Saudi Pro League news

The South African legend is in the headlines for grim reasons after overseeing what is now the worst result of his coaching career. The humbling defeat to the Teranga Lions has intensified scrutiny on him and left the former FC Porto forward facing a massive task of managing and repairing a dented reputation. Also pressing is the need to regain the trust of the Kenyan football public.

Lionel Messi and Argentina have been told that they were “lucky” to savour World Cup glory at Qatar 2022. All-time great Messi completed his medal collection at that event, as he inspired the Albiceleste to a global title. Wesley Sneijder has suggested that the South Americans were fortunate to claim that crown, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal considered to have a better chance of landing the same prize in 2026.

It remains a possibility that Liverpool could sell Mohamed Salah at some stage, David James has told GOAL, despite the Egyptian superstar signing a new contract at Anfield. Those terms are intended to take the prolific forward through to the summer of 2027, but the odd question has been asked of his output this season and interest from the Saudi Pro League remains.

All you need to know about securing seats to see The Pearls in action this season

Legendary former Real Madrid centre-forward Karim Benzema, who spent the dressing room with Los Blancos head coach Xabi Alonso for five seasons between 2009 and 2014, revealed that he likes the "style of play" implemented by the Spanish manager. Alonso succeeded the iconic Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout at the end of last season and has got off to a good start.

Miami Dolphins star Jack Jones delivered a nod to Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo when gracing the latest NFL International Series game. Said contest took place at Santiago Bernabeu - a venue that Portuguese GOAT Ronaldo once illuminated. Jones took centre stage on this occasion and broke out CR7’s iconic ‘Siuuu’ celebration when delivering his own moment of match-altering brilliance.

Former Al-Nassr forward Anderson Talisca has branded Cristiano Ronaldo "the best in history" while opening up on his experience of sharing a dressing room with the Portuguese legend. Talisca and Ronaldo played together at Al-Nassr for two years before the Brazilian attacker left for Turkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce in January.

Legendary former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has opened up on the possibility of a return to the club, with the Frenchman claiming that he can "never say no" to club president Florentino Perez. Benzema didn't rule out a reunion with his former employers, where he enjoyed a glorious 14-year spell before leaving for Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023.

Karim Benzema has revealed his true feelings about former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo after taking in a supposedly frosty reunion with the Portuguese legend during their respective spells in the Saudi Pro League. Benzema and Ronaldo, who were once colleagues at Santiago Bernabeu, are now in the Middle East with Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr.

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.