Match story
- Athletic Club fired more attempts (10 vs 9 shots).
- Valencia was more accurate in front of goal (33% on target vs 10%).
- Athletic Club held more of the ball (64% possession).
Valencia defeated Athletic Club 1-0 in Copa del Rey. The fixture is part of the Semi-finals stage in the 2021 season. The match was played at Estadio de Mestalla in Valencia. Jesús Gil officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Valencia vs Athletic Club meeting in Copa del Rey 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 Valencia and Athletic Club. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Copa del Rey
Valencia VALRecorded meetings: 9 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Valencia defeated Athletic Club 1-0 in Copa del Rey. The fixture is part of the Semi-finals stage in the 2021 season. The match was played at Estadio de Mestalla in Valencia. Jesús Gil officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Valencia vs Athletic Club meeting in Copa del Rey 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 Valencia and Athletic Club. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Copa del ReyValencia VALRecorded meetings: 9 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Valencia could look towards winger Largie Ramazani putting more pressure on Leeds United to get a return to the Mestalla. The post Leeds United Star Must ‘Put In More Effort’ To Get Move appeared first on Inside Futbol | Latest Football News, Transfer Rumours & Articles.
Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye as Michael Carrick looks to add another versatile attacker before the transfer window closes. United want more competition for Amad on the right and are targeting someone capable of operating across several attacking positions, similar to Bryan Mbeumo. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? […] The post Man United open discussions to sign PSG star on Liverpool radar this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Samu Costa scored on his Al Nassr debut in the win over Al Fateh and dedicated the victory to Cristiano Ronaldo, who was absent from the match. Samu Costa marked his Al Nassr debut in style, scoring in a 3-0 win over Al Fateh in the club’s Saudi Pro League opener on August 15 — his first appearance since joining Cristiano Ronaldo‘s side. The Portuguese midfielder found the net alongside goals from Joao Felix and Angelo as Al Nassr began the new season with a statement victory. Speaking after the match, Costa reflected on the win and made a point of including Ronaldo in his praise, despite the Portuguese superstar not featuring in the squad. “A good start. We worked hard and deserved the three points. I dedicate the victory to my family, my teammates, and Cristiano Ronaldo,” Costa said. Ronaldo’s absence from the matchday squad was a deliberate call by new head coach Ange Postecoglou, who only recently took charge at Al Nassr. Ronaldo had rejoined training just two days before the match, having spent recent weeks away from the squad following his marriage to Georgina Rodriguez. With Ronaldo sidelined for the opener, it was Angelo, Costa and Felix who stepped up to deliver the win, giving Postecoglou an encouraging start to his tenure in Riyadh. All eyes will now turn to when Ronaldo is expected to make his own season debut for the club. First game. First win. First celebration 🤩💛Samú Costa gets the full Nassr welcome pic.twitter.com/pZE3T9oj9K— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 15, 2026 Ronaldo eyeing return for matchday 2 It was to be expected that Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn’t feature at the start of Al Nassr‘s 2026-27 Saudi Pro League campaign, having missed every training session with the squad and sat out the entire preseason. According to reports out of Saudi Arabia, the captain is also expected to miss Al Nassr’s King Champions Cup opener against Diriyah Club on August 18, with his return now targeted for matchday 2 of the Saudi Pro League against Al Riyadh on August 21.
Al Nassr take on Al Fateh, and Cristiano Ronaldo could be absent from his team's 26/27 Saudi Pro League opener. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al Nassr debut against Al Fateh in the 26/27 Saudi Pro League, where they’ll look to defend the title they won last season. For this match, however, manager Ange Postecoglou may not be able to count on his captain and star forward. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected not to play in Al Nassr’s opener against Al Fateh, according to Al Riyadiah. The Portuguese forward remains sidelined following his recent wedding to Georgina Rodríguez, having missed the club’s entire preseason, including their training camp in Lisbon, and only returning to individual training earlier this week. The Portuguese star is expected to make his season debut on August 21 against Al Riyadh, meaning he’ll also sit out the club’s King Cup opener against Al Diriyah before that. For Saturday’s Matchday 1 clash, Postecoglou will have to open the campaign without his captain, leaning on the rest of a squad already stacked with attacking talent. The match kicks off at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, with both sides looking to start the new season on the front foot. Tomorrow. 9 PM. We’re getting ready ⏳ pic.twitter.com/18fI2Wa93q— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 14, 2026 Al Nassr’s projected lineup For his official debut with Al Nassr, Postecoglou is expected to start recent signing Samu Costa in midfield, while Abdullah Al-Hamdan would replace Ronaldo up front. Projected XI to face Al Fateh: Bento; Al-Nasser, Simakan, Martínez, Al-Najdi; Samu Costa, Abdulkareem, Mané, Félix, Coman; Al-Hamdan. Al Fateh’s projected lineup Al Fateh are expected to set up in a 3-5-2, with Al Enezi starting in goal behind a back three of Saadane, Darsi and Boateng. The midfield five is projected to feature Batna, Youssef, Harrison, Al Sahihi and Haraslin, supporting a front two of Machado and Al Masoud.
Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool are preparing their first offer for Paris Saint-Germain attacking sensation Ibrahim Mbaye. As we enter the final phase of the transfer window, Liverpool have big plans and are looking to make decisive moves. According to Loic Tanzi, the Reds are gearing up to table an initial offer for PSG teenager Ibrahim Mbaye. […] The post Liverpool prepare first offer for African sensation as major transfer move takes shape appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Liverpool could add two new wingers to their squad before the summer transfer window closes. The activity remains tied to ongoing squad reshuffling, with key departures and high-profile arrivals still being actively negotiated across Europe. Liverpool could sign two wingers before window shuts Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as […] The post Liverpool have clear plan if Cody Gakpo joins Tottenham as Fabrizio Romano reveals two-player swoop appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez got married at their new £30million mansion near Lisbon in front of just four witnesses and their children, it emerged today.
Liverpool will submit an offer to PSG for Ibrahim Mbaye (Getty) Liverpool are planning to submit a bid to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, according to reports in France. Mbaye has been with PSG’s academy since the age of 10 and made his first-team debut under Luis Enrique two years ago. Last season, the 18-year-old scored three goals and registered two assists in 29 appearances for PSG as Luis Enrique’s side won Ligue 1 and the Champions League. But after returning from Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign at the end of January, Mbaye was only used sparingly by Luis Enrique and was left out of the squad for PSG’s derby against Lyon in April. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. ‘Every minute you can play at PSG has to be special,’ Luis Enrique said about his decision to drop Mbaye from his squad. ‘I have no regrets about Mbaye, but you have to be ready. He was ready, but I expect much more from all the players. It’s simply competition, a player has to stay out of the team. You have to enjoy every minute.’ Ibrahim Mbaye scored in Senegal’s defeat to France at the World Cup (AFP via Getty) At the World Cup this summer, Mbaye made four appearances and scored after coming off the bench in Senegal’s 3-1 defeat to France. Liverpool have already held extensive talks with PSG to sign Bradley Barcola this summer but according to L’Equipe, the Premier League club are planning to submit an opening bid for Mbaye ‘in the coming days’. The report adds that Liverpool will hold a fresh round of negotiations with PSG over a deal for Barcola next week. PSG continue to demand a €150m (£128m) transfer fee for Barcola, which Liverpool have been unable to match so far. Earlier this week, Spanish outlet AS claimed that Liverpool face strong competition for Mbaye as Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Aston Villa, Porto, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Roma have all made enquiries this summer. PSG are understood to be open to selling Mbaye but will demand a transfer fee in excess of €50 million (£42.7m) For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Leeds United star Largie Ramazani is regarded as a top target by Valencia CEO Ron Gourlay, who thinks he is good value. The post Leeds United Star Seen As ‘Excellent Value For Money’ By Interested Club’s CEO appeared first on Inside Futbol | Latest Football News, Transfer Rumours & Articles.
The 41-year-old has been remarkably consistent with his look down the years but, with his fresh trim, it would now be hard to tell him apart from his old Manchester United team-mate Paul Scholes.
Tottenham remain keen on the potential transfer of Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo even as they also make progress on a deal for Manchester City’s Savinho. I’ve been reliably informed by my contacts with ties to the agents industry that “Spurs are actively working on both” potential deals as manager Roberto De Zerbi is eager to […] The post Sources: Tottenham “actively working” on double transfer but it could hinge on Liverpool deals appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Cristiano Ronaldo is back training with Al Nassr, leaving fans wondering when he'll be back on the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo is back on the training pitch with Al Nassr, but fans will have to wait a little longer to see him make his season debut. According to The Al Nassr Tribune, the Portuguese forward is expected to make his first appearance of the 2026-27 campaign on August 21 against Al Riyadh in the Matchday 2 of the Saudi Pro League. That means Ronaldo will sit out the club’s first two matches of the new season: the league opener against Al Fateh, and the King Cup Round of 32 clash with Al Diriyah just days later. Both absences trace back to the same reason — his recent wedding to Georgina Rodríguez in Portugal, which prompted manager Ange Postecoglou to grant him extended leave. Ronaldo hadn’t taken part in a single Al Nassr training session until today, meaning he now needs time on the training pitch to build up match fitness before he can be considered for selection. Look who just arrived at Nassr 🤩💛 pic.twitter.com/ToSL2uOmB3— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 13, 2026 For now, Postecoglou will have to navigate the opening rounds of the season without his star forward, leaning on the rest of the squad to get points on the board before Ronaldo is expected to slot back into the starting lineup for the trip to face Al Riyadh later this month. Ronaldo’s chase for 1,000 career goals Beyond the return-to-fitness storyline, this season carries extra significance for Ronaldo as he closes in on one of football’s most extraordinary milestones. At 41 years old, the forward sits on 976 career goals — 830 for club and 146 for Portugal — meaning he needs just 24 more to become the first player in history to reach 1,000 official goals. The timeline suggests it’s well within reach. Ronaldo scored 28 goals across all competitions for Al Nassr last season, and if he maintains anything close to that rate once he’s back up to speed, the 1,000-goal mark could realistically fall before the 2026-27 campaign is over.
Gianni Infantino's continuity as FIFA president is highly in doubt as UEFA executives are reportedly looking for his exit and establish a system of rotating presidents in FIFA. Gianni Infantino’s reign as FIFA president is facing serious threat following the fallout from a failed plan to sell World Cup rights to private equity, a move that triggered intense pushback. Now, UEFA executives are reportedly actively plotting his exit while floating a radical proposal to replace the office with a rotating presidency. As first reported by talkSPORT‘s Ben Jacobs, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and European Club Association Chairman (and Paris Saint-Germain President) Nasser Al Khelaifi held a high-stakes meeting in Salzburg, Austria, on the eve of the UEFA Super Cup to address the mounting crisis. With the event taking place in the city, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe also joined the discussions. European leadership is intent on forcing Infantino to resign or withdraw his candidacy ahead of FIFA’s upcoming election in March following the controversy surrounding the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative. If Infantino is ousted, the immediate focus will shift to who UEFA endorses as the next FIFA candidate. Potential frontrunners include CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa. While Al Khelaifi’s name was also raised, he publicly stated after the match that he remains “very happy” in his current role at PSG. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin speak to each other. (Alex Grimm/Getty Images) A UEFA boycott may no longer be necessary When Infantino initially unveiled the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative, UEFA strongly opposed the measure, threatening a complete boycott of all upcoming FIFA tournaments. That stance was set to take effect as early as the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland (Sept. 5-27), but such drastic action may no longer be required to force Infantino out. According to talkSPORT, Ceferin is prepared to spearhead a vote of no confidence if Infantino refuses to go quietly. That motion could swiftly remove the sitting FIFA president, triggering an expedited electoral process. To introduce a vote of no confidence, 20% of FIFA’s member associations (43 votes) must officially request the motion, a threshold UEFA could easily trigger on its own with its 55 member nations. Once an Extraordinary Congress is convened, Article 30(9) dictates that any vote not explicitly defined in the statutes (which includes a no-confidence vote) requires a simple majority. With 211 total member associations, just 106 votes would formally remove Infantino from office. UEFA Floats a Rotating FIFA Presidency Beyond removing Infantino, European officials are advocating for a fundamental structural overhaul of FIFA’s executive office. As reported by Jacobs, the proposal favors a decentralized governance structure that replaces the traditional, single-leader presidency with a rotating office. The system could also feature a designated chairman alongside a committee of vice-chairs to provide stronger checks and balances, creating an administrative model similar to a modern civil service framework.
Liverpool’s attacking rebuild could become even more ambitious before the transfer window closes, with the Reds prepared to add two new wingers if Cody Gakpo leaves for Tottenham. Bradley Barcola remains Liverpool’s leading target as negotiations continue with Paris Saint-Germain, but Anfield officials are also exploring other wide options. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us […] The post Liverpool fans would be ecstatic after Romano issues exciting transfer update appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
Valencia could look towards winger Largie Ramazani putting more pressure on Leeds United to get a return to the Mestalla. The post Leeds United Star Must ‘Put In More Effort’ To Get Move appeared first on Inside Futbol | Latest Football News, Transfer Rumours & Articles.
Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye as Michael Carrick looks to add another versatile attacker before the transfer window closes. United want more competition for Amad on the right and are targeting someone capable of operating across several attacking positions, similar to Bryan Mbeumo. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? […] The post Man United open discussions to sign PSG star on Liverpool radar this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Samu Costa scored on his Al Nassr debut in the win over Al Fateh and dedicated the victory to Cristiano Ronaldo, who was absent from the match. Samu Costa marked his Al Nassr debut in style, scoring in a 3-0 win over Al Fateh in the club’s Saudi Pro League opener on August 15 — his first appearance since joining Cristiano Ronaldo‘s side. The Portuguese midfielder found the net alongside goals from Joao Felix and Angelo as Al Nassr began the new season with a statement victory. Speaking after the match, Costa reflected on the win and made a point of including Ronaldo in his praise, despite the Portuguese superstar not featuring in the squad. “A good start. We worked hard and deserved the three points. I dedicate the victory to my family, my teammates, and Cristiano Ronaldo,” Costa said. Ronaldo’s absence from the matchday squad was a deliberate call by new head coach Ange Postecoglou, who only recently took charge at Al Nassr. Ronaldo had rejoined training just two days before the match, having spent recent weeks away from the squad following his marriage to Georgina Rodriguez. With Ronaldo sidelined for the opener, it was Angelo, Costa and Felix who stepped up to deliver the win, giving Postecoglou an encouraging start to his tenure in Riyadh. All eyes will now turn to when Ronaldo is expected to make his own season debut for the club. First game. First win. First celebration 🤩💛Samú Costa gets the full Nassr welcome pic.twitter.com/pZE3T9oj9K— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 15, 2026 Ronaldo eyeing return for matchday 2 It was to be expected that Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn’t feature at the start of Al Nassr‘s 2026-27 Saudi Pro League campaign, having missed every training session with the squad and sat out the entire preseason. According to reports out of Saudi Arabia, the captain is also expected to miss Al Nassr’s King Champions Cup opener against Diriyah Club on August 18, with his return now targeted for matchday 2 of the Saudi Pro League against Al Riyadh on August 21.
Al Nassr take on Al Fateh, and Cristiano Ronaldo could be absent from his team's 26/27 Saudi Pro League opener. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al Nassr debut against Al Fateh in the 26/27 Saudi Pro League, where they’ll look to defend the title they won last season. For this match, however, manager Ange Postecoglou may not be able to count on his captain and star forward. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected not to play in Al Nassr’s opener against Al Fateh, according to Al Riyadiah. The Portuguese forward remains sidelined following his recent wedding to Georgina Rodríguez, having missed the club’s entire preseason, including their training camp in Lisbon, and only returning to individual training earlier this week. The Portuguese star is expected to make his season debut on August 21 against Al Riyadh, meaning he’ll also sit out the club’s King Cup opener against Al Diriyah before that. For Saturday’s Matchday 1 clash, Postecoglou will have to open the campaign without his captain, leaning on the rest of a squad already stacked with attacking talent. The match kicks off at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, with both sides looking to start the new season on the front foot. Tomorrow. 9 PM. We’re getting ready ⏳ pic.twitter.com/18fI2Wa93q— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 14, 2026 Al Nassr’s projected lineup For his official debut with Al Nassr, Postecoglou is expected to start recent signing Samu Costa in midfield, while Abdullah Al-Hamdan would replace Ronaldo up front. Projected XI to face Al Fateh: Bento; Al-Nasser, Simakan, Martínez, Al-Najdi; Samu Costa, Abdulkareem, Mané, Félix, Coman; Al-Hamdan. Al Fateh’s projected lineup Al Fateh are expected to set up in a 3-5-2, with Al Enezi starting in goal behind a back three of Saadane, Darsi and Boateng. The midfield five is projected to feature Batna, Youssef, Harrison, Al Sahihi and Haraslin, supporting a front two of Machado and Al Masoud.
Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool are preparing their first offer for Paris Saint-Germain attacking sensation Ibrahim Mbaye. As we enter the final phase of the transfer window, Liverpool have big plans and are looking to make decisive moves. According to Loic Tanzi, the Reds are gearing up to table an initial offer for PSG teenager Ibrahim Mbaye. […] The post Liverpool prepare first offer for African sensation as major transfer move takes shape appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Liverpool could add two new wingers to their squad before the summer transfer window closes. The activity remains tied to ongoing squad reshuffling, with key departures and high-profile arrivals still being actively negotiated across Europe. Liverpool could sign two wingers before window shuts Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as […] The post Liverpool have clear plan if Cody Gakpo joins Tottenham as Fabrizio Romano reveals two-player swoop appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez got married at their new £30million mansion near Lisbon in front of just four witnesses and their children, it emerged today.
Liverpool will submit an offer to PSG for Ibrahim Mbaye (Getty) Liverpool are planning to submit a bid to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, according to reports in France. Mbaye has been with PSG’s academy since the age of 10 and made his first-team debut under Luis Enrique two years ago. Last season, the 18-year-old scored three goals and registered two assists in 29 appearances for PSG as Luis Enrique’s side won Ligue 1 and the Champions League. But after returning from Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign at the end of January, Mbaye was only used sparingly by Luis Enrique and was left out of the squad for PSG’s derby against Lyon in April. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. ‘Every minute you can play at PSG has to be special,’ Luis Enrique said about his decision to drop Mbaye from his squad. ‘I have no regrets about Mbaye, but you have to be ready. He was ready, but I expect much more from all the players. It’s simply competition, a player has to stay out of the team. You have to enjoy every minute.’ Ibrahim Mbaye scored in Senegal’s defeat to France at the World Cup (AFP via Getty) At the World Cup this summer, Mbaye made four appearances and scored after coming off the bench in Senegal’s 3-1 defeat to France. Liverpool have already held extensive talks with PSG to sign Bradley Barcola this summer but according to L’Equipe, the Premier League club are planning to submit an opening bid for Mbaye ‘in the coming days’. The report adds that Liverpool will hold a fresh round of negotiations with PSG over a deal for Barcola next week. PSG continue to demand a €150m (£128m) transfer fee for Barcola, which Liverpool have been unable to match so far. Earlier this week, Spanish outlet AS claimed that Liverpool face strong competition for Mbaye as Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Aston Villa, Porto, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Roma have all made enquiries this summer. PSG are understood to be open to selling Mbaye but will demand a transfer fee in excess of €50 million (£42.7m) For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Leeds United star Largie Ramazani is regarded as a top target by Valencia CEO Ron Gourlay, who thinks he is good value. The post Leeds United Star Seen As ‘Excellent Value For Money’ By Interested Club’s CEO appeared first on Inside Futbol | Latest Football News, Transfer Rumours & Articles.
The 41-year-old has been remarkably consistent with his look down the years but, with his fresh trim, it would now be hard to tell him apart from his old Manchester United team-mate Paul Scholes.
Tottenham remain keen on the potential transfer of Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo even as they also make progress on a deal for Manchester City’s Savinho. I’ve been reliably informed by my contacts with ties to the agents industry that “Spurs are actively working on both” potential deals as manager Roberto De Zerbi is eager to […] The post Sources: Tottenham “actively working” on double transfer but it could hinge on Liverpool deals appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Cristiano Ronaldo is back training with Al Nassr, leaving fans wondering when he'll be back on the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo is back on the training pitch with Al Nassr, but fans will have to wait a little longer to see him make his season debut. According to The Al Nassr Tribune, the Portuguese forward is expected to make his first appearance of the 2026-27 campaign on August 21 against Al Riyadh in the Matchday 2 of the Saudi Pro League. That means Ronaldo will sit out the club’s first two matches of the new season: the league opener against Al Fateh, and the King Cup Round of 32 clash with Al Diriyah just days later. Both absences trace back to the same reason — his recent wedding to Georgina Rodríguez in Portugal, which prompted manager Ange Postecoglou to grant him extended leave. Ronaldo hadn’t taken part in a single Al Nassr training session until today, meaning he now needs time on the training pitch to build up match fitness before he can be considered for selection. Look who just arrived at Nassr 🤩💛 pic.twitter.com/ToSL2uOmB3— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 13, 2026 For now, Postecoglou will have to navigate the opening rounds of the season without his star forward, leaning on the rest of the squad to get points on the board before Ronaldo is expected to slot back into the starting lineup for the trip to face Al Riyadh later this month. Ronaldo’s chase for 1,000 career goals Beyond the return-to-fitness storyline, this season carries extra significance for Ronaldo as he closes in on one of football’s most extraordinary milestones. At 41 years old, the forward sits on 976 career goals — 830 for club and 146 for Portugal — meaning he needs just 24 more to become the first player in history to reach 1,000 official goals. The timeline suggests it’s well within reach. Ronaldo scored 28 goals across all competitions for Al Nassr last season, and if he maintains anything close to that rate once he’s back up to speed, the 1,000-goal mark could realistically fall before the 2026-27 campaign is over.
Gianni Infantino's continuity as FIFA president is highly in doubt as UEFA executives are reportedly looking for his exit and establish a system of rotating presidents in FIFA. Gianni Infantino’s reign as FIFA president is facing serious threat following the fallout from a failed plan to sell World Cup rights to private equity, a move that triggered intense pushback. Now, UEFA executives are reportedly actively plotting his exit while floating a radical proposal to replace the office with a rotating presidency. As first reported by talkSPORT‘s Ben Jacobs, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and European Club Association Chairman (and Paris Saint-Germain President) Nasser Al Khelaifi held a high-stakes meeting in Salzburg, Austria, on the eve of the UEFA Super Cup to address the mounting crisis. With the event taking place in the city, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe also joined the discussions. European leadership is intent on forcing Infantino to resign or withdraw his candidacy ahead of FIFA’s upcoming election in March following the controversy surrounding the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative. If Infantino is ousted, the immediate focus will shift to who UEFA endorses as the next FIFA candidate. Potential frontrunners include CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa. While Al Khelaifi’s name was also raised, he publicly stated after the match that he remains “very happy” in his current role at PSG. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin speak to each other. (Alex Grimm/Getty Images) A UEFA boycott may no longer be necessary When Infantino initially unveiled the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative, UEFA strongly opposed the measure, threatening a complete boycott of all upcoming FIFA tournaments. That stance was set to take effect as early as the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland (Sept. 5-27), but such drastic action may no longer be required to force Infantino out. According to talkSPORT, Ceferin is prepared to spearhead a vote of no confidence if Infantino refuses to go quietly. That motion could swiftly remove the sitting FIFA president, triggering an expedited electoral process. To introduce a vote of no confidence, 20% of FIFA’s member associations (43 votes) must officially request the motion, a threshold UEFA could easily trigger on its own with its 55 member nations. Once an Extraordinary Congress is convened, Article 30(9) dictates that any vote not explicitly defined in the statutes (which includes a no-confidence vote) requires a simple majority. With 211 total member associations, just 106 votes would formally remove Infantino from office. UEFA Floats a Rotating FIFA Presidency Beyond removing Infantino, European officials are advocating for a fundamental structural overhaul of FIFA’s executive office. As reported by Jacobs, the proposal favors a decentralized governance structure that replaces the traditional, single-leader presidency with a rotating office. The system could also feature a designated chairman alongside a committee of vice-chairs to provide stronger checks and balances, creating an administrative model similar to a modern civil service framework.
Liverpool’s attacking rebuild could become even more ambitious before the transfer window closes, with the Reds prepared to add two new wingers if Cody Gakpo leaves for Tottenham. Bradley Barcola remains Liverpool’s leading target as negotiations continue with Paris Saint-Germain, but Anfield officials are also exploring other wide options. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us […] The post Liverpool fans would be ecstatic after Romano issues exciting transfer update appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
