Chance creation
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
Cristiano
UNIRB · Baiano - 2 · Defender · #0 · Brazil · 23 yrs
UNIRB · Baiano - 2 · Defender · #0 · Brazil · 23 yrs
Cristiano plays as a defender for UNIRB. Cristiano is a Brazilian international, 23 years old, defender, currently at UNIRB. Cristiano was born in Brazil on 2001-12-09. Cristiano's Sportra profile tracks season statistics across Baiano - 2, Baiano - 1. Cristiano's page brings together career clubs, trophies, injury history, multi-competition stats, and related news headlines. On Sportra you can explore Cristiano season statistics, transfer history, trophies, injury updates, and related news across every competition tracked in the profile.
Season intelligence
Profile as Defender: balanced output without a single dominant trait. Archetype: Balanced contributor.
Scaled 0–99 from season output — map to fantasy, comparisons, or scouting cards.
Per-90 rates, efficiency ratios, and Sportra indices from season totals.
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
Every tracked category for this league and season, grouped by Sportra.
While the Portuguese icon is still absent from Al-Nassr, Messi has already reported back to Inter Miami, creating fresh debate among supporters about why their post-tournament paths have taken such different directions. The 2026 World Cup may be over, but the spotlight remains firmly on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as both legends begin preparing for another club campaign. While the Portuguese icon is still absent from Al-Nassr, Messi has already reported back to Inter Miami, creating fresh debate among supporters about why their post-tournament paths have taken such different directions. At first glance, the contrast appears striking. One superstar has resumed training less than two weeks after the World Cup final, while the other continues to recover away from his club. However, the explanation goes far beyond commitment or motivation, with the circumstances surrounding each player’s return telling a much more complete story. Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami‘s training facility on Wednesday, ending a short break that followed Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The Major League Soccer club shared images of the Argentine captain arriving at the Fort Lauderdale complex alongside Luis Suarez, confirming that the 39-year-old had resumed preparations for the remainder of the season. Before heading back to Florida, the 39-year-old spent time with his family in Rosario following one of the most emotional moments of his career. Argentina narrowly missed the chance to defend its World Cup crown after suffering a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in New Jersey. POV: Morning greetings with the squad 😁☀️ pic.twitter.com/1ZAodv1BW4— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 29, 2026 The key difference between Messi and Ronaldo’s situations The biggest difference between the two superstars is their respective club calendars. Inter Miami immediately resumed competitive action after the World Cup, forcing the MLS club to continue its domestic schedule without Messi. During his absence, Miami played league matches against Chicago Fire and CF Montréal before preparing for another MLS fixture against Columbus Crew and the upcoming Leagues Cup. Because the American season continues throughout the summer, Messi’s return to training became necessary even after such an exhausting international campaign. Major League Soccer also exempted him from the All-Star Game because of the short turnaround following the World Cup. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami walks through the tunnel. Ronaldo remains away as Al-Nassr follows another plan Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation is very different. Although Portugal was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Spain on July 6, more than three weeks before Messi returned to Inter Miami, Al-Nassr has deliberately allowed its captain additional recovery time before integrating him into preseason preparations. Rather than reporting immediately to training camp, Ronaldo has continued following an individualized recovery program after a demanding World Cup. According to reports, the decision was made jointly by the coaching staff and club management, who want him to begin the new campaign fully refreshed. The Portuguese forward featured in four World Cup matches, scoring twice against Uzbekistan before Portugal’s tournament came to an early end. Instead of rushing him back, Al-Nassr has focused on carefully managing his workload ahead of another demanding domestic and continental season. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr warming up New coach prioritizes long-term fitness The arrival of Ange Postecoglou has also influenced the approach. Reports indicate that the Australian manager has remained in regular contact with Ronaldo throughout his extended break, requesting physical tests and monitoring his conditioning remotely before welcoming him back to preseason training. Several other international players have also been granted additional rest after their World Cup commitments. Ronaldo was absent as Al-Nassr opened p
While the Saudi club has already played its first friendly of the summer, supporters are still waiting for their captain to return, leaving plenty of intrigue over when the Portuguese icon will finally rejoin the squad. Cristiano Ronaldo’s next step after Portugal’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign is beginning to take shape, with Al-Nassr already having begun its preseason preparations under new head coach Ange Postecoglou. While the Saudi club has already played its first friendly of the summer, supporters are still waiting for their captain to return, leaving plenty of intrigue over when the Portuguese icon will finally rejoin the squad. The Saudi champion has entered a new era following the appointment of Postecoglou, who is preparing the team for the 2026/27 campaign after replacing Jorge Jesus. Although the Australian coach has already started implementing his ideas during the training camp in Portugal, Ronaldo has yet to report back after being granted an extended break following international duty. Al-Nassr opened its preseason schedule with a behind-closed-doors friendly against Benfica B in Lisbon, but the result was far from ideal. The Saudi side took an early lead through Abdulmalik Al-Jaber before conceding twice to suffer a 2-1 defeat in Ange Postecoglou’s first match in charge. The match followed an unusual format of two 30-minute halves, allowing both coaching staffs to carefully manage workloads during the opening stages of preseason. Despite the disappointing outcome, the coaching staff viewed the fixture as an important opportunity to assess players and begin building fitness ahead of the new season. Following the defeat, reports indicated that Postecoglou immediately ordered an additional training session, underlining his determination to quickly raise standards before competitive football returns. Why Ronaldo has not returned yet The biggest talking point surrounding Al-Nassr’s preseason has been Ronaldo’s absence. Rather than joining the squad immediately after the end of the World Cup, the 41-year-old has remained on vacation while continuing his recovery from a demanding international campaign with Portugal. Portugal’s World Cup journey ended in the Round of 16 after a defeat to Spain, bringing another disappointing conclusion to Ronaldo’s pursuit of football’s biggest prize. Instead of rushing their star player back into action, Al-Nassr’s management and coaching staff have opted for a cautious approach, allowing him additional recovery time before beginning preparations for another long campaign. According to the latest reports, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to rejoin Al-Nassr training next week, starting July 27, where he will begin a specialized conditioning program designed to prepare him for the physical demands of the new season. The club believes the extra rest will leave its captain fresher for the months ahead.
While anticipation continues to build around the club's preparations for the 2026-27 campaign, one particular factor has delayed Ronaldo's return to the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Spanish side Merida in its latest preseason friendly, extending supporters’ wait to see the Portuguese superstar under new head coach Ange Postecoglou. While anticipation continues to build around the club’s preparations for the 2026-27 campaign, one particular factor has delayed Ronaldo’s return to the pitch. The Saudi Pro League champion has already begun a new chapter following Postecoglou’s arrival, but the squad remains without several key names. As preseason gathers pace in Portugal and Spain, attention has shifted from the opening results to when Ronaldo will finally make his first appearance of the summer. Al-Nassr entered preseason looking to build momentum after winning the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title, with Ange Postecoglou taking charge following his appointment as the club’s new head coach. The Australian manager’s first outing ended in a 2-1 defeat to Benfica B in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Lisbon. Despite Abdulmalik Al-Jaber giving Al-Nassr an early lead, Benfica’s reserve side responded with two goals to hand Postecoglou his first defeat since taking over. Preparing for our second closed-door friendly 💛 pic.twitter.com/H6chW9hVUL— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) July 28, 2026 The match followed an unusual format of two 30-minute halves, allowing both coaching staff to carefully manage workloads during the early stages of preseason. Reports also indicated that Postecoglou ordered an additional training session immediately after the defeat as preparations continued. Why Ronaldo isn’t playing against Merida Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the friendly against Merida because he has not yet returned to Al-Nassr following Portugal’s participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The veteran forward has been granted an extended post-tournament break and is continuing his scheduled recovery before rejoining the squad. Rather than rushing their captain back into action, Al-Nassr’s coaching staff has opted to prioritize his fitness ahead of another demanding season. Portugal’s World Cup journey ended in the Round of 16 after a defeat to Spain, bringing Ronaldo’s international campaign to a close. With the summer schedule still in its early stages, the club believes additional recovery time will better prepare its biggest star for the months ahead. Cristiano Ronaldo returned to individual training Ronaldo’s expected return timetable Current reports suggest Ronaldo is expected to rejoin Al-Nassr training next week, where he will begin a carefully managed conditioning programme. The club has not officially confirmed the exact date of his return to match action, but the focus remains on gradually rebuilding his fitness rather than accelerating the process. The aim is to ensure he is fully prepared once the competitive fixtures begin. Following the meeting with Merida, Al-Nassr still has two more preseason fixtures scheduled in Europe. The remaining matches are: August 1 – Estrela AmadoraAugust 4 – Almeria Based on current reports, Ronaldo’s availability for Estrela Amadora remains uncertain because of his conditioning programme. The friendly against Almeria on August 4 is widely viewed as the most likely opportunity for his preseason debut, assuming his recovery progresses according to schedule.
Cristiano Ronaldo could see the successful Al Ahli manager, Matthias Jaissle, leave the Saudi club for the Premier League. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon see one of his toughest domestic rivals lose the manager behind its recent continental dominance, with Al Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle closing in on a move to Newcastle United. According to Fabrizio Romano, Jaissle is “the top candidate and in advanced talks to become Newcastle’s new head coach,” with the Italian journalist adding that “he’s the number one candidate to replace Eddie Howe“. The move comes after Howe informed Newcastle of his desire to step away from the game for a break following five years in charge. Newcastle and Al Ahli share the same ownership structure, both being majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has made the transition between the two clubs notably smooth from an administrative standpoint. Jaissle’s departure would mark the end of a hugely successful spell in Saudi Arabia. The 38-year-old German, once tipped as the “new Julian Nagelsmann,” led Al Ahli to back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles, becoming the only manager in history to win the competition in consecutive seasons. He Led. We Conquered ☝️#AlAhli | #ACLElite | #LetsGoWithAlAhli pic.twitter.com/nr27AYMxh2— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) April 25, 2026 Ronaldo facing Jaissle’s Al Ahli For Ronaldo and Al Nassr, Jaissle’s Al Ahli represented one of the club’s most competitive rivals in the Saudi Pro League, where, since Jaissle’s arrival in the summer of 2023, the sides have met seven times. Al Nassr has won four of those meetings, drawn one, and lost one in normal time, with an additional penalty-shootout defeat in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup final after a 2-2 draw. Across those seven encounters, Ronaldo managed to score five goals, with his most recent coming in the 2-0 win on April 29, 2026. Arne Slot emerges as a candidate for Al Ahli With Jaissle’s departure looking increasingly likely, Al Ahli have reportedly identified Arne Slot as a primary target to take over. The Dutch coach has been out of work since leaving Liverpool in May, a spell of just over two years at Anfield that included a Premier League title in 2025. Complicating matters, Slot is simultaneously being linked with the vacant Netherlands national team job, according to Fabrizio Romano. Slot emerged as the leading candidate to replace Ronald Koeman after the Dutch federation began searching for a successor following the Oranje’s disappointing Round of 32 exit to Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.
With Cristiano Ronaldo having experienced his own high-profile challenges in Saudi Arabia, speculation is growing that Benzema could soon find himself facing a similar situation. Karim Benzema’s future at Al-Hilal has become increasingly uncertain as fresh reports suggest the French striker could be heading toward a major decision before the transfer window closes. With Cristiano Ronaldo having experienced his own high-profile challenges in Saudi Arabia, speculation is growing that Benzema could soon find himself facing a similar situation. The veteran forward remains under contract with the Saudi club until 2027, but tension has reportedly been building behind the scenes following a series of disagreements involving both the coaching staff and the club’s hierarchy. As preparations continue for another demanding season, uncertainty surrounding Benzema‘s long-term future has become one of the biggest talking points in Saudi soccer. Reports from several outlets indicate that relations between Benzema, head coach Simone Inzaghi and Al-Hilal‘s management have reached a difficult stage, with neither side showing signs of backing down. The situation reportedly extends well beyond performances on the pitch. Instead, it revolves around the striker’s perception of his role within the squad, his influence inside the dressing room and how he believes he is viewed by the club. According to 365Scores Arabic, Benzema has become frustrated by several internal decisions, leaving him feeling underappreciated despite arriving as one of the biggest stars in the Saudi Pro League. The disagreement has gradually developed into a broader conflict that now threatens to reshape his future only months after making the move to Al-Hilal. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal runs with the ball Lisandro Martinez of Al Nassr. Tactical disagreement with Simone Inzaghi One of the biggest reported sticking points concerns Simone Inzaghi’s tactical plans for the former Ballon d’Or winner. The Italian manager is said to prefer Benzema operating almost exclusively as a traditional striker inside the penalty area, focusing primarily on finishing attacking moves. That represents a significant change from the role the Frenchman enjoyed during his legendary spell at Real Madrid, where he frequently dropped into midfield, linked play with teammates and helped create opportunities throughout the attack. Goal reports that the difference in soccer philosophy has created a serious divide, with both Benzema and Inzaghi remaining firm in their respective positions. As things currently stand, neither side appears willing to compromise. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal celebrates with his coach Simone Inzaghi The reported path that mirrors Cristiano Ronaldo The latest reports suggest Benzema has instructed his agent to begin exploring possible opportunities outside Al-Hilal, opening the door to a potential departure if the right sporting project emerges. That development has inevitably drawn comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo, whose own time in Saudi Arabia has included periods of frustration regarding leadership roles, squad planning and club ambitions before ultimately continuing with Al-Nassr. According to 365Scores Arabic, Benzema has also been disappointed by Al-Hilal’s seniority-based policy for awarding the captain’s armband, believing his achievements throughout his career warrant a more prominent leadership position within the squad. The report claims the French striker has privately compared his situation with Ronaldo’s experiences in Saudi soccer, making the similarities difficult to ignore. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr and Karim Benzema of Al Hilal. Al-Hilal open to offers, but what’s Benzema’s stance? Despite the growing tension, Al-Hilal has not completely closed the door on Benzema’s future. Goal indicates the Saudi club would consider allowing him to leave if an appropriate financial proposal arrives, although no official offer has yet been submitted. The board reportedly rema
According to reports, Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly told Al Nassr that they'll take care of renewing Joao Felix's contract for two seasons. Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly driving a push behind the scenes at Al Nassr to secure Joao Felix’s long-term future at the club, with a new contract extension now on the table. According to a report from 365Scores Arabic, at Ronaldo’s request, Al Nassr‘s management will meet with Felix to discuss a new deal, with the Portuguese forward said to be open to staying and continuing his project with the club. Felix arrived at Al Nassr last summer in a permanent move from Chelsea, in a deal reportedly worth €30 million, joining forces with his national teammate Ronaldo as part of the club’s ongoing project to build a competitive squad in the Saudi Pro League. Since then, the Portuguese forward has become one of the standout attacking pieces alongside Ronaldo, reigniting a career that had stalled during difficult stints in Europe. Joao Felix celebrates a goal with Cristiano Ronaldo. (Getty Images) Joao Felix’s current contract at Al Nassr His current contract runs through June 2027, but reports indicate Al Nassr have already moved to secure his future beyond that. With Ronaldo reportedly pushing for renewed talks, the club appears to want that commitment locked in well ahead of schedule rather than letting speculation around his future linger. That speculation has been real: Felix’s name had recently been linked with a possible departure, with Besiktas showing interest and reports also connecting him to Manchester United as a potential destination. Al Nassr, however, appear determined to keep him in Riyadh, and Ronaldo’s direct involvement underscores how much the club values the partnership between the two Portuguese internationals. Joao Felix’s numbers at Al Nassr In his first season with the club, Felix delivered immediately, scoring a hat-trick on his Saudi Pro League debut in a 5-0 win over Al-Taawoun. He went on to finish the 2025-26 campaign with 20 goals and 14 assists in the league alone, and 26 goals across all competitions for Al Nassr. On the team front, Felix’s arrival coincided with major success: Al Nassr won the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title, their first league championship since 2019 and 11th overall, sealed with a 4-1 win over Damac.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente believes there was one defining element behind his team's remarkable triumph, and it ultimately carried the national team through one of the toughest knockout runs in World Cup history. Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe all stood in Spain’s path during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, yet none of the global superstars could prevent Luis de la Fuente’s side from lifting the trophy. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente believes there was one defining element behind his team’s remarkable triumph, and it ultimately carried the national team through one of the toughest knockout runs in World Cup history. The Spanish national team finished an unforgettable tournament by defeating defending champion Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final, sealing its second men’s World Cup title. Along the way, the champion overcame Portugal, France, and Argentina, eliminating teams led by three of soccer’s biggest icons while extending an extraordinary unbeaten run. However, La Roja’s route to the title was anything but straightforward. The knockout stage began with a 1-0 victory over Portugal, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of another World Cup triumph. After overcoming Belgium in the quarterfinals, La Roja then defeated Kylian Mbappe’s France 2-0 before edging Lionel Messi’s Argentina in a tense final decided by Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike. The journey highlighted the quality of Spain’s performances rather than any reliance on individual brilliance. While every opponent featured world-class talent, Spain consistently controlled matches through organization, discipline, and possession. Luis de la Fuente explains Spain’s greatest strength After the tournament, De la Fuente revealed what he believed separated Spain from every other contender. Instead of focusing on individual stars, the coach pointed to the collective identity of his squad. “We said we were facing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Kylian Mbappé’s France, and we were going to play against Lionel Messi’s Argentina,” De la Fuente explained. “But they were facing a team of 26 players.” That, according to the Spain manager, became the decisive difference throughout the competition. Unity over individual brilliance De la Fuente expanded on his message by comparing his squad’s mentality to one of history’s most famous stories. “And recalling that famous saying about the 300 Spartans, we Spaniards are the 26,” he said. “Because our true strength wasn’t in one individual, but in the unity of the group. And that’s what gives us great strength.” His comments reflected the identity Spain built during the tournament. Rather than depending on a single superstar, every member of the squad contributed, whether as a starter or from the bench.
As Al-Hilal strengthens its squad ahead of the new season, Al-Nassr has answered with a different kind of investment, targeting its academy in a move that could shape the club for years to come. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr continues reshaping its future after recent changes at every level of the club, while the success of Jorge Jesus’ move from a fierce rival still serves as an important reference point. As Al-Hilal strengthens its squad ahead of the new season, Al-Nassr has answered with a different kind of investment, targeting its academy in a move that could shape the club for years to come. Rather than focusing solely on first-team additions, Al-Nassr has turned its attention toward developing the next generation of talent. The decision reflects a broader long-term strategy as the Saudi Pro League champion looks to build sustainable success alongside its pursuit of domestic and continental trophies. The coach chosen to lead Al-Nassr’s Under-21 team is Brazilian youth specialist Marcos Soares, a familiar figure in Saudi football after previously working with both Al-Hilal and the Saudi national youth teams. According to Al-Riyadiyah, Soares has reached an agreement to take charge of the club’s U-21 side for the upcoming JOY Elite League campaign. His appointment also includes a multinational coaching staff, with Fernando Junior joining as goalkeeping coach, Miguel Arias serving as first assistant, and Badr Aba Al-Hussein becoming second assistant coach. The move has drawn immediate comparisons with Al-Nassr’s earlier decision to appoint Jorge Jesus after his successful spell at Al-Hilal. While Soares will work with the academy rather than the senior squad, the club is once again placing its trust in someone who understands both Saudi football and its biggest rival. From Al-Hilal academy to national team success Soares first arrived in Saudi Arabia in 2021, when he accepted responsibility for Al-Hilal’s Under-17 team. His work quickly earned recognition, leading to opportunities with the Saudi national youth setup over the following years. He coached the Saudi Under-19 national team in 2023 before moving up to the Under-20 side in 2024. During that period, he established himself as one of the country’s most respected youth coaches. His biggest achievements came at international level, where he guided Saudi Arabia to the West Asian Football Federation Under-17 Championship title and helped secure qualification for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile. Echoes of the Jorge Jesus decision The similarities between Soares’ arrival and Jorge Jesus’ high-profile switch from Al-Hilal to Al-Nassr have not gone unnoticed. Jesus previously enjoyed tremendous success with Al-Hilal before making the controversial move across Riyadh. He then guided Al-Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title, proving that crossing the rivalry could produce positive results despite the intense competition between the two clubs. Although Soares’ responsibilities will be very different, Al-Nassr hopes history can repeat itself. Instead of competing for immediate senior trophies, his mission is to develop players capable of one day supporting stars like Cristiano Ronaldo or becoming future first-team regulars.
After an unexpected defeat in the Australian manager's first match, attention has quickly shifted to the club's remaining friendly schedule and whether the Portuguese icon will feature before the new campaign begins. Cristiano Ronaldo was absent as Al-Nassr began a new chapter under head coach Ange Postecoglou, but the biggest question surrounding the Saudi champion now is when its captain will finally make his preseason debut. After an unexpected defeat in the Australian manager’s first match, attention has quickly shifted to the club’s remaining friendly schedule and whether the Portuguese icon will feature before the new campaign begins. Al-Nassr suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to Benfica B in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Lisbon, giving Postecoglou a difficult start to life with the Riyadh club. While the result itself raised eyebrows, Ronaldo’s absence generated just as much discussion among supporters eager to see the veteran striker back in action. The preseason opener was played in an unusual format, consisting of two 30-minute halves, allowing both coaching staffs to manage player workloads while evaluating different combinations. Al-Nassr looked sharp early, with Abdulmalik Al-Jaber scoring after just four minutes to hand the Saudi champion an early advantage. The promising start quickly faded as Benfica’s reserve side responded with two unanswered goals to secure a 2-1 victory. The defeat handed Postecoglou an early reminder that there is plenty of work ahead before the competitive season begins. Ronaldo hasn’t won any title with Al Nassr According to Ariyadhiah, the Australian coach wasted little time reacting to the result, ordering an additional training session immediately after the match as preparations continued in Portugal. Why Ronaldo did not play The Portuguese captain is currently enjoying an extended recovery period following Portugal’s run at the 2026 World Cup, where the national team was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Spain. Rather than rushing their biggest star back into action, Al-Nassr’s coaching staff and management have chosen to prioritize recovery before integrating him into preseason training. No official return date has been confirmed, although reports indicate he is expected to rejoin training next week before gradually building his fitness for the upcoming season. Three friendlies remain before the new campaign Al-Nassr still has three preseason matches scheduled in Europe, providing valuable opportunities for Postecoglou to implement his tactical ideas before competitive football returns. The remaining fixtures are: July 28: Mérida (Spain)August 1: Estrela Amadora (Portugal)August 4: Almería (Spain) Cristiano Ronaldo #7 and players of Portugal Based on current reports, Ronaldo is not expected to feature against Mérida, while his chances of playing against Estrela Amadora remain uncertain due to his conditioning program. The friendly against Almería on August 4 is widely viewed as the most likely date for his preseason debut, assuming his fitness progresses as planned. For now, Al-Nassr’s remaining three friendlies will serve as the final testing ground before the season officially starts, and all signs suggest Ronaldo’s first appearance under Postecoglou will come only after he has completed his recovery program. If current timelines hold, the meeting with Almería on August 4 could finally offer supporters their first glimpse of the club’s biggest star under its new manager.
Despite failing to win the 2026 World Cup, Kylian Mbappé has come under heavy criticism from fans. However, he equaled a scoring record set by Eusébio that had stood for 60 years and was never matched by Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Kylian Mbappé has managed to have a historic 2025-26 season, amid the disappointing season with Real Madrid and France. Without having managed to win any title, many fans criticize his season. Nevertheless, he has managed to demonstrate his scoring prowess, equaling a scoring record that had only been held by Eusébio for the last 60 years. Moreover, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo managed to achieve it in their careers. According to DAZN, Kylian Mbappé became the first player since 1966 to finish as the top scorer in the World Cup (10 goals), the UEFA Champions League (15 goals), and the domestic league (25 goals) in a single season. The only player to achieve it before him was Portuguese legend Eusébio. With this in mind, the 27-year-old star has already established as one of the greatest players in history. Lionel Messi is one of the greatest players in history, but he never managed to finish as the top scorer in all three competitions in a single season. The closest he came was in the 2009-10 season, when he scored 34 goals in LaLiga and 8 goals in the Champions League. However, he failed to score a single goal at the 2010 World Cup, missing his greatest chance. Despite becoming a legend, he never came close to achieving it again. With nearly 1,000 goals in his professional career, Cristiano Ronaldo is considered one of the greatest goalscorers in history. However, he also failed to equal Eusébio’s record during his professional career. In the 2013-14 season, the veteran striker came very close, finishing as the top scorer in LaLiga with 31 goals and in the Champions League with 17 goals. However, he scored only one goal at the 2014 World Cup. Kylian Mbappé #10 of France controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Kylian Mbappé’s impressive season overshadowed by collective struggles Throughout the 2025-26 season, Kylian Mbappé established as one of the best players in the world. He led Real Madrid’s attack, scoring 42 goals and providing 7 assists, making him the team’s standout player. In addition, he carried his excellent form over to France, becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer. However, the lack of collective success for his teams could leave him without individual awards. France and Real Madrid being two of the biggest powers in soccer world, neither of them managed to win a single title during the 2025-26 season. As a result, he appears to be losing ground in the Ballon d’Or race to Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembélé, and other players. Despite being one of the best players of recent years, individual awards continue to slip through his hands, as he is not considered the favorite this season either.
Guillermo Ochoa's career comes to an end, raising the question of how he compares to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of longevity. Guillermo Ochoa announced his retirement this week, closing out a 22-year professional career at 41 years old that saw him become one of the most recognizable goalkeepers in the sport. The Mexican made his professional debut for Club America on February 15, 2004, stopping in for a 3-2 win over Monterrey at the Azteca at just 18 years old. That same year also marked the beginning of another legendary career, as Lionel Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona on October 16, 2004, coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 win at 17 years old. Both players, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, would go on to define more than two decades of the sport, culminating in a shared piece of World Cup history at the 2026 tournament. Given the length of their careers, comparing sheer volume of matches played puts Ochoa’s longevity into perspective, even against two of the most durable players the sport has ever seen. Guillermo Ochoa #13 of Mexico is tossed into the air by his teammates. (Getty Images) Ronaldo leads the trio by a wide margin, having featured in roughly 1,330 official matches for club and country. Messi isn’t far off the pace either, sitting at close to 1,164 appearances across his time with Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami and Argentina. Ochoa’s total, by contrast, sits at around 942 official appearances across his career, split between spells at Club America, Ajaccio, Malaga, Granada, Standard Liege, Salernitana, AVS and AEL Limassol, along with his time with the Mexican national team. The record that ties all three together Despite the gap in appearances, Ochoa, Messi and Ronaldo are bound by a shared achievement no other player has matched: all three became the only players in history to feature in six different World Cup editions, a run that stretches from 2006 through 2026. Where the trio differs is in playing time across those tournaments, with Ochoa featuring far less regularly than the other two, but his mere presence across six editions of the tournament was enough to place him in a category previously thought impossible to reach.
Let’s explore the mind-boggling statistics and breathtaking highlights that defined his highly anticipated final international chapter. Even in the face of Portugal‘s early World Cup heartbreak, Cristiano Ronaldo proved he still has a flair for the historic. The 41-year-old entered the 2026 tournament surrounded by questions, only to answer them by shattering several massive benchmarks. Portugal fought valiantly throughout its campaign, ultimately bowing out in a tense Round of 16 clash against eventual champion Spain. Despite its premature exit from the global stage, the squad was lifted by its fearless leader through moments of pure athletic magic. After facing intense media pressure following a difficult opening match, the superstar responded exactly as he always does when backed into a corner. He boldly shattered specific scoring milestones and longevity benchmarks that many experts genuinely believed would stand for generations to come. Let’s explore the mind-boggling statistics and breathtaking highlights that defined his highly anticipated final international chapter. First player to score in six different World Cups Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six separate FIFA World Cup tournaments, extending a record that spans editions from 2006 through 2026. The milestone came after he found the net during Portugal’s victory over Uzbekistan in the group stage. Few players have managed to remain competitive across two decades of international soccer, making the accomplishment another landmark in his career. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates scoring a goal. Oldest outfield player in World Cup knockout match Another milestone credited to Ronaldo by the report came when he featured in Portugal’s knockout-stage victory over Croatia. At 41 years and 151 days old, Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player ever to appear in a FIFA World Cup knockout match, surpassing the previous benchmark held by Edin Džeko. Oldest goalscorer in World Cup knockout match The Round of 32 also produced another historic moment for Portugal’s captain. Ronaldo became the oldest player ever to score in a World Cup knockout match after converting a penalty against Croatia. The goal added another chapter to a tournament filled with personal milestones, even as Portugal battled through a difficult knockout fixture. Oldest player to score World Cup brace The group-stage victory over Uzbekistan proved especially memorable for Ronaldo. His two-goal performance made him the oldest player to score a brace at a FIFA World Cup, eclipsing the previous age-related mark. It was a vintage display from the Portuguese icon, who continued to show his finishing ability despite entering the tournament as its oldest outfield star. Lionel Messi (left), Guillermo Ochoa (center), and Cristiano Ronaldo (right) Joint record for most World Cup tournaments played Longevity remained a recurring theme throughout Ronaldo’s campaign. Ronaldo joined Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa as the only three men’s players to appear in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. Reaching six editions reflects exceptional consistency, fitness, and the ability to remain an important figure for the Portugal national team across multiple generations. Portugal’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer The 2026 tournament also brought a significant national milestone. Ronaldo surpassed Eusebio to become Portugal’s outright leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, taking his career tally to 11 tournament goals. The achievement added another national scoring record to a collection that already includes numerous international milestones. Most World Cup appearances for Portugal Ronaldo also continued extending his own national appearance record. He reached 26 World Cup appearances for Portugal, reinforcing his status as the country’s most experienced player on soccer’s biggest stage. Across six tournaments, he remained a central figure for the national side. Cristiano Ronaldo
This was a good rather than great World Cup on the field. In the background, things were a lot less edifyingPerhaps it’s too early, with the shreds of gold tape still fluttering through the New Jersey sky, to make a proper assessment. That will only come when everything has sunk in properly, when memories have had the chance to settle and shape themselves, when the consequences of certain events have become clear. But let’s try anyway to make some sort of assessment of where the World Cup that ended with Leandro Paredes grappling with Gavi ranks historically.The Balogun Affair could yet have major consequences. At the moment, it feels that the world has moved on, but that’s the nature of tournaments. They have a momentum of their own, a drive towards the finish that tends to sweep everything else aside. But there can be little doubt that the bending before political pressure, sweeping aside 64 years of precedent to ensure a particular player could take the stage, just as Gianni Infantino had done with Cristiano Ronaldo, just as he had done in gerrymandering the qualification criteria for the Club World Cup to ensure Lionel Messi played, represents a milestone. Continue reading...
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