Argentina faces a testing transition period as it attempts to move on from Lionel Messi's international retirement. Question marks also hang over the futures of Coach Lionel Scaloni and several aging players. Argentina currently has no fixtures scheduled for the two-week later this month but the Argentinian federation is reportedly planning a possible farewell match for Messi, the country's record holder with 125 goals in 207 games. The post Messi departure leaves Argentina facing rebuild after golden era appeared first on Soccer America.
The veteran forward enjoyed one of his most successful seasons in Saudi Arabia, helping Al-Nassr reach new heights while adding yet another remarkable achievement to an already overflowing collection of honors. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to add to an already impressive career, even as he is gearing up for what looks likely to be his final World Cup with Portugal. The veteran forward enjoyed one of his most successful seasons in Saudi Arabia, helping Al-Nassr reach new heights while adding yet another remarkable achievement to an already overflowing collection of honors. The latest recognition comes after a campaign filled with goals, decisive performances, and moments that reminded everyone why Ronaldo remains one of the sport’s most influential figures. While attention is increasingly turning toward the 2026 World Cup, one unforgettable moment from his club season has once again placed him firmly in the spotlight. The 2025-26 campaign proved to be one of Ronaldo’s most productive seasons since arriving in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese star played 30 league matches, scored 28 goals, and contributed two assists as Al-Nassr captured the Saudi Pro League title. His influence stretched far beyond the numbers. Time and again, he delivered in crucial moments, helping the club maintain consistency throughout a demanding title race that was only settled on the final day of the season. Across all competitions, Ronaldo finished with 30 goals and four assists in 37 appearances, underlining his ability to remain among soccer’s elite scorers despite entering his fifth decade of life. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. The title-clinching moment arrived with a convincing 4-1 victory over Damac. The 41-year-old forward scored twice in that decisive match, helping his side secure its first league crown in several years and giving supporters a season they will remember for a long time. The moment that captured the imagination Although Ronaldo produced numerous goals throughout the campaign, one stood above the rest. In November 2025, during a home match against Al-Khaleej, the Al-Nassr captain delivered a spectacular overhead kick that instantly became one of the most talked-about goals of the season. The strike came late in a 4-1 victory and left supporters inside the stadium in disbelief. Meeting a cross from Nawaf Boushal inside the penalty area, the Portuguese superstar launched himself into the air before connecting perfectly with the ball. The finish combined athleticism, timing, and technique, creating a moment that quickly spread across social media platforms worldwide. The Saudi Pro League has the best goal of the century, and they know it 😭 pic.twitter.com/NhdAgidX1L— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) June 9, 2026 The goal became an instant favorite among fans and generated millions of views online. Even in an era where spectacular goals appear regularly, this effort felt different because of the player producing it and the stage of his career at which it arrived. The accolade revealed That unforgettable strike has now received official recognition. Cristiano Ronaldo’s overhead kick against Al-Khaleej has been named the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League Goal of the Season. The award was decided through a public vote that featured every weekly goal winner from across the campaign. Ronaldo’s bicycle kick emerged as the clear winner, collecting 34 percent of all votes cast. 🇵🇹 @Cristiano's legendary bicycle kick vs Al Khaleej has been voted your @BSF_sa Goal of the Season for 2025-26 🌟#FansChoiceAwards pic.twitter.com/Up5KPyCk4y— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) June 9, 2026 The recognition also means the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has secured back-to-back Goal of the Season awards, having previously won the honor for his stunning volley against Al Riyadh during the 2024-25 campaign. According to the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo’s overhead kick was described as one of the greatest goals of his career and on
With Jesus officially stepping away from the project after winning the Saudi Pro League title, the search for his successor is now one of the biggest stories surrounding the club. Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus may have just delivered one of the most memorable seasons in recent Al-Nassr history, but attention has already shifted toward the next major decision facing the Saudi champion. With Jesus officially stepping away from the project after winning the Saudi Pro League title, the search for his successor is now one of the biggest stories surrounding the club. The uncertainty has fueled widespread speculation, with several high-profile managers linked to the vacancy. While names continue to circulate in reports across Europe and the Middle East, a new update suggests the timeline for appointing the next coach is becoming clearer. Jesus’ departure did not come as a surprise to those inside the club. The Portuguese manager had already revealed that his stay in Riyadh was always intended to be short-term, even before the season began. “It is true that I am not going to continue in Saudi Arabia,” Jesus said after the title-clinching victory. The veteran coach explained that the decision had been planned from the start and that the physical and emotional demands of the campaign influenced his choice to step away. His final match could hardly have been more fitting. Al-Nassr secured the Saudi Pro League crown with a commanding 4-1 victory over Damac, with Ronaldo scoring twice as the club celebrated its first league title since 2019. The achievement completed a promise Jesus had made when he accepted the role. According to the manager, helping Ronaldo finally win the Saudi championship was one of the key reasons he agreed to take charge. “I told him: I only accept this Nassr project because of you. We are both going to win the championship and you will leave here with a title. That is what happened.” Ronaldo now waits for the next chapter With the title secured and Jesus gone, the focus has shifted to identifying the manager who will lead the club into a new era. Reports suggest Ronaldo is expected to have a significant voice in the process, given his influence within the project and his importance to the club’s future plans. Among the names linked with the position, perhaps none has generated more attention than Pep Guardiola. The possibility of seeing Guardiola and Ronaldo together at club level would represent one of the most remarkable managerial moves in recent soccer history. Reports indicate that early exploratory contact has been made, although no agreement has been reached. Guardiola remains a dream target rather than an imminent appointment. Meanwhile, Abel Ferreira has also emerged as a strong candidate. His success in South America, including multiple Copa Libertadores triumphs, has strengthened his reputation as a manager capable of handling pressure and expectations. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates victory with Roberto Martinez, Manager of Portugal. Perhaps the most intriguing option is Roberto Martinez. Having already worked closely with Ronaldo as Portugal coach, Martinez is familiar with the demands of managing elite players and is highly respected within soccer circles. The World Cup factor While supporters continue debating the merits of each candidate, a crucial detail has emerged regarding the timeline. According to former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie on X (formerly Twitter), the club wants to complete the process relatively soon. However, the situation is complicated by the international calendar. Several coaching targets are involved with national teams or could become available only after the 2026 World Cup concludes, creating uncertainty about the final decision. This is particularly relevant in the case of Roberto Martinez, who is currently leading the Portuguese national team and would not be expected to become available until after the tournament concludes. At the same ti
While Jorge Jesus delivered the trophy that had eluded the club for years, a closer look at the numbers raises an intriguing question about whether he was actually the coach under whom Ronaldo performed at his highest level. Cristiano Ronaldo finally achieved one of his biggest objectives in Saudi Arabia when Al-Nassr captured the Saudi Pro League title under Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese manager arrived with a clear mission, and after guiding the club to the championship, he chose to walk away from the project with his promise fulfilled. The achievement marked a historic moment for both Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. However, while Jorge Jesus delivered the trophy that had eluded the club for years, a closer look at the numbers raises an intriguing question about whether he was actually the coach under whom Ronaldo performed at his highest level. Jorge Jesus officially stepped down shortly after leading Al-Nassr to the Saudi Pro League crown. The title was secured with a commanding 4-1 victory over Damac on the final day of the season, a match that saw Ronaldo score twice and play a decisive role in the celebrations. Speaking after the triumph, Jesus explained that helping the 41-year-old win the league had been one of the main reasons he accepted the position in the first place. “I came here to help Cristiano and this club to win,” the veteran coach said. “We did an incredible job all together… now for me it’s time to go.” A week has passed… the feeling hasn’t 💛😮💨 pic.twitter.com/Eomko4gG4m— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 29, 2026 The veteran manager revealed that he had planned his departure long before the season ended. Thus, he is said to have informed club officials and Ronaldo at the beginning of the project that he intended to stay for only one campaign. Ronaldo’s numbers under each Al-Nassr coach His success ultimately delivered Al-Nassr’s first league title since 2019 and restored belief among supporters who had endured several disappointing seasons. However, while Jesus achieved the ultimate objective, statistics suggest that Ronaldo’s most productive spell may have come under a different manager. Since arriving at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has played under five different coaches. The numbers reveal some surprising differences in terms of goals, assists, and overall attacking output. Under Rudi Garcia, Ronaldo recorded 11 goals and two assists in 12 matches. During Dinko Ilicic‘s brief tenure, he managed three goals in seven appearances. The most productive period came under Luis Castro, where Ronaldo produced 54 goals and 16 assists in 56 matches. Under Stefano Pioli, he registered 31 goals and two assists across 35 games. Meanwhile, under his compatriot Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo finished with 30 goals and four assists in 38 matches, helping Al-Nassr secure the league title. CoachMatchesGoalsAssistsGoal ContributionsGC per MatchRudi Garcia12112131.08Dinko Ilicic73030.43Luis Castro565416701.25Stefano Pioli35312330.94Jorge Jesus38304340.89 The coach who got the best out of Ronaldo statistically When comparing total goal contributions per game, the figures point clearly toward Luis Castro as Ronaldo’s most effective coach at Al-Nassr. Castro oversaw 70 goal contributions in 56 matches, producing an impressive average of 1.25 goal contributions per game. Ronaldo also achieved his best goals-per-match ratio during that period, scoring at a rate of 0.96 goals per game. By comparison, CR7 averaged 0.89 goal contributions per game under Jorge Jesus, despite the team ultimately lifting the league trophy. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s most prolific soccer outside of Europe may have arrived under Castro, but the long-awaited championship finally arrived under Jesus.
The Saudi Pro League triumph has already sparked discussions about the next phase of the project in Riyadh, with major internal changes and ambitious new targets now emerging behind the scenes. Cristiano Ronaldo finally achieved one of his biggest objectives in the Middle East after guiding Al-Nassr to the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title, ending years of frustration and bringing the club its first league crown since 2019. The triumph has already sparked discussions about the next phase of the project in Riyadh, with major internal changes and ambitious new targets now emerging behind the scenes. The Saudi side sealed the championship dramatically on the final day of the season with a commanding 4–1 victory over Damac at Al-Awwal Park. Ronaldo delivered a decisive brace, while Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman added goals in a performance that perfectly captured the attacking strength the club showed throughout the campaign. Al-Nassr finished the season with 86 points from 34 league matches, narrowly edging fierce rivals Al-Hilal by two points in one of the closest title races in recent Saudi Pro League history. The club also finished as the league’s most dangerous attacking side after scoring an impressive 91 goals across the season. The championship carried enormous emotional significance for the 41-year-old superstar after several difficult seasons in Saudi Arabia. Despite his remarkable scoring numbers since arriving in Riyadh, major trophies had repeatedly slipped away from him in league races, domestic cup competitions, and continental tournaments. Only days before lifting the Saudi title, the club had suffered another painful setback after losing the AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka. That defeat placed even greater pressure on the squad heading into the final league fixture against Damac. Jorge Jesus leaves after fulfilling his promise The title celebrations also marked the end of Jorge Jesus’ short but memorable spell in Riyadh. The Portuguese coach officially stepped down immediately after helping the club secure the championship, having reportedly planned from the beginning to remain for only one season. Jesus later confirmed that helping Ronaldo become Saudi champion had always been one of his main objectives at the club. “I came here to help Cristiano and this club to win,” Jesus said after the celebrations. “We did an incredible job all together… now for me it’s time to go.” What a journey. What a chapter. 🏆💛Obrigado, Mister 🙏🏼#ChampionStateOfMind pic.twitter.com/kVKSnRXkRX— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 28, 2026 The veteran manager admitted the challenge had been one of the toughest of his career because of the quality of Al-Hilal and the expectations surrounding the project. His tactical approach transformed the team into one of the most balanced and aggressive sides in Saudi soccer. “When I accepted this challenge, I knew it would be extremely difficult,” Jesus explained. “To beat Al Hilal, we had to become much better than everybody else. And we did that because we built a very united group.” His departure now leaves Al-Nassr searching for a new permanent manager at one of the most important moments in the club’s modern history. Al-Nassr’s next major objective finally revealed While winning the Saudi Pro League represented a huge achievement, it is already clear that the club’s ambitions are growing even larger. According to the club’s former Legal Department Manager, Saad Al-Subaie, the strategy for next season has already been approved internally with a long-term vision focused on sustained dominance. The primary goal will now be building a squad capable of competing for and winning the AFC Champions League Elite. Club officials reportedly view continental success as the next major step in establishing Al-Nassr among the elite clubs in Asian soccer. Edouard Mendy of Al Ahli lifts the AFC Champions League Elite trophy with teammates. Retaining the Saudi Pro League title and competing for addition
Among the biggest talking points are teammates Inigo Martinez and Abdulrahman Ghareeb, whose situations have become increasingly important as the club prepares for another demanding season. Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic Saudi Pro League triumph with Al-Nassr may have ended years of frustration, but attention in Riyadh has already shifted toward the futures of several important figures inside the squad. Among the biggest talking points are teammates Inigo Martinez and Abdulrahman Ghareeb, whose situations have become increasingly important as the club prepares for another demanding season. Ronaldo finally lifted the Saudi Pro League trophy after scoring twice in a decisive 4-1 victory over Damac on the final day of the season. The win secured Al-Nassr’s first league title since 2019 and gave the Portuguese superstar the domestic crown he was originally signed to deliver. The title-winning campaign brought relief and celebration across Al-Nassr after years of near misses, yet uncertainty still surrounds parts of the squad despite the success. With contracts approaching critical deadlines and transfer interest growing, the club now faces key decisions that could shape the next stage of Ronaldo’s journey in Saudi Arabia. What does the future hold for Inigo Martinez? While Ronaldo grabbed most of the headlines, many inside Saudi soccer believe defender Inigo Martinez quietly became one of the most influential figures in the squad throughout the season. The experienced Spaniard played a major role in stabilizing Al-Nassr defensively during the title race. Martinez featured in 43 matches across all competitions, scoring four goals while logging more than 3,700 minutes. His leadership and consistency quickly made him one of the first names on the team sheet. Inigo Martinez of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring Reports from Arriyadiyah now suggest that the Spaniard has already informed Al-Nassr management of his desire to remain at the club for another season. According to those reports, the defender plans to activate the extension clause included in his current agreement before the end of June. The clause reportedly allows for an automatic one-year extension if the player meets the required participation percentage and personally approves the continuation. Formal procedures are expected to be completed in the coming days. That development represents a major boost for Al-Nassr, especially after Martinez established himself as one of the defensive leaders of the squad. Several supporters even described his arrival as a turning point in the club’s title-winning campaign. What does the future hold for Abdulrahman Ghareeb? While Martinez appears increasingly likely to stay, Abdulrahman Ghareeb’s future seems to be moving in the opposite direction. The Saudi winger is approaching the end of his contract on June 30, and negotiations over a renewal have become complicated. According to reports from Al-Bilad newspaper, Al-Ittihad is now close to reaching an agreement with Ghareeb on a three-year contract. The move could reportedly be finalized within days if negotiations continue progressing smoothly. Abdulrahman Ghareeb of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring against Damac. Previous reports from Saudi journalist Saad Al-Subaie indicated that Ghareeb was seeking an annual salary worth around 15 million riyals ($4 million) in order to either remain at Al-Nassr or join another club. That financial demand appears to have complicated discussions with the Riyadh side. Losing Ghareeb would represent a notable change for the squad, especially considering his role as one of the recognizable Saudi players inside the team. At the same time, Al-Nassr’s management continues balancing financial strategy with the desire to maintain a championship-caliber roster around Ronaldo.
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