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.

Lionel Messi has been sent "it's done" advice after choosing to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo and extend his remarkable playing career. With CR7 extending his Al-Nassr contract at 40 years of age, Argentine icon Messi is expected to tread a similar path by agreeing fresh terms with Inter Miami in MLS. Neither of the all-time greats are ready to consider retirement any time soon.

Erling Haaland is being backed to rise above Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League goal stakes, making more history in the process. The prolific Manchester City striker has become the fastest man to 50 efforts in elite European competition, with Pep Guardiola expecting the Norway international to go on and set a new all-time benchmark.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s one-time Manchester United team-mate Giuseppe Rossi has great admiration for the Portuguese superstar, but admits that he prefers to talk about Lionel Messi. American-born Rossi - who spent time in England, Spain and the United States during his playing days - has offered a slightly different take on the long-running GOAT debate.