Former Juventus defender Gianluca Frabotta has explained why Cristiano Ronaldo bizarrely took to smelling and chewing grass while in Turin. It was during the reign of Maurizio Sarri that the Portuguese icon indulged in some questionable behaviour, with the tactical demands of an enigmatic coach leaving the five-time Ballon d'Or winner feeling "annoyed".
Cristiano Ronaldo marked another historic milestone in style, scoring a spectacular long-range goal as Al-Nassr demolished Al-Fateh 5-1 in the Saudi Pro League. The 40-year-old reached an unprecedented 800 club career goals before delivering a trademark post-match message that reiterated his belief that hard work is central to everything that he has ever achieved.
Cristiano Ronaldo made amends for a penalty miss by scoring a stunning goal in the second half, while Joao Felix stole the limelight with a sublime hat-trick to help Al-Nassr pick up a thumping 5-1 win over Al Fateh on Saturday in the Saudi Pro League. Jorge Jesus' side maintained their 100 per cent record in the league, as they remained at the top of the table with 15 points from their first five games.
Manchester United star Matthijs de Ligt revealed why the Red Devils have always held a special place in his heart, and it all traces back to two club icons, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edwin van der Sar. Long before he became one of Europeâs most sought-after defenders, De Ligt was just a football-obsessed kid in the Netherlands. He might have come through Ajaxâs legendary academy, but beneath that red-and-white shirt, his footballing heart was always rooted for United.
Cristiano Ronaldo shared a bold new haircut as he showed off his shaved head as he returned to Al-Nassr training in Riyadh this week. The 40-year-old superstar looked every inch the warrior he is with his new look while going through the hard yards on the training pitch. Known for making regular tweaks to his hairstyle down the years, CR7 will hope this latest iteration helps him to deliver yet more success.
Harry Kane has been busy picking out some of his favourite players in quickfire quiz games with GOAL. The England captain named Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as part of his selection, as well as greats such as Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry. Former Three Lions strikers Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch were also on Kane's shortlist, as well as Bayern Munich team-mate Joshua Kimmich.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to complete a "beautiful story" by returning to his roots at Sporting, even if that path is trodden without taking on the No.7 shirt. Ronaldo took his first tentative steps down the road to superstardom in Lisbon and has seen it suggested on a regular basis that he could bring his record-shattering career full circle by finishing where it all began.
Former Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez has opened up on his unexpected bond with Cristiano Ronaldo since joining Al-Nassr. The Spaniard praised the Portuguese iconâs humility, calling him âapproachableâ and obsessed with football, while recalling a touching late-night meeting soon after his arrival at the Saudi Pro League club in the summer transfer window.
Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Old Trafford in some capacity, the Portuguese's former team-mate Danny Simpson has said in an exclusive interview with GOAL, as the five-time Ballon dâOr winner wants to "make Manchester United great again". A third stint with the Red Devils may be taken in once retirement has been reached and a move into directorial posts is explored.
Inigo Martinez has revealed that he "didn't even dare" tell his former coach Hansi Flick about his decision to leave Barcelona over the summer due to their "exceptional" relationship. After playing a major role in Barca's domestic dominance, the ex-Athletic Club centre-back left for the Saudi Pro League to team up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
Casemiro faces a huge call on his ÂŁ375,000-a-week Manchester United contract, according to reports. The Brazil international midfielder has been at Old Trafford since 2022, when he completed a stunning switch to England from La Liga giants Real Madrid. His current deal is running down, with interest from clubs in his homeland and the Saudi Pro League said to have been shown.
Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo finally made good on a promise in the wake of his team's 2-2 draw with Hungary in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday night. The Al-Nassr forward had long promised to swap his shirt with Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai, and the midfielder confirmed after the match that he had finally got his hands on the Portugal icon's jersey.
Raphinha had a phenomenal 2024-25 season, but in the summer of 2024, he was one of the players Barcelona were desperate to offload him. The Brazil international has previously stated that he would've considered a departure because he was struggling mentally. In a recent interview, he reiterated that "the offer from Saudi Arabia really tempted me", but conversations with Hansi Flick changed his mind.
Karim Benzema could be set for a surprise return to Europe, with Turkish giants Fenerbahce making the ex-Real Madrid striker their top January target. After a slow start to the season and a lack of goals, the Istanbul club are reportedly ready to test the waters for the 2022 Ballon dâOr winner, who remains under contract with Al-Ittihad until 2026.
Cristiano Ronaldo is being tipped to fill a future role at Manchester United, after taking in two spells at Old Trafford as a player, with Wes Brown claiming that an executive post for the Portuguese superstar would be âperfectâ. Evergreen Al-Nassr frontman CR7 is not ready to consider a role behind the scenes just yet, with a new two-year contract being committed to in the Saudi Pro League that will take him beyond his 42nd birthday.
Vinicius Junior is no longer "untouchable" at Real Madrid, according to reports, with Los Blancos prepared to sanction a sale if the right offer arrives. That deal would need to smash all kinds of records, with the Spanish giants demanding âŹ250 million (ÂŁ217m/$290m) for their Brazil international forward. Few teams can afford to meet that asking price, but big-spending sides in the Saudi Pro League could.
Pepe has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to keep playing for "many more years", insisting the 40-year-old is still capable of breaking records and defying expectations. Speaking about his former Real Madrid and Portugal team-mate, Pepe said he hopes fans wonât have to face the day the five-time Ballon d'Or winner retires anytime soon, highlighting the enduring impact of the football legend.
Cristiano Ronaldo is âthe biggest brand in the worldâ, according to the vice president of his former employers at Sporting, with the Portuguese GOAT becoming a âone-man showâ. CR7 has become footballâs first billionaire, allowing him to emulate the achievements of legendary figures such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, LeBron James and Tiger Woods. There is no sign of the evergreen Al-Nassr striker slowing down.
Kylian Mbappe has opened up about the strong relationship he has forged with ârole modelâ Cristiano Ronaldo, saying he regularly receives advice from the Portugal superstar. The France forward has made no secret of his admiration for the Real Madrid legend over the years, having followed in his footsteps by becoming the star attraction at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Harry Maguire is reportedly prepared to reject a staggering ÂŁ500,000-a-week offer from Saudi Arabia to stay at Manchester United - but only if the club give him the assurances and new contract he's looking for. The England defender, whose deal expires next summer, is said to be open to extending his stay at Old Trafford if United make clear he remains part of their long-term plans.
Ivan Toney could make a sensational return to the Premier League in a last-gasp bid to be included in England manager Thomas Tuchelâs World Cup plans. Toney left Brentford last year to join Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, but has dropped down the Three Lionsâ pecking order and could make a dramatic move to force his way back in.
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed how hair treatments have played a crucial role in maintaining his trademark confidence, insisting he âwouldnât be the sameâ without his iconic hair. The Portuguese superstar, now 40, admitted that his appearance and self-esteem are closely linked, as he continues to champion health and wellness through his hair care brand in Saudi Arabia.
The Glazer family have finally hinted theyâd consider selling Manchester United but only for a reported mind-blowing ÂŁ5.2 billion. Thatâs more than double the clubâs current ÂŁ2 billion market value, and the clearest signal yet that the Florida-based owners will only budge if a global powerhouse comes knocking on their door with a record-breaking cheque.
Bruno Fernandes continues to see a move to the Saudi Pro League speculated on, but the Manchester United captain reportedly has âno interestâ in completing such a switch at this stage of his career. That will be music to the ears of those at Old Trafford, with the Portuguese playmaker a talismanic presence for the Red Devils while continuing to fill their armband.
Manchester United are reportedly set to offer Harry Maguire a new ÂŁ140k-a-week contract amid a surge in interest from Saudi Pro League clubs. Old Trafford chiefs are in advanced talks to keep the 32-year-old centre-back beyond this season, with his current deal set to expire in just eight months. Despite whispers of an Arabian raid, Unitedâs hierarchy has begun formal discussions with Maguireâs representatives about extending his stay.
Kingsley Comanâs sudden exit from Bayern Munich after years of loyalty shocked fans and raised questions inside the club. The French winger has now broken his silence revealing that not everyone in Munich wanted him to stay, despite manager Vincent Kompanyâs support. His move to Al-Nassr was the result of a fractured Bayern board and financial strain behind the scenes.
Saudi sports promoter Turki Al-Sheikh, who has helped to bring major boxing events to the Middle East, has sensationally claimed that Manchester United are up for sale once more and are âfinalising a dealâ that will see the club passed on to new owners. The Red Devils were involved in a protracted takeover saga throughout 2023 that ended when Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group acquired a 25 per cent stake in the club and took control of football operations at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been backed to keep playing "at least into his mid-40s" by former Premier League rival and England star Joe Cole, who claimed the Portugal legend is "defying medical science". At 40, Ronaldo is still scoring for fun at both club and international level. He has kicked off the 2025-26 campaign on a high, having scored five goals in six matches across all competitions for Al-Nassr.
Joao Felixâs Saudi Arabian adventure has started with fireworks and controversy over his decision. The 25-year-old former Benfica prodigy sparked debate over his career direction when he joined Al-Nassr in July while former team Benfica were chasing him. However, coach Jorge Jesus insists the move was the right call, claiming the Saudi league is âmuch strongerâ than Portugalâs, and says FĂŠlixâs link-up with Cristiano Ronaldo can boost Portugalâs World Cup hopes.
Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved another milestone after becoming the first footballer to become a billionaire. The Portugal superstar has added to his lengthy list of accolades after seeing his net worth reach staggering heights on the back of signing the most lucrative contract extension in sporting history with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr in June.
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