Sporting CP defeated FC Porto 1-0 in Taça de Portugal. The fixture is part of the Semi-finals stage in the 2025 season. The match was played at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. C. Pereira officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Sporting CP vs FC Porto meeting in Taça de Portugal with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Sporting CP and FC Porto. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Taça de PortugalRecorded meetings: 20 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Sporting CP defeated FC Porto 1-0 in Taça de Portugal. The fixture is part of the Semi-finals stage in the 2025 season. The match was played at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. C. Pereira officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Sporting CP vs FC Porto meeting in Taça de Portugal with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Sporting CP and FC Porto. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Taça de PortugalRecorded meetings: 20 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise […] Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise as a raw 19-year-old winger at Manchester United. It’s a stark departure from the version of Ronaldo that dominated the series for the better part of two decades. Between FIFA 17 and FIFA 19, he sat at a career-high 94 overall, a level matched by only a handful of players in the game’s history. Even as his output tailed off in his mid-to-late 30s, EA Sports kept him in elite territory well into his time at Al Nassr, refusing to nerf him below 84 until this year’s edition. The decline has been gradual but steady. His rating dropped a single point across FC 25 and FC 26 (85 in both), then fell again this year to 84, continuing a slide that began in earnest once he left Europe for the Saudi Pro League in early 2023. The Saudi Pro League’s best. But who deserves the top spot?The Top 27 rated @SPL players in #FC27 are here. Now, let the debate begin.Pre-order today: https://t.co/HCrRKgAJWR pic.twitter.com/ZXy3Tlp8iM— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) August 19, 2026 FIFA 23 marked the first real inflection point, when EA slashed his card from an initial 90 down to 87 mid-cycle following the Al Nassr transfer, a rating cut that set the tone for everything since. Despite the drop, Ronaldo’s 84 overall still ranks as the highest base cards ever assigned to a 41-year-old in the franchise’s history. Whether EA Sports FC 27 ends up being his final appearance in the series remains to be seen, but for now, the numbers tell the story of a decline two decades in the making. Cristiano no longer the Saudi Pro League’s top-rated player For the first time since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t the highest-rated player at the Saudi Pro League. According to the latest EA Sports FC 27 ratings, Ruben Neves now tops the league pecking order with an 85 overall, edging out Ronaldo’s 84. Even so, Ronaldo remains comfortably the highest-rated player at Al Nassr. His 84 overall sits well clear of the club’s next-best cards, João Felix (83), Iñigo Martinez (83), and Kingsley Coman (83), all a full point behind their captain. Ronaldo’s overall rating through every FIFA/EA Sports FC edition EditionOverall RatingFIFA 0480FIFA 0588FIFA 0691FIFA 0787FIFA 0891FIFA 0991FIFA 1089FIFA 1189FIFA 1292FIFA 1392FIFA 1492FIFA 1592FIFA 1693FIFA 1794FIFA 1894FIFA 1994FIFA 2093FIFA 2192FIFA 2291FIFA 2387EA Sports FC 2486EA Sports FC 2585EA Sports FC 2685EA Sports FC 2784
After talks for Julian Alvarez stalled, Barcelona are reportedly looking at Lautaro Martinez to reinforce their attack. Barcelona’s search for a new center-forward has taken a fresh turn, with Lautaro Martinez emerging as the club’s top target as their pursuit of Julian Alvarez hits a wall. With no resolution in sight with Atletico Madrid over Alvarez, Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco have reportedly shifted their focus toward Inter Milan’s captain in these final days of the transfer window. According to Jijantes‘ Gerard Romero, Lautaro is now the name Barcelona are putting all their effort behind. “Lautaro Martinez is the name Hansi Flick and Barca are working to close. It’s a very difficult operation, agreed, but it’s priority number one. There was Julian, Lautaro and the rest of the options,” Romero reported. The Argentine forward’s camp appears open to the idea. Romero added that a recent meeting between Deco and Lautaro’s agent in Madrid was meant to lay the groundwork and gauge real interest. “Lautaro opened the door to Barca, and now Lautaro is the top option. We’ll see how these next 10 days play out, but Lautaro is out in front to be the striker Barca are looking for,” he added. Any deal will still require serious negotiation with Inter, since Lautaro has a contract through June 2029 with no release clause, and his transfer value is estimated at around €85 million by Transfermarkt. Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan. (Getty Images) Barcelona will need to reach an agreement with the Italian club before Europe’s transfer window closes on September 1, all while having already wrapped up the signings of Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon, Jesse Bisiwu and Rodri earlier this summer. Julian Alvarez looks set to stay at Atletico Madrid Despite Barcelona’s shifting focus, one thing seems increasingly clear: Julian Alvarez isn’t going anywhere this summer. Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo reaffirmed the club’s stance while speaking to the media, insisting the forward was never for sale. “I already said from the start that he wasn’t being sold, that he was our player and an important piece of our team. As an important piece, we want him, we like having him with us, and I think he’s going to have a magnificent season,” Cerezo said. He also brushed off the tension from Alvarez’s public request to leave, adding, “I don’t know if he’ll apologize, but Julian is an excellent person, and I’m sure he’ll win the fans back over within two matches“. Diego Simeone still left Alvarez out of the squad for the LaLiga opener against Malaga, a decision tied both to his late return from vacation and the standoff over his proposed exit, but with Cerezo’s comments making Atletico’s position unmistakably clear, all signs now point to Alvarez staying put for at least one more season.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have shared the Saudi Pro League spotlight since their moves to the Middle East, but the latest development surrounding the Frenchman's future could take their rivalry in a completely unexpected direction. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have shared the Saudi Pro League spotlight since their moves to the Middle East, but the latest development surrounding the Frenchman’s future could take their rivalry in a completely unexpected direction. With Benzema’s position at Al-Hilal increasingly uncertain, a surprising Turkish destination has now emerged, potentially setting up a blockbuster reunion with another global superstar. Benzema’s future has become increasingly complicated after Al-Hilal began considering a major overhaul of its attacking options. The former Real Madrid captain remains productive, but his place in Simone Inzaghi’s plans is reportedly under serious scrutiny, creating uncertainty over where the 38-year-old will play next. Benzema joined Al-Hilal in January after ending his spell with Al-Ittihad, but his time in Riyadh could already be approaching an unexpected conclusion. The Frenchman has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 13 appearances for the Blue Waves, showing that his individual numbers remain impressive despite the doubts surrounding his future. The club is reportedly considering terminating his contract as it looks to reshape its squad and accommodate another high-profile striker. Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen have all emerged as possible targets, with Inzaghi understood to want another center-forward for the new campaign. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal celebrates with his coach Simone Inzaghi The situation is complicated by Benzema’s contract, as the striker reportedly wants the full amount owed for the final year of his deal before agreeing to leave. That demand has made negotiations more difficult and could determine whether Al-Hilal can move ahead with its preferred attacking changes. Turkish Super Lig suddenly enters the Benzema race That uncertainty has now opened the door to the surprise development involving Trabzonspor, which has reportedly made contact regarding Benzema. According to Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu, the club has inquired about the conditions required to sign the veteran striker while its discussions with Al-Hilal continue. “Trabzonspor inquired about the conditions for Karim Benzema, who wears the Al-Hilal shirt!” Sabuncuoglu reported on X (formerly Twitter). He added: “Trabzonspor has not yet reached an agreement in their discussions with Al-Hilal. As the process continues, Karim Benzema was offered to Trabzonspor, and simultaneous talks with the French star have begun!” Trabzonspor, Al-Hilal ile yaptığı görüşmelerde henüz anlaşmaya varamadı. Süreç devam ederken Karim Benzema, Trabzonspor'a önerildi ve Fransız yıldızla eşzamanlı görüşmeler başladı! https://t.co/1ssqyHDXON— Yağız Sabuncuoğlu (@yagosabuncuoglu) August 18, 2026 The move represents a major change in Trabzonspor’s transfer strategy, particularly because the club had failed to close a deal for Darwin Nunez. With those negotiations yet to produce an agreement, Benzema has emerged as an experienced alternative for the attack. Mohamed Salah could make the move even bigger The biggest twist is the possibility that Benzema could join Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor, creating a remarkable attacking partnership if the negotiations progress. Salah reportedly joined the Turkish club on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool, signing a two-year contract on August 6. Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor That would give the Claret-Blues two of the most recognizable forwards of their generation in the same attack. Salah’s arrival has already transformed the profile of the Turkish club, while Benzema would add Champions League experience, elite finishing and the pedigree of a former Ballon d’Or winner. However, the talks remain at an early stage, and there is currently no
Bernardo Silva, 32, has been presented as a new Real Madrid player. Thirty-three days after the official announcement confirming his signing, the Portuguese midfielder took part in an institutional ce...
FC Porto has had an improved bid for Santos central defender Jair Filho turned down, with the Brazilian club insisting it wants to keep him until its season ends in December, according to Flashscore Portugal. Porto’s second offer, worth €12 million plus the permanent transfer of forward Wendel Silva back to Santos, followed an initial […] The post Porto’s improved bid for Santos defender Jair Filho rejected appeared first on SoccerNews.
Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is set to join Al-Diriyah on a loan deal from Al-Hilal. The 27-year-old's move between the Saudi Pro League clubs is at an advanced stage with the transfer expected to be confirmed in the coming days. It is understood Al-Diriyah sporting director Dougie Freedman has played an integral role in the proposed deal.
Brighton sporting director Mike Cave says latest summer signing Promise David is a player the club has been "watching for some time". The 25-year-old joins on a season-long loan from Union Saint-Gilloise, with the deal including an obligation to buy if certain criteria are met. Promise has made 82 appearances for the Belgian Pro League side, scoring 41 goals and providing nine assists, since signing in July 2024.
Jose Mourinho has returned as head coach of Real Madrid, prompting former FC Barcelona captain Carles Puyol to claim that Mourinho's arrival could make Real Madrid a stronger opponent for the Blaugranas in the title race. The summer brought significant movement for Real Madrid, starting with the appointment of Jose Mourinho as head coach—a decision that Carles Puyol believes will present a major test for Barcelona in the upcoming season. During a media conference hosted by LALIGA and ESPN, Carles Puyol was asked by Martin O’Donnell of Bolavip about Mourinho’s arrival at Real Madrid and its potential impact on Barcelona. “Well, we’re talking about a great manager,” Puyol told Bolavip about Mourinho’s arrival to Real Madrid and how can he turn things around for the club. “I met him at Barcelona when I was young and coming through the academy, and when I made it to the first team, we could already see that he knew a lot about football. “Then he went to other clubs, built a good résumé, and eventually arrived at Real Madrid, where Real Madrid had a very good team. We were going through a very strong period, and I remember a great rivalry and many individual battles. The Barça-Madrid rivalry is huge, but in those years, on top of that, it was Guardiola against Mourinho, Messi against Cristiano, and two great, great teams. “So we’ll see how he does now. I still think Barcelona have a very good team and will be able to have a good season, but it’s clear that one of their biggest rivals is Real Madrid, and with Mourinho they could be even stronger.” Carles Puyol ante mi pregunta sobre el regreso de José Mourinho al RealMadrid: “Estamos hablando de un gran entrenador. Lo conocí en el Barcelona cuando yo era joven, estaba en la cantera, subí al primer equipo y ya veíamos que sabía mucho de fútbol”.(Sigue)👇 pic.twitter.com/mTOvF2uCIX— Martín O'Donnell (@martinodonnell_) August 18, 2026 Steve McManaman puts extra pressure on Mourinho Former Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman also participated in the conference. The Englishman, who made over 150 appearances for Los Blancos, weighed in on Mourinho’s return, highlighting the immediate pressure on the coach and squad to deliver trophies. “He needs to win,” McManaman responded to Bolavip about the expectations on Mourinho. “It’s simple as that. He needs to beat Barcelona, he needs to win the league. I don’t necessarily think he needs to win the Champions League, but he needs to finish above Barcelona. “He’s been brought in because the last two years have been disappointing. So he needs just to get the best out of the players, but more importantly, it’s to finish above Barcelona. He has to do it instantly. Real Madrid can’t go three years without winning anything. So Jose has to hit the ground running and he has to be successful straight away. That’s what he’s been brought in for.” McManaman emphasized the high expectations associated with managing Real Madrid, recognized as one of the most demanding seats in world soccer. However, key summer acquisitions—including record signing Yan Diomandé—have fueled belief that Mourinho’s second tenure can meet those expectations.
With Cristiano Ronaldo set to compete in his third edition, Al Nassr's 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite roadmap, with their respective rivals and dates, has been unveiled. Cristiano Ronaldo has made the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite one of his defining targets in what could potentially be his final season as a professional soccer player. With the Portuguese icon still awaiting his official season debut, the continental roadmap has officially been set after Al Nassr learned their group stage opponents and fixture schedule. After missing out on the tournament last season due to a third-place finish in 2024-25, Al Nassr are back in Asia’s flagship club competition. While they competed in the AFC Champions League Two last term, where they finished as runners-up, capturing the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title punched their ticket straight to the top tier. The draw for the expanded 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite took place on Tuesday, August 18, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Al Nassr’s path was detailed alongside three other Saudi Arabian representatives in the competition: Al Hilal, Al Qadsiah, and reigning back-to-back champions Al Ahli. This campaign marks the first edition featuring 32 clubs across the Asian continent. The AFC adopted a single-league format similar to the UEFA Champions League for the opening phase, with every participating club playing eight matches against eight different opponents while competing in a unified standings table. A moment where paths are mapped with the essence of hope and desire! #ACLElite League Stage is set in stone! pic.twitter.com/0ZvNcgOp9o— #ACLElite | #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) August 18, 2026 Once the eight-match league phase concludes, the top eight teams in the overall standings will advance to a two-legged round of 16 set for March 1 to 17, 2027. From the quarterfinals onward, the tournament transitions to a centralized knockout stage hosted in Saudi Arabia between April 23 and May 1, 2027. Following Tuesday’s King’s Cup victory against Al Diriyah, Al Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou addressed the continental draw: “I watched the AFC Champions League draw, but we had a difficult match. If we hadn’t done what was required, we would have been knocked out of the King’s Cup. From tomorrow, we’ll start planning for the AFC Champions League, but my priority right now is the match against Al Riyadh (on Friday).” When is Al Nassr’s debut in the AFC Champions League? Since joining Al Nassr in December 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo has competed in two AFC Champions League campaigns, suffering a quarterfinal exit against Al Ain in 2022-23 and a semifinal heartbreak against Kawasaki Frontale in 2024-25. The 2026-27 tournament marks his third run leading the Saudi club, with attention now focused on their opener. Al Nassr will kick off Matchday 1 of the AFC Champions League Elite against UAE side Al Ain FC on Tuesday, September 15, at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. The Saudi club hold a 2-3 all-time record against Al Ain, giving Ronaldo and company an early chance to level the head-to-head series. Al Nassr’s complete AFC Champions League Elite schedule With four home fixtures at Al Awwal Park and four away trips, Ronaldo’s full schedule for the AFC Champions League Elite league stage breaks down as follows: Matchday 1: Al Ain FC (UAE) vs. Al Nassr — Tuesday, September 15, 2026.Matchday 2: Al Nassr vs. PFC Neftchi (UZB) — Monday, October 12, 2026.Matchday 3: Al Nassr vs. Al Wasl FC (UAE) — Monday, October 26, 2026.Matchday 4: Pakhtakor (UZB) vs. Al Nassr — Monday, November 2, 2026.Matchday 5:Al Nassr vs. Al Sadd SC (QAT) — Tuesday, November 24, 2026.Matchday 6: Al Gharafa SC (QAT) vs. Al Nassr — Tuesday, December 8, 2026.Matchday 7: Al Nassr vs. Al Shamal SC (QAT) — Monday, February 8, 2027.Matchday 8: Shabab Al Ahli (UAE) vs. Al Nassr — Monday, February 15, 2027.
A significant midfield overhaul is under way at Manchester City. Bernardo Silva and Rodri have departed the club. Tijjani Reijnders is set to sign for Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah. So far, City have ...
Harry Kane remains optimistic on his chances of winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or after reaching the second highest mark of goals scored in a single season only behind Lionel Messi. Harry Kane stood as one of the defining figures of the 2025-26 season, elevating himself into the front-runner conversation for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. Following a historic, record-breaking campaign where he finished second only to Lionel Messi for the most goals scored in a single season, the English striker keeps his hopes of capturing soccer’s top individual honor firmly intact. On Monday, ahead of Bayern Munich’s preseason friendly against FC Heidenheim the following day, Kane addressed reporters regarding his performance over the past year: “Again, extremely proud to have put in the season I did last year. I think the Ballon d’Or is as big as it gets from an individual point of view. I know I had a great season last season, but as always, like I said already, the focus is on this new season.“ Kane’s campaign with Bayern proved to be one of the most prolific goalscoring runs in modern European soccer history. Despite coming up short in the UEFA Champions League, the English captain bagged 61 goals in 51 appearances for the Bavarian giants, including 36 in the Bundesliga to claim the 2025-26 European Golden Shoe, the second of his career. The striker, who also led England to a third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup, took a measured approach when asked about his chances of securing the sport’s highest individual honor. “The Ballon d’Or is not in my hands. I’ve done what I can do in terms of putting in the performances. It’s now down to votes and other people and the media. Stuff I can’t control. We’ll see what happens.“ 🔴⚪️🌕 Harry Kane on the Ballon d’Or: “It’s the biggest award you can get. The Ballon d'Or isn't in my hands”.“I've done what I could in terms of performing. Of course, it would be fantastic if it happens. But ultimately, there's still 2-3 months until a decision is made”. pic.twitter.com/7GhoYitgqE— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2026 While maintaining that team goals remain his priority, Kane acknowledged the significance of potentially capturing the award: “Obviously, it’d be amazing if it was to happen, but ultimately it’s still two or three months away before that’s decided. It’s not something that’s on the front of my mind right now.“ The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or will take place on Monday, October 26, at The London Palladium in London, marking the first time the prestigious ceremony will be hosted outside of France. With the event set in his home country, Kane will aim to become the fifth English player to win the award, and the first since Michael Owen in 2001. Messi’s single-season goalscoring record remains untouched The 2025-26 campaign presented Kane with an ideal platform to cement his legacy among the game’s legendary center forwards, starring for a dominant Bayern side and leading the line for England. He swept all domestic silverware in Germany by winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and DFL-Supercup, but ultimately fell just short of eclipsing Messi’s all-time single-season mark. Combining his output for Bayern Munich and England across all competitions, including UEFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup, Kane finished with 73 goals in 2025-26, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s 69-goal mark from 2011-12 to move into second place all-time. His final tally was capped in the World Cup round of 16 against Mexico, as he went goalless in subsequent fixtures against Norway, Argentina, and France in the third-place match. As a result, Lionel Messi’s mythical record of 82 goals in 69 total appearances during the 2011-12 season remains intact for another year. Wearing the Barcelona shirt that year, Messi scored 73 club goals across all competitions while adding nine goals in nine appearances for Argentina, setting a benchmark that remains unmatched in modern soccer history.
While the Portuguese superstar has watched the early stages of the campaign from the sidelines, the latest developments suggest his comeback is progressing exactly as the club hoped. Cristiano Ronaldo is edging closer to his return for Al-Nassr, with Ange Postecoglou increasingly confident about the condition of his captain. While the Portuguese superstar has watched the early stages of the campaign from the sidelines, the latest developments suggest his comeback is progressing exactly as the club hoped. Ronaldo has already returned to training after receiving an extended break following Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign and his wedding to Georgina Rodríguez. The 41-year-old missed the opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh and Tuesday’s King’s Cup clash with Al-Diriyah, but his absence has allowed Postecoglou to assess his squad without its biggest star. Al-Nassr began the new campaign impressively, beating Al-Fateh 3-0 before overcoming Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the King’s Cup. Joao Felix played a starring role against Al-Diriyah, scoring twice, while Mohamed Simakan and Abdullah Al-Hamdan also found the net. Ronaldo was present around the team despite being unavailable for selection. Before the opening league game, he was filmed encouraging his teammates with a passionate message, telling them, “Passion… play, play, play, play, play. First game is always the difficult one.” Chills 🗣️🔥 Ange Postecoglou & Cristiano Ronaldo combined for a huge pre-game rev up before Al Nassr’s first game of the season. pic.twitter.com/B3Sy8Vjurp— Football360.com.au (@football360au) August 18, 2026 Postecoglou has also been careful to avoid rushing his captain back into competitive action. Ronaldo’s return from his post-World Cup break has been accompanied by a special fitness plan designed to build his match sharpness, with the coaching staff focused on making sure he begins the season in the best possible condition. Postecoglou reveals major Ronaldo update After the King’s Cup victory over Al-Diriyah, Postecoglou offered the clearest indication yet that Ronaldo’s return is moving in the right direction. “Ronaldo is working very hard. He had the World Cup, and he’s important to us. He was busier than any other player, and it’s crucial that he starts the season ready,” the Australian said. The Al-Nassr manager added that the Portuguese superstar has already completed a training session and suggested supporters will see him back with the squad soon. “He’s had a training session, and I’m happy. Day by day, you’ll see him soon,” Postecoglou explained, determined to give his captain enough time to regain full match fitness after a demanding summer. Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr training Will Al-Nassr change its system for Ronaldo? One of the most interesting parts of Postecoglou’s update concerned how Ronaldo will fit into the team’s tactical approach once he returns. Despite the Portuguese forward’s enormous influence, the coach insists that Al-Nassr’s strategy will remain largely unchanged when its captain comes back. “I don’t think we’ll change our strategy with Ronaldo’s return. When he joins the team, we’ll have more room for improvement,” the Australian manager said. That suggests that he believes Ronaldo can be integrated into the structure already taking shape rather than forcing the team to completely reorganize itself around him. That could be encouraging for the veteran forward, especially after Al-Nassr produced two convincing victories without him. The early performances from Felix, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, and Al-Hamdan have given Postecoglou additional attacking options while Ronaldo works his way back.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise […] Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise as a raw 19-year-old winger at Manchester United. It’s a stark departure from the version of Ronaldo that dominated the series for the better part of two decades. Between FIFA 17 and FIFA 19, he sat at a career-high 94 overall, a level matched by only a handful of players in the game’s history. Even as his output tailed off in his mid-to-late 30s, EA Sports kept him in elite territory well into his time at Al Nassr, refusing to nerf him below 84 until this year’s edition. The decline has been gradual but steady. His rating dropped a single point across FC 25 and FC 26 (85 in both), then fell again this year to 84, continuing a slide that began in earnest once he left Europe for the Saudi Pro League in early 2023. The Saudi Pro League’s best. But who deserves the top spot?The Top 27 rated @SPL players in #FC27 are here. Now, let the debate begin.Pre-order today: https://t.co/HCrRKgAJWR pic.twitter.com/ZXy3Tlp8iM— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) August 19, 2026 FIFA 23 marked the first real inflection point, when EA slashed his card from an initial 90 down to 87 mid-cycle following the Al Nassr transfer, a rating cut that set the tone for everything since. Despite the drop, Ronaldo’s 84 overall still ranks as the highest base cards ever assigned to a 41-year-old in the franchise’s history. Whether EA Sports FC 27 ends up being his final appearance in the series remains to be seen, but for now, the numbers tell the story of a decline two decades in the making. Cristiano no longer the Saudi Pro League’s top-rated player For the first time since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t the highest-rated player at the Saudi Pro League. According to the latest EA Sports FC 27 ratings, Ruben Neves now tops the league pecking order with an 85 overall, edging out Ronaldo’s 84. Even so, Ronaldo remains comfortably the highest-rated player at Al Nassr. His 84 overall sits well clear of the club’s next-best cards, João Felix (83), Iñigo Martinez (83), and Kingsley Coman (83), all a full point behind their captain. Ronaldo’s overall rating through every FIFA/EA Sports FC edition EditionOverall RatingFIFA 0480FIFA 0588FIFA 0691FIFA 0787FIFA 0891FIFA 0991FIFA 1089FIFA 1189FIFA 1292FIFA 1392FIFA 1492FIFA 1592FIFA 1693FIFA 1794FIFA 1894FIFA 1994FIFA 2093FIFA 2192FIFA 2291FIFA 2387EA Sports FC 2486EA Sports FC 2585EA Sports FC 2685EA Sports FC 2784
After talks for Julian Alvarez stalled, Barcelona are reportedly looking at Lautaro Martinez to reinforce their attack. Barcelona’s search for a new center-forward has taken a fresh turn, with Lautaro Martinez emerging as the club’s top target as their pursuit of Julian Alvarez hits a wall. With no resolution in sight with Atletico Madrid over Alvarez, Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco have reportedly shifted their focus toward Inter Milan’s captain in these final days of the transfer window. According to Jijantes‘ Gerard Romero, Lautaro is now the name Barcelona are putting all their effort behind. “Lautaro Martinez is the name Hansi Flick and Barca are working to close. It’s a very difficult operation, agreed, but it’s priority number one. There was Julian, Lautaro and the rest of the options,” Romero reported. The Argentine forward’s camp appears open to the idea. Romero added that a recent meeting between Deco and Lautaro’s agent in Madrid was meant to lay the groundwork and gauge real interest. “Lautaro opened the door to Barca, and now Lautaro is the top option. We’ll see how these next 10 days play out, but Lautaro is out in front to be the striker Barca are looking for,” he added. Any deal will still require serious negotiation with Inter, since Lautaro has a contract through June 2029 with no release clause, and his transfer value is estimated at around €85 million by Transfermarkt. Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan. (Getty Images) Barcelona will need to reach an agreement with the Italian club before Europe’s transfer window closes on September 1, all while having already wrapped up the signings of Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon, Jesse Bisiwu and Rodri earlier this summer. Julian Alvarez looks set to stay at Atletico Madrid Despite Barcelona’s shifting focus, one thing seems increasingly clear: Julian Alvarez isn’t going anywhere this summer. Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo reaffirmed the club’s stance while speaking to the media, insisting the forward was never for sale. “I already said from the start that he wasn’t being sold, that he was our player and an important piece of our team. As an important piece, we want him, we like having him with us, and I think he’s going to have a magnificent season,” Cerezo said. He also brushed off the tension from Alvarez’s public request to leave, adding, “I don’t know if he’ll apologize, but Julian is an excellent person, and I’m sure he’ll win the fans back over within two matches“. Diego Simeone still left Alvarez out of the squad for the LaLiga opener against Malaga, a decision tied both to his late return from vacation and the standoff over his proposed exit, but with Cerezo’s comments making Atletico’s position unmistakably clear, all signs now point to Alvarez staying put for at least one more season.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have shared the Saudi Pro League spotlight since their moves to the Middle East, but the latest development surrounding the Frenchman's future could take their rivalry in a completely unexpected direction. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have shared the Saudi Pro League spotlight since their moves to the Middle East, but the latest development surrounding the Frenchman’s future could take their rivalry in a completely unexpected direction. With Benzema’s position at Al-Hilal increasingly uncertain, a surprising Turkish destination has now emerged, potentially setting up a blockbuster reunion with another global superstar. Benzema’s future has become increasingly complicated after Al-Hilal began considering a major overhaul of its attacking options. The former Real Madrid captain remains productive, but his place in Simone Inzaghi’s plans is reportedly under serious scrutiny, creating uncertainty over where the 38-year-old will play next. Benzema joined Al-Hilal in January after ending his spell with Al-Ittihad, but his time in Riyadh could already be approaching an unexpected conclusion. The Frenchman has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 13 appearances for the Blue Waves, showing that his individual numbers remain impressive despite the doubts surrounding his future. The club is reportedly considering terminating his contract as it looks to reshape its squad and accommodate another high-profile striker. Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen have all emerged as possible targets, with Inzaghi understood to want another center-forward for the new campaign. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal celebrates with his coach Simone Inzaghi The situation is complicated by Benzema’s contract, as the striker reportedly wants the full amount owed for the final year of his deal before agreeing to leave. That demand has made negotiations more difficult and could determine whether Al-Hilal can move ahead with its preferred attacking changes. Turkish Super Lig suddenly enters the Benzema race That uncertainty has now opened the door to the surprise development involving Trabzonspor, which has reportedly made contact regarding Benzema. According to Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu, the club has inquired about the conditions required to sign the veteran striker while its discussions with Al-Hilal continue. “Trabzonspor inquired about the conditions for Karim Benzema, who wears the Al-Hilal shirt!” Sabuncuoglu reported on X (formerly Twitter). He added: “Trabzonspor has not yet reached an agreement in their discussions with Al-Hilal. As the process continues, Karim Benzema was offered to Trabzonspor, and simultaneous talks with the French star have begun!” Trabzonspor, Al-Hilal ile yaptığı görüşmelerde henüz anlaşmaya varamadı. Süreç devam ederken Karim Benzema, Trabzonspor'a önerildi ve Fransız yıldızla eşzamanlı görüşmeler başladı! https://t.co/1ssqyHDXON— Yağız Sabuncuoğlu (@yagosabuncuoglu) August 18, 2026 The move represents a major change in Trabzonspor’s transfer strategy, particularly because the club had failed to close a deal for Darwin Nunez. With those negotiations yet to produce an agreement, Benzema has emerged as an experienced alternative for the attack. Mohamed Salah could make the move even bigger The biggest twist is the possibility that Benzema could join Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor, creating a remarkable attacking partnership if the negotiations progress. Salah reportedly joined the Turkish club on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool, signing a two-year contract on August 6. Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor That would give the Claret-Blues two of the most recognizable forwards of their generation in the same attack. Salah’s arrival has already transformed the profile of the Turkish club, while Benzema would add Champions League experience, elite finishing and the pedigree of a former Ballon d’Or winner. However, the talks remain at an early stage, and there is currently no
Bernardo Silva, 32, has been presented as a new Real Madrid player. Thirty-three days after the official announcement confirming his signing, the Portuguese midfielder took part in an institutional ce...
FC Porto has had an improved bid for Santos central defender Jair Filho turned down, with the Brazilian club insisting it wants to keep him until its season ends in December, according to Flashscore Portugal. Porto’s second offer, worth €12 million plus the permanent transfer of forward Wendel Silva back to Santos, followed an initial […] The post Porto’s improved bid for Santos defender Jair Filho rejected appeared first on SoccerNews.
Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is set to join Al-Diriyah on a loan deal from Al-Hilal. The 27-year-old's move between the Saudi Pro League clubs is at an advanced stage with the transfer expected to be confirmed in the coming days. It is understood Al-Diriyah sporting director Dougie Freedman has played an integral role in the proposed deal.
Brighton sporting director Mike Cave says latest summer signing Promise David is a player the club has been "watching for some time". The 25-year-old joins on a season-long loan from Union Saint-Gilloise, with the deal including an obligation to buy if certain criteria are met. Promise has made 82 appearances for the Belgian Pro League side, scoring 41 goals and providing nine assists, since signing in July 2024.
Jose Mourinho has returned as head coach of Real Madrid, prompting former FC Barcelona captain Carles Puyol to claim that Mourinho's arrival could make Real Madrid a stronger opponent for the Blaugranas in the title race. The summer brought significant movement for Real Madrid, starting with the appointment of Jose Mourinho as head coach—a decision that Carles Puyol believes will present a major test for Barcelona in the upcoming season. During a media conference hosted by LALIGA and ESPN, Carles Puyol was asked by Martin O’Donnell of Bolavip about Mourinho’s arrival at Real Madrid and its potential impact on Barcelona. “Well, we’re talking about a great manager,” Puyol told Bolavip about Mourinho’s arrival to Real Madrid and how can he turn things around for the club. “I met him at Barcelona when I was young and coming through the academy, and when I made it to the first team, we could already see that he knew a lot about football. “Then he went to other clubs, built a good résumé, and eventually arrived at Real Madrid, where Real Madrid had a very good team. We were going through a very strong period, and I remember a great rivalry and many individual battles. The Barça-Madrid rivalry is huge, but in those years, on top of that, it was Guardiola against Mourinho, Messi against Cristiano, and two great, great teams. “So we’ll see how he does now. I still think Barcelona have a very good team and will be able to have a good season, but it’s clear that one of their biggest rivals is Real Madrid, and with Mourinho they could be even stronger.” Carles Puyol ante mi pregunta sobre el regreso de José Mourinho al RealMadrid: “Estamos hablando de un gran entrenador. Lo conocí en el Barcelona cuando yo era joven, estaba en la cantera, subí al primer equipo y ya veíamos que sabía mucho de fútbol”.(Sigue)👇 pic.twitter.com/mTOvF2uCIX— Martín O'Donnell (@martinodonnell_) August 18, 2026 Steve McManaman puts extra pressure on Mourinho Former Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman also participated in the conference. The Englishman, who made over 150 appearances for Los Blancos, weighed in on Mourinho’s return, highlighting the immediate pressure on the coach and squad to deliver trophies. “He needs to win,” McManaman responded to Bolavip about the expectations on Mourinho. “It’s simple as that. He needs to beat Barcelona, he needs to win the league. I don’t necessarily think he needs to win the Champions League, but he needs to finish above Barcelona. “He’s been brought in because the last two years have been disappointing. So he needs just to get the best out of the players, but more importantly, it’s to finish above Barcelona. He has to do it instantly. Real Madrid can’t go three years without winning anything. So Jose has to hit the ground running and he has to be successful straight away. That’s what he’s been brought in for.” McManaman emphasized the high expectations associated with managing Real Madrid, recognized as one of the most demanding seats in world soccer. However, key summer acquisitions—including record signing Yan Diomandé—have fueled belief that Mourinho’s second tenure can meet those expectations.
With Cristiano Ronaldo set to compete in his third edition, Al Nassr's 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite roadmap, with their respective rivals and dates, has been unveiled. Cristiano Ronaldo has made the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite one of his defining targets in what could potentially be his final season as a professional soccer player. With the Portuguese icon still awaiting his official season debut, the continental roadmap has officially been set after Al Nassr learned their group stage opponents and fixture schedule. After missing out on the tournament last season due to a third-place finish in 2024-25, Al Nassr are back in Asia’s flagship club competition. While they competed in the AFC Champions League Two last term, where they finished as runners-up, capturing the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title punched their ticket straight to the top tier. The draw for the expanded 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite took place on Tuesday, August 18, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Al Nassr’s path was detailed alongside three other Saudi Arabian representatives in the competition: Al Hilal, Al Qadsiah, and reigning back-to-back champions Al Ahli. This campaign marks the first edition featuring 32 clubs across the Asian continent. The AFC adopted a single-league format similar to the UEFA Champions League for the opening phase, with every participating club playing eight matches against eight different opponents while competing in a unified standings table. A moment where paths are mapped with the essence of hope and desire! #ACLElite League Stage is set in stone! pic.twitter.com/0ZvNcgOp9o— #ACLElite | #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) August 18, 2026 Once the eight-match league phase concludes, the top eight teams in the overall standings will advance to a two-legged round of 16 set for March 1 to 17, 2027. From the quarterfinals onward, the tournament transitions to a centralized knockout stage hosted in Saudi Arabia between April 23 and May 1, 2027. Following Tuesday’s King’s Cup victory against Al Diriyah, Al Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou addressed the continental draw: “I watched the AFC Champions League draw, but we had a difficult match. If we hadn’t done what was required, we would have been knocked out of the King’s Cup. From tomorrow, we’ll start planning for the AFC Champions League, but my priority right now is the match against Al Riyadh (on Friday).” When is Al Nassr’s debut in the AFC Champions League? Since joining Al Nassr in December 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo has competed in two AFC Champions League campaigns, suffering a quarterfinal exit against Al Ain in 2022-23 and a semifinal heartbreak against Kawasaki Frontale in 2024-25. The 2026-27 tournament marks his third run leading the Saudi club, with attention now focused on their opener. Al Nassr will kick off Matchday 1 of the AFC Champions League Elite against UAE side Al Ain FC on Tuesday, September 15, at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. The Saudi club hold a 2-3 all-time record against Al Ain, giving Ronaldo and company an early chance to level the head-to-head series. Al Nassr’s complete AFC Champions League Elite schedule With four home fixtures at Al Awwal Park and four away trips, Ronaldo’s full schedule for the AFC Champions League Elite league stage breaks down as follows: Matchday 1: Al Ain FC (UAE) vs. Al Nassr — Tuesday, September 15, 2026.Matchday 2: Al Nassr vs. PFC Neftchi (UZB) — Monday, October 12, 2026.Matchday 3: Al Nassr vs. Al Wasl FC (UAE) — Monday, October 26, 2026.Matchday 4: Pakhtakor (UZB) vs. Al Nassr — Monday, November 2, 2026.Matchday 5:Al Nassr vs. Al Sadd SC (QAT) — Tuesday, November 24, 2026.Matchday 6: Al Gharafa SC (QAT) vs. Al Nassr — Tuesday, December 8, 2026.Matchday 7: Al Nassr vs. Al Shamal SC (QAT) — Monday, February 8, 2027.Matchday 8: Shabab Al Ahli (UAE) vs. Al Nassr — Monday, February 15, 2027.
A significant midfield overhaul is under way at Manchester City. Bernardo Silva and Rodri have departed the club. Tijjani Reijnders is set to sign for Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah. So far, City have ...
Harry Kane remains optimistic on his chances of winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or after reaching the second highest mark of goals scored in a single season only behind Lionel Messi. Harry Kane stood as one of the defining figures of the 2025-26 season, elevating himself into the front-runner conversation for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. Following a historic, record-breaking campaign where he finished second only to Lionel Messi for the most goals scored in a single season, the English striker keeps his hopes of capturing soccer’s top individual honor firmly intact. On Monday, ahead of Bayern Munich’s preseason friendly against FC Heidenheim the following day, Kane addressed reporters regarding his performance over the past year: “Again, extremely proud to have put in the season I did last year. I think the Ballon d’Or is as big as it gets from an individual point of view. I know I had a great season last season, but as always, like I said already, the focus is on this new season.“ Kane’s campaign with Bayern proved to be one of the most prolific goalscoring runs in modern European soccer history. Despite coming up short in the UEFA Champions League, the English captain bagged 61 goals in 51 appearances for the Bavarian giants, including 36 in the Bundesliga to claim the 2025-26 European Golden Shoe, the second of his career. The striker, who also led England to a third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup, took a measured approach when asked about his chances of securing the sport’s highest individual honor. “The Ballon d’Or is not in my hands. I’ve done what I can do in terms of putting in the performances. It’s now down to votes and other people and the media. Stuff I can’t control. We’ll see what happens.“ 🔴⚪️🌕 Harry Kane on the Ballon d’Or: “It’s the biggest award you can get. The Ballon d'Or isn't in my hands”.“I've done what I could in terms of performing. Of course, it would be fantastic if it happens. But ultimately, there's still 2-3 months until a decision is made”. pic.twitter.com/7GhoYitgqE— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2026 While maintaining that team goals remain his priority, Kane acknowledged the significance of potentially capturing the award: “Obviously, it’d be amazing if it was to happen, but ultimately it’s still two or three months away before that’s decided. It’s not something that’s on the front of my mind right now.“ The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or will take place on Monday, October 26, at The London Palladium in London, marking the first time the prestigious ceremony will be hosted outside of France. With the event set in his home country, Kane will aim to become the fifth English player to win the award, and the first since Michael Owen in 2001. Messi’s single-season goalscoring record remains untouched The 2025-26 campaign presented Kane with an ideal platform to cement his legacy among the game’s legendary center forwards, starring for a dominant Bayern side and leading the line for England. He swept all domestic silverware in Germany by winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and DFL-Supercup, but ultimately fell just short of eclipsing Messi’s all-time single-season mark. Combining his output for Bayern Munich and England across all competitions, including UEFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup, Kane finished with 73 goals in 2025-26, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s 69-goal mark from 2011-12 to move into second place all-time. His final tally was capped in the World Cup round of 16 against Mexico, as he went goalless in subsequent fixtures against Norway, Argentina, and France in the third-place match. As a result, Lionel Messi’s mythical record of 82 goals in 69 total appearances during the 2011-12 season remains intact for another year. Wearing the Barcelona shirt that year, Messi scored 73 club goals across all competitions while adding nine goals in nine appearances for Argentina, setting a benchmark that remains unmatched in modern soccer history.
While the Portuguese superstar has watched the early stages of the campaign from the sidelines, the latest developments suggest his comeback is progressing exactly as the club hoped. Cristiano Ronaldo is edging closer to his return for Al-Nassr, with Ange Postecoglou increasingly confident about the condition of his captain. While the Portuguese superstar has watched the early stages of the campaign from the sidelines, the latest developments suggest his comeback is progressing exactly as the club hoped. Ronaldo has already returned to training after receiving an extended break following Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign and his wedding to Georgina Rodríguez. The 41-year-old missed the opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh and Tuesday’s King’s Cup clash with Al-Diriyah, but his absence has allowed Postecoglou to assess his squad without its biggest star. Al-Nassr began the new campaign impressively, beating Al-Fateh 3-0 before overcoming Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the King’s Cup. Joao Felix played a starring role against Al-Diriyah, scoring twice, while Mohamed Simakan and Abdullah Al-Hamdan also found the net. Ronaldo was present around the team despite being unavailable for selection. Before the opening league game, he was filmed encouraging his teammates with a passionate message, telling them, “Passion… play, play, play, play, play. First game is always the difficult one.” Chills 🗣️🔥 Ange Postecoglou & Cristiano Ronaldo combined for a huge pre-game rev up before Al Nassr’s first game of the season. pic.twitter.com/B3Sy8Vjurp— Football360.com.au (@football360au) August 18, 2026 Postecoglou has also been careful to avoid rushing his captain back into competitive action. Ronaldo’s return from his post-World Cup break has been accompanied by a special fitness plan designed to build his match sharpness, with the coaching staff focused on making sure he begins the season in the best possible condition. Postecoglou reveals major Ronaldo update After the King’s Cup victory over Al-Diriyah, Postecoglou offered the clearest indication yet that Ronaldo’s return is moving in the right direction. “Ronaldo is working very hard. He had the World Cup, and he’s important to us. He was busier than any other player, and it’s crucial that he starts the season ready,” the Australian said. The Al-Nassr manager added that the Portuguese superstar has already completed a training session and suggested supporters will see him back with the squad soon. “He’s had a training session, and I’m happy. Day by day, you’ll see him soon,” Postecoglou explained, determined to give his captain enough time to regain full match fitness after a demanding summer. Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr training Will Al-Nassr change its system for Ronaldo? One of the most interesting parts of Postecoglou’s update concerned how Ronaldo will fit into the team’s tactical approach once he returns. Despite the Portuguese forward’s enormous influence, the coach insists that Al-Nassr’s strategy will remain largely unchanged when its captain comes back. “I don’t think we’ll change our strategy with Ronaldo’s return. When he joins the team, we’ll have more room for improvement,” the Australian manager said. That suggests that he believes Ronaldo can be integrated into the structure already taking shape rather than forcing the team to completely reorganize itself around him. That could be encouraging for the veteran forward, especially after Al-Nassr produced two convincing victories without him. The early performances from Felix, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, and Al-Hamdan have given Postecoglou additional attacking options while Ronaldo works his way back.
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