Ronaldo Saudi move to signal likely end of elite club career
1 year, 11 months ago

Ronaldo Saudi move to signal likely end of elite club career

Associated Press  

Less than two weeks after his great rival Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo has completed a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr and likely signalled the end of his career in elite club soccer. While Messi finally won the one major trophy that had evaded the two men widely regarded as the greatest players of their generation, after leading Argentina to the World Cup in Qatar, Ronaldo will be playing outside of top level European soccer for the first time in his career. Still it is a major coup for soccer in the Middle East and will add to the debate over Saudi Arabia’s attempts to use so-called “sportswashing” to improve its reputation internationally after its sovereign wealth fund led a buyout of Premier League club Newcastle United last year. By comparison Messi inspired Argentina’s third World Cup triumph, scoring seven goals, including two in the 4-2 penalty shootout win against France in the final after a 3-3 draw through extra time.

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History of this topic

Cristiano Ronaldo's goal not enough as Al-Ittihad defeat Al-Nassr to record ninth successive win
2 weeks, 3 days ago

Cristiano Ronaldo's goal not enough as Al-Ittihad defeat Al-Nassr to record ninth successive win

Firstpost  

Ex-Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema and Steven Bergwijn scored on either side of Ronaldo’s 57th minute strike to help Al-Ittihad move five points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings on Friday. Cristiano Ronaldo wears a dejected look after Al-Nassr lose to Al-Ittihad in their Saudi Pro League meeting on Friday, 6 December. AP Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal …

Ronaldo-less Al Nassr suffer first Asian Champions League loss
3 weeks ago

Ronaldo-less Al Nassr suffer first Asian Champions League loss

Deccan Chronicle  

Cristiano Ronaldo watched on from the stands as already-qualified Al Nassr lost for the first time in this year's Asian Champions League Elite as they were beaten 2-1 in injury time by Qatar's Al Sadd on Monday.The Portuguese star, 39, was reportedly rested for the fixture in Riyadh given the Saudi club had secured their place in the knockout stages …

Ronaldo scores twice in Al-Nassr win
3 weeks, 3 days ago

Ronaldo scores twice in Al-Nassr win

Associated Press  

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Cristiano Ronaldo scored both goals as Al-Nassr defeated Damac 2-0 and kept alive their Saudi Pro League title challenge on Friday. He struck once in each half to ensure Al-Nassr stayed third, five points behind leader Al-Ittihad. In the 16th minute, Ronaldo fired home from the penalty spot after Abdelkader Bedrane handled in the area. The …

Ronaldo scores two goals as Al Nassr win AFC Champions League tie in Qatar
4 weeks ago

Ronaldo scores two goals as Al Nassr win AFC Champions League tie in Qatar

Al Jazeera  

Portuguese star draws 37,000 fans of all ages, nationalities and footballing loyalties to Al Bayt Stadium as Al Nassr beat Al Gharafa 3-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite. The Portuguese superstar, 39, and his Saudi football club Al Nassr were in town to face Qatar’s Al Gharafa Sports Club in an Asian Football Confederation Champions League Elite Group B …

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals true motive behind Saudi move: Want to leave a legacy
1 month ago

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals true motive behind Saudi move: Want to leave a legacy

India Today  

Portugal and Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that his primary motivation for making a shocking move to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 was to leave a lasting legacy. Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr is widely regarded as the turning point for the Saudi Pro League’s global rise. Follow our journey as it unfolds in the Netflix docuseries, …

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to retirement buzz after Poland brace: Want to enjoy
1 month, 1 week ago

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to retirement buzz after Poland brace: Want to enjoy

India Today  

Portugal’s star forward Cristiano Ronaldo recently reflected on his career trajectory, acknowledging that he is approaching retirement age but emphasising his desire to enjoy football without focusing on the end of his journey. Following a stunning brace against Poland that secured Portugal’s spot in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, the 39-year-old reiterated his commitment to performing at the highest level …

New Generation of Stars Emerges as Messi and Ronaldo's Domination Ends
1 month, 3 weeks ago

New Generation of Stars Emerges as Messi and Ronaldo's Domination Ends

Associated Press  

The Ballon d'Or is set to be awarded to Vinicius Junior, the young star who has emerged as a contender for the award. With his stunning performance for Real Madrid, he is considered the favorite to win the prestigious individual award. However, the award's history suggests that it will likely return to a time before Messi and Ronaldo when multiple …

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals retirement plans - and has no intention of being a manager
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals retirement plans - and has no intention of being a manager

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “I don’t know if I will retire soon, in two or three …

Al Nassr vs Al Raed: Cristiano Ronaldo tries to motivate his teammates after poor start to Saudi Pro League
4 months ago

Al Nassr vs Al Raed: Cristiano Ronaldo tries to motivate his teammates after poor start to Saudi Pro League

India TV News  

Cristiano Ronaldo's team Al Nassr didn't get off to a great start in the new season of the Saudi Pro League. Earlier, it was Ronaldo who put Al Nassr in the lead in the 34th minute scoring his 50th goal in 48 games in the Saudi Pro League. Moreover, after being denied a possible winning goal by VAR, Al Nassr …

Cristiano Ronaldo aiming to help Al-Nassr end Al-Hilal's dominance in Saudi league
4 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo aiming to help Al-Nassr end Al-Hilal's dominance in Saudi league

Hindustan Times  

Cristiano Ronaldo is lining up for another Saudi Pro League season with the main aim of helping Al-Nassr end the dominance of Riyadh rival Al-Hilal. Cristiano Ronaldo aiming to help Al-Nassr end Al-Hilal's dominance in Saudi league Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr in December 2022 and has yet to win a domestic trophy with the club. “I'm feeling a lot of …

Cristiano Ronaldo's Saudi Arabia dream turning into nightmare, rejects silver medal after Al Nassr lose to Al Hilal
4 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo's Saudi Arabia dream turning into nightmare, rejects silver medal after Al Nassr lose to Al Hilal

Hindustan Times  

Cristiano Ronaldo’s frustration was evident as he refused to collect his runner-up medal after Al-Nassr’s 4-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup final. Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo, Alex Telles, Abdulrahman Ghareeb and teammates look dejected after losing the penalty shootout and the Saudi King Cup final. Adding to the drama, Al-Hilal fans taunted Ronaldo with chants of "Messi" …

Cristiano Ronaldo back in the global spotlight at Euro 2024 and out to show he’s still a force
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo back in the global spotlight at Euro 2024 and out to show he’s still a force

Associated Press  

Cristiano Ronaldo had tears in his eyes as he walked off the field and seemingly into international retirement. Was this the last time the soccer world would see Ronaldo — one of the game’s greatest-ever players — in a Portugal jersey? He’s been the top goal scorer in 2023 in world football and he makes a total new beginning in …

Cristiano Ronaldo 'reaches out to TWO former Real Madrid team-mates in bid to persuade them to join him at Al-Nassr'... as the forward looks to help his side's Saudi Pro League fortunes
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo 'reaches out to TWO former Real Madrid team-mates in bid to persuade them to join him at Al-Nassr'... as the forward looks to help his side's Saudi Pro League fortunes

Daily Mail  

Cristiano Ronaldo has reached out to two of his former team-mates in a bid to convince them to join him at Al-Nassr, according to a report. The forward has struggled for on-field success since moving to the Saudi Pro League 18 months ago, failing to win a major trophy despite enjoying the luxuries of off-field life in the Middle East. …

Ronaldo in tears after Al-Nassr lose Saudi King's Cup final to Al Hilal on penalties
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Ronaldo in tears after Al-Nassr lose Saudi King's Cup final to Al Hilal on penalties

The Hindu  

Cristiano Ronaldo left the field in tears after his Al-Nassr team lost the King’s Cup final to Al-Hilal and ended a second successive season in Saudi Arabia without any major silverware on Friday. The loss came just four days after the end of a Saudi Pro League season in which Al-Nassr finished second, 14 points behind Al-Hilal. Ruben Neves missed …

With 35 Goals, Cristiano Ronaldo Sets New Saudi Pro League Season Scoring Record
6 months, 3 weeks ago

With 35 Goals, Cristiano Ronaldo Sets New Saudi Pro League Season Scoring Record

News 18  

Cristiano Ronaldo has finished the Saudi Pro League by setting the season goal-scoring record on Monday. Ronaldo scored twice in Riyadh as Al-Nassr defeated Al-Ittihad 4-2 and lifted his league tally to 35, one more than the record in 2019 by Abderrazak Hamdallah. Al-Nassr finished second in the league, 14 points behind local rival Al-Hilal, which won the championship more …

Ronaldo sets Saudi Pro League season scoring record while Al-Hilal finishes unbeaten
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Ronaldo sets Saudi Pro League season scoring record while Al-Hilal finishes unbeaten

Associated Press  

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Cristiano Ronaldo finished the Saudi Pro League by setting the season goal-scoring record on Monday. Al-Nassr finished second in the league, 14 points behind local rival Al-Hilal, which won the championship more than two weeks ago and completed the 34-round league unbeaten on Monday. Al-Ahli, the fourth of the ‘Big Four’ clubs taken over by Saudi …

Cristiano Ronaldo 'wants Bruno Fernandes to join him at Al-Nassr' as the Man United captain is linked with a '£90m move to Saudi Arabia'
7 months, 1 week ago

Cristiano Ronaldo 'wants Bruno Fernandes to join him at Al-Nassr' as the Man United captain is linked with a '£90m move to Saudi Arabia'

Daily Mail  

Cristiano Ronaldo is keen to see Bruno Fernandes leave Manchester United and join him in Saudi Arabia at Al-Nassr at the end of the season, according to reports. Now, it has been revealed Ronaldo is desperate to see Fernandes join him in the Middle East after Al-Nassr made the United star their top transfer target, as reported by The Mirror. …

Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to miss out on silverware AGAIN but how have Al-Hilal crashed his Saudi Pro League party? Jorge Jesus' side are STILL unbeaten and sit 12 points clear at the top - and all
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to miss out on silverware AGAIN but how have Al-Hilal crashed his Saudi Pro League party? Jorge Jesus' side are STILL unbeaten and sit 12 points clear at the top - and all

Daily Mail  

Is it really a problem to have ONE Premier League game move to the USA? podcast Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr side may not be able to catch Al-Hilal this season Former Al-Nassr manager Rudi Garcia once likened Cristiano Ronaldo's lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League to Pele's transfer to New York Cosmos in 1975. Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr look set to …

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are playing on until their late 30s because they 'can't stand each other', Jamie Carragher claims - and insists fans won't see another rivalry like it again
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are playing on until their late 30s because they 'can't stand each other', Jamie Carragher claims - and insists fans won't see another rivalry like it again

Daily Mail  

Carragher says Ronaldo and Messi have been intent on one-upping each other Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have continued to play on because of their competitive spirit which means they 'can't stand each other', claims Jamie Carragher. Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, and Lionel Messi, 36, have played on because they 'can't stand each other', claims Jamie Carragher Carragher says the superstars …

Cristiano Ronaldo: ‘Saudi league is better than Ligue 1’
11 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo: ‘Saudi league is better than Ligue 1’

New York Times  

Cristiano Ronaldo believes the Saudi Pro League has overtaken France’s Ligue 1. In the past year, the Saudi top division has enjoyed significant investment, with several high-profile players including Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, and Fabinho leaving clubs in Europe to move to the Middle East. The 38-year-old forward joined Saudi side Al Nassr in January 2023 and now believes …

Cristiano Ronaldo 'happy' to end 2023 as world's leading goal-scorer, vows to 'try to do it again'
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo 'happy' to end 2023 as world's leading goal-scorer, vows to 'try to do it again'

India Today  

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo said he will try to do it again after finishing as the leading goal-scorer in the world in 2023. The 38-year-old pipped Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane, PSG and France forward Kylian Mbappe, and Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaln to finish as the leading goal-scorer in 2023. Since joining Saudi …

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo set to renew rivalry in February
1 year ago

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo set to renew rivalry in February

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will go head …

Lionel Messi set to face Cristiano Ronaldo one last time after fixture confirmed
1 year ago

Lionel Messi set to face Cristiano Ronaldo one last time after fixture confirmed

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each …

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo's brand-new celebration after completing 50 goals in 2023 as Al Nassr trump Al Shabab 5-2
1 year ago

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo's brand-new celebration after completing 50 goals in 2023 as Al Nassr trump Al Shabab 5-2

Hindustan Times  

Cristiano Ronaldo extended his extraordinary goal-scoring prowess, reaching the milestone of 50 goals in 2023 during Al Nassr's King's Cup clash against Al Shabab on Monday. Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with his teammates during the King Cup quarter-final match Executing a precise right-footed shot from the center of the box to the right bottom corner, the 38-year-old achieved this remarkable feat. …

Lionel Messi Admits His Attraction to Join 'Very Powerful' Saudi Pro League
1 year ago

Lionel Messi Admits His Attraction to Join 'Very Powerful' Saudi Pro League

News 18  

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has admitted he was attracted to joining Cristiano Ronaldo in ‘very powerful’ Saudi Pro League before his transfer to MLS. During the summer, Messi left Paris Saint-Germain and signed a free transfer to join MLS team Inter Miami. Messi has now acknowledged that he seriously considered moving to the Middle East to follow his enduring …

Lionel Messi Named Time's 'Athlete of the Year'
1 year ago

Lionel Messi Named Time's 'Athlete of the Year'

News 18  

Lionel Messi has been named Time magazine’s “Athlete of the Year” for 2023 after a trailblazing season marked by an eighth Ballon d’Or award and his ground-breaking move to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami. “Lionel Messi this year managed to do what once seemed impossible, when he signed with Inter Miami: turning the US into a soccer country,” Time commented. …

Ronaldo walks off to chants of 'Messi! Messi!' as his team loses 3-0 in Riyadh derby
1 year ago

Ronaldo walks off to chants of 'Messi! Messi!' as his team loses 3-0 in Riyadh derby

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Messi!” ringing in his ears …

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr will face Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in February 2024 - reports
1 year, 1 month ago

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr will face Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in February 2024 - reports

The Hindu  

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr will face Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in Riyadh, February 2024 in friendly game for Riyadh Season Cup. Ronaldo moved to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in January 2022 after his second-spell with Manchester United, while Messi was targeted by the same league but the World Cup-winner eventually moved to Inter Miami after his stint at Paris …

Cristiano Ronaldo convinced me to move to Al-Nassr, says Alex Telles
1 year, 1 month ago

Cristiano Ronaldo convinced me to move to Al-Nassr, says Alex Telles

The Hindu  

A chat with Cristiano Ronaldo helped convince Brazilian full back Alex Telles to leave Manchester United and join up with the Portuguese star at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Telles, who won the Europa League last season while on loan at Sevilla, signed a contract until 2025 with Al-Nassr in July. ‭‭”When Al-Nassr talked to me the first time, …

Cristiano Ronaldo scores again: Who has scored the highest number of goals in 2023?
1 year, 2 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo scores again: Who has scored the highest number of goals in 2023?

The Hindu  

The 2022-23 football season has seen two youngsters dominating the scoring charts, which indicates the passing of the baton from the duopoly of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Against Damac FC in the Saudi Pro League, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored from the free-kick after nearly seven months to get yet another goal to his name in 2023. Since …

Less than a year after Ronaldo career seemed in crisis, Portugal on the brink of reaching Euro 2024
1 year, 2 months ago

Less than a year after Ronaldo career seemed in crisis, Portugal on the brink of reaching Euro 2024

Associated Press  

MANCHESTER, England — Cristiano Ronaldo is on the brink of leading Portugal to another major soccer tournament less than a year after his international career appeared to be over. PSG’s loss to Newcastle also raises questions about its credentials to finally win the Champions League — European club soccer’s biggest trophy and one that Mbappe craves. SPAIN’S WONDERKID Barcelona teenager …

All praise for Ronaldo: Mourinho keeps Saudi Arabia options open, praises Cristiano move
1 year, 2 months ago

All praise for Ronaldo: Mourinho keeps Saudi Arabia options open, praises Cristiano move

The Hindu  

Roma coach Jose Mourinho said he fully expects to work in Saudi Arabia one day, after his compatriot, Cristiano Ronaldo, led the way by joining Al-Nassr, with a stream of players subsequently signing for Saudi Pro League teams. The former Chelsea coach said, “I will go to Saudi Arabia in some free time, but I am convinced that I will …

Cristiano Ronaldo to Sergio Ramos: Top 5 legends who returned to their former clubs
1 year, 3 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo to Sergio Ramos: Top 5 legends who returned to their former clubs

The Hindu  

From Sergio Ramos’ emotional return to Sevilla, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United rollercoaster to Didier Drogba’s second stint success with Chelsea, here are five football players who returned to their former clubs. | Photo Credit: REUTERS Cristiano Ronaldo made a surprise return to the Premier League when he returned to Manchester United at the eleventh hour of the 2021 summer transfer …

Solskjaer says Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United move “turned out wrong”
1 year, 3 months ago

Solskjaer says Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United move “turned out wrong”

The Hindu  

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, in an interview with the Athletic, said that the club’s decision to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo “turned out wrong.” Solskjaer was the manager when the Portuguese star arrived for his second United stint in August 2021. “It was a decision that was very difficult to turn down and I felt we had to take …

My rivalry with Lionel Messi is over, says Cristiano Ronaldo
1 year, 3 months ago

My rivalry with Lionel Messi is over, says Cristiano Ronaldo

The Hindu  

Cristiano Ronaldo weighed in on his rivarly with archnemesis Lionel Messi and said that the duo “changed the history of football”. He has done well from what I’ve seen and so have I,” said Ronaldo during Portugal’s press conference ahead of the World Cup Euro 2024 qualifier against Slovakia. FOLLOW THE EURO 2024 QUALIFYING MATCH LIVE HERE: Slovakia vs Portugal …

Ronaldo ‘wants more’ with Portugal after record-breaking 850th career goal
1 year, 3 months ago

Ronaldo ‘wants more’ with Portugal after record-breaking 850th career goal

The Hindu  

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo said on Wednesday he wants to go “even further” after becoming the first player to score 850 career goals with Saudi club side Al-Nassr. FOLLOW THE EURO 2024 QUALIFYING MATCH LIVE HERE: Slovakia vs Portugal LIVE SCORE “I want more,” the forward told a press conference before training with the national side at Oeiras, on the …

Everybody Called Him ‘Crazy’: Neymar Jr Credits Cristiano Ronaldo For Revolution in Saudi Pro League
1 year, 4 months ago

Everybody Called Him ‘Crazy’: Neymar Jr Credits Cristiano Ronaldo For Revolution in Saudi Pro League

News 18  

Brazilian star Neymar has credited Cristiano Ronaldo to bring a revolution to Saudi Pro League as several stars from European football made sensational moves to Saudi in the ongoing summer transfer window. Neymar joined the likes of Karim Benzema, N’golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane to make a move to Saudi this summer. The Saudi Pro League …

VIDEO: Neymar credits Cristiano Ronaldo for Saudi Pro League transformation
1 year, 4 months ago

VIDEO: Neymar credits Cristiano Ronaldo for Saudi Pro League transformation

The Hindu  

Cristiano Ronaldo is responsible for transforming the Saudi Pro League, according to Brazil forward Neymar who is looking forward to facing the Portuguese international when he starts playing for Al-Hilal. Neymar transfer to Al Hilal - Timeline of Brazilian striker’s club career Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, joined Al-Nassr in December on a two-and-a-half-year contract following his acrimonious departure …

Saudi Pro league set to kick off new dawn for football
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi Pro league set to kick off new dawn for football

The Hindu  

When the new Saudi Pro League season kicks off on Friday, it will herald a new dawn for football in the Gulf kingdom which has spent close to half a billion dollars luring top players and coaches from traditional European powerhouses. Al-Ahli, in particular, is one of the few clubs that has benefited from the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s project …

Watch: Sadio Mane joins Cristiano Ronaldo in trademark 'Siu!' goal celebration
1 year, 4 months ago

Watch: Sadio Mane joins Cristiano Ronaldo in trademark 'Siu!' goal celebration

Hindustan Times  

Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane have joined forces at Al Nassr, forming the most dangerous frontline in a summer transfer window that has seen a great influx of talent to the Saudi Pro League. Video has captured Ronaldo doing the trademark move, with Mane parroting him in the background Ronaldo enjoyed the presence of a new top-quality winger alongside him, …

US Monastir 1-4 Al Nassr Highlights: Cristiano Ronaldo sets new record with goal in Arab Club Champions Cup, King Salman Cup news
1 year, 4 months ago

US Monastir 1-4 Al Nassr Highlights: Cristiano Ronaldo sets new record with goal in Arab Club Champions Cup, King Salman Cup news

The Hindu  

MATCH PREVIEW Cristiano Ronaldo’s side Al Nassr will look to return to winning ways when it faces Tunisian side US Monastir at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Al Nassr has failed to secure a win in its last five games and has suffered damaging losses to Celta Vigo and Benfica with a 0-5 and …

'What's better than to get Messi?': Wayne Rooney takes aim at Ronaldo over MLS criticism
1 year, 5 months ago

'What's better than to get Messi?': Wayne Rooney takes aim at Ronaldo over MLS criticism

Hindustan Times  

Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent remarks regarding the quality of the Saudi Arabian Pro League as compared to the American MLS have caused great debate in the world of football. Ex-Man United stars Rooney and Ronaldo played together against Messi’s Barcelona in two Champions League finals Ronaldo’s timing of these comments was of interest, as he made it soon after Lionel Messi’s …

Saudi league is much better than the MLS, says Cristiano Ronaldo
1 year, 5 months ago

Saudi league is much better than the MLS, says Cristiano Ronaldo

The Hindu  

The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remains intact even with the football stars now plying their trade on different continents. One day after Messi, the 36-year-old Argentinian forward, was officially signed by Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, Ronaldo took a verbal shot at his longtime foe, maintaining that his new league in Saudi Arabia is better than the …

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss
1 year, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss

Associated Press  

MANCHESTER, England — Missing out on Lionel Messi hasn’t slowed Saudi Arabia’s ambitious recruitment drive as the oil-rich kingdom tries to establish itself as a viable destination for the world’s top players. World Cup and Champions League winner N’Golo Kante became the latest stellar player to head to the lucrative Pro League, signing a three-year contract Wednesday to team up …

UEFA president Čeferin dismisses idea of threat to European soccer from big-spending Saudis
1 year, 6 months ago

UEFA president Čeferin dismisses idea of threat to European soccer from big-spending Saudis

Associated Press  

GENEVA — European soccer should not be afraid of a player exodus to Saudi Arabian clubs, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said Sunday, suggesting the country was making a mistake investing in stars at the end of their careers. Čeferin was asked by Netherlands broadcaster NOS if he was scared of a player exodus, and answered emphatically: “No, no, no.” “I …

Cristiano Ronaldo is left OUT of Opta's Saudi Pro League team of the season
1 year, 6 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo is left OUT of Opta's Saudi Pro League team of the season

Daily Mail  

Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally been left out of Opta's Saudi Pro League team of the season after a mixed debut season playing in the Middle East. Al-Nassr finished second in the Pro League standings, five points behind eventual title winners Al-Ittihad who on Thursday unveiled Ronaldo's former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema as their latest acquisition. Cristiano Ronaldo has been …

Karim Benzema signs for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad: club source
1 year, 6 months ago

Karim Benzema signs for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad: club source

The Hindu  

Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema has signed for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad for three years starting next season, a source in the Jeddah-based club told AFP on Tuesday. The announcement comes days after Real Madrid announced that the 35-year-old was leaving the club after 14 seasons, the day after coach Carlo Ancelotti had said there was “no doubt” Benzema’s …

Saudi Arabian soccer league to get more state funding from policy backed by crown prince MBS
1 year, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabian soccer league to get more state funding from policy backed by crown prince MBS

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Cristiano Ronaldo is already in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s push to attract the world’s best players entered another phase Monday when the sovereign wealth Public Investment Fund took a majority ownership stake in four of the country’s top clubs, including Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. Monday’s announcements seemed to effectively nationalize the top level of domestic soccer as a state …

‘I will continue’: Cristiano Ronaldo says he’ll stay at Al Nassr
1 year, 6 months ago

‘I will continue’: Cristiano Ronaldo says he’ll stay at Al Nassr

The Hindu  

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo pledged to remain in Saudi Arabia next season on Thursday despite failing to land any silverware since his lucrative move to the oil-rich kingdom. Ronaldo’s January signing for Al Nassr has been followed by speculation about how long he will stay, including reports of a swap deal with Saudi-owned Newcastle United which has now qualified for …

No swag, but Al-Nassr’s Ronaldo puts swagger in Saudi football
1 year, 6 months ago

No swag, but Al-Nassr’s Ronaldo puts swagger in Saudi football

The Hindu  

Cristiano Ronaldo’s first season in Saudi Arabia ended with a whimper, but with hundreds of millions in wages and unprecedented attention on Saudi football, he may not be the last megastar to grace the oil-rich kingdom. Ronaldo scored 14 goals including five penalties but it was a “disappointing season” for the Riyadh club, said Moqbel Al-Zabni, editor-in-chief of the Saudi …

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