching the Premier League’s global standard in quality, support, and stature.
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.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have enjoyed a long-running rivalry after dominating world football for two decades. Both superstars are now entering the twilight of their careers, with former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen claiming the 40-year-old Portugal international is now in better physical condition than Inter Miami's World Cup winner.
Renan Lodi has unilaterally terminated his contract with Saudi heavyweights Al-Hilal after he was excluded from the list of players registered for the Saudi Pro League. A legal battle between the two parties is set to ensue, as the former Atletico Madrid left-back has vowed to "assert his rights like any worker" after being deprived of the chance to play regularly.
Years before Cristiano Ronaldo became a global icon and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, he made a striking declaration to then Manchester United team-mate Edwin van der Sar. The Dutch goalkeeper, reflecting on former Real Madrid and Juventus forward's early days at Old Trafford, remembers a hungry individual confidently stating he would become the best player in the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo will play on with Portugal for “as long as he wants”, says Ricardo Carvalho, with the 40-year-old frontman expected to lead his country at the 2026 World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has earned 223 caps, remains available for international duty after signing a two-year contract extension with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr.
Wes Brown says Cristiano Ronaldo is “still better than a lot of strikers out there”, with the Portuguese “Superman” expected to keep going until he “breaks down”. There is no sign of the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star calling it quits any time soon, with the evergreen frontman still going strong with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr at 40 years of age.
Aymeric Laporte has lifted the lid on his difficult exit from Al-Nassr, revealing the Saudi club's financial demands almost scuppered his dream return to Athletic Club. The Spain international admitted he felt "in the middle of nowhere" during protracted negotiations but insisted that coming back to Bilbao was always his primary objective.
Al-Nassr managed to keep their 100% Saudi Pro League record this season after beating Al-Kholood 2-0 at Al-Awwal Park with Sadio Mane and Inigo Martinez getting on the scoresheet. Cristiano Ronaldo failed to impress yet again for Faris Najd as he missed an open goal. Regardless, Al-Nassr managed to make it two wins from two.
Former Burnley skipper Josh Brownhill has turned his back on English football after sealing a surprise move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab. The 29-year-old midfielder, who had become a fan favourite at Turf Moor, opted for a new chapter in the Middle East despite strong interest from Premier League rivals Brentford, Wolves and West Ham, as well as Championship heavyweights Leicester City.
Ruben Neves has hit back at a Portuguese magazine over speculation around his relationship with Diogo Jota's widow Rute Cardoso following the Liverpool forward's tragic death.
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