L. Cristiano News & Headlines

When is Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game? Portugal star preparing for 2026 World Cup debut

worldsoccertalk.com · 6 days ago

Cristiano Ronaldo will begin his preparation for the 2026 World Cup with Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 41 years old, remains a central figure for both his club, Al Nassr, and the Portugal national team. Still drawing global attention, the key question now is when the legendary striker will take the field again. Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Portugal is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, when they face Congo DR for Matchday 1 of the 2026 World Cup at the NRG Stadium in Houston. The forward is heading to the game after performing 65 minutes in the last pre-World Cup friendly against Nigeria. The icon’s 2025-26 domestic campaign with Al Nassr has officially drawn to a close, meaning he won’t suit up for the Saudi Arabian powerhouse until next season. His club campaign ended on a high note on Thursday, May 21, when he secured the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 victory over Damac FC, emphatically snapping his silverware drought since arriving in the Middle East in late 2022. So far this season, the Portuguese icon has scored 30 goals and provided 4 assists in 37 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers for Portugal, with his personal account in 973 career goals. With the World Cup set for the USA, Canada, and Mexico at the end of the campaign, Ronaldo will be determined to arrive at what will likely be his final major tournament in top form. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr FC scoring a bicycle kick. Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule. From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final. With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.

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Cristiano Ronaldo has every reason to believe in 2026 World Cup dream win thanks to Portugal’s stunning tournament format-change record

worldsoccertalk.com · 2 weeks ago

Alongside a talented generation featuring stars such as Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Bruno Fernandes, the national team heads into the 2026 tournament carrying a fascinating piece of history that has captured the imagination of supporters. Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for what is widely expected to be his final World Cup, and excitement is growing around Portugal’s chances of finally conquering soccer’s biggest stage. Alongside a talented generation featuring stars such as Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Bruno Fernandes, the national team heads into the 2026 tournament carrying a fascinating piece of history that has captured the imagination of supporters. As Portugal gets ready for the expanded competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, fans have begun pointing to an unusual trend from the country’s recent successes. The statistic has become a popular talking point online and is being viewed by many as a positive omen ahead of a tournament that could define Ronaldo’s international legacy. The Selecao arrives at the 2026 World Cup in strong form under manager Roberto Martinez. Since taking charge in 2023, the Spanish coach has overseen a significant transformation, helping the national team rediscover consistency and confidence. The squad possesses quality throughout the pitch, but the midfield has become one of the team’s greatest strengths. Paris Saint-Germain duo Vitinha and Joao Neves have developed into elite performers, while Bruno Fernandes continues to provide creativity and leadership from advanced positions. Martinez has also succeeded in maximizing Ronaldo’s influence despite the veteran forward entering his forties. The Al-Nassr star remains a decisive figure and continues to score regularly for his country. Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes of Portugal. According to Reuters, Martinez has recorded one of the strongest starts ever by a Portugal manager, posting a win percentage approaching 70 percent. His team has also enjoyed an impressive scoring rate and produced one of the longest winning streaks in the nation’s history. The remarkable record that has fans talking The mysterious trend attracting so much attention centers around Portugal’s success whenever a major international competition introduces a new format or launches a completely new structure. Over the last decade, Portugal has repeatedly found itself thriving when soccer’s governing bodies make significant changes to tournaments. The first example arrived at Euro 2016, when UEFA expanded the European Championship from 16 teams to 24 teams. Portugal benefited from the new structure, advanced from the group stage despite drawing all three matches, and eventually defeated France in the final to win its first major international trophy. The moment Portugal lifted the trophy!#EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/9XF5mMgb9v— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) July 10, 2016 The second case came with the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019. The competition was brand new, and Portugal became the first nation to lift the trophy after defeating the Netherlands in the final. A third example emerged in 2025, when UEFA introduced a new quarter-final stage to the Nations League. Once again, Portugal adapted successfully and captured the title after overcoming Spain in the final. Cristiano Ronaldo and team mates of Portugal pose for a photo with the UEFA Nations League trophy This sequence has fueled growing optimism because the 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature its own major transformation, expanding from 32 teams to 48 teams and introducing a Round of 32 knockout phase. While many supporters view the trend as a fun piece of soccer trivia rather than a serious prediction, it has undoubtedly generated excitement ahead of the tournament. Portugal’s road to glory Portugal will begin its World Cup journey in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo. The opening match is scheduled against DR Congo before encounters with Uzbekistan and Colombia. On paper, Martinez’s side enters the grou

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Cristiano Ronaldo backed to play the 2030 World Cup by Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez: ‘He will fight for it’

worldsoccertalk.com · 2 weeks ago

Despite being 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the best players in the world and one of Portugal’s leading figures. In light of this, head coach Roberto Martinez has unexpectedly expressed his support for the veteran forward’s potential participation in the 2030 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo has remained one of the best players in the world, excelling as a goalscorer for Al Nassr. As a result, he will be Portugal’s starting striker at the 2026 World Cup, arriving at the tournament at 41 years old but still in excellent form. Although this appears to be his final edition of the competition, head coach Roberto Martínez has surprised everyone by backing the veteran forward’s participation in the 2030 edition. “He will fight for it. I think no one should doubt that, at least he has earned that right. Don’t think that this isn’t a topic of discussion and conversation within the coaching staff, because we would love to be able to pass on Cristiano Ronaldo’s example to all young soccer players in Portugal,” Roberto Martinez said, via El Larguero. While Roberto did not confirm that Cristiano will be part of the 2030 edition, he did maintain a respectful stance toward his legacy, refusing to rule out his participation. With a contract running until 2027 at Al Nassr, the 41-year-old star may not currently be thinking about reaching that edition of the tournament, but his participation at UEFA Euro 2028 cannot be ruled out. However, that could depend not only on his performances, but also on his own willingness. Unlike previous seasons, Cristiano Ronaldo has undergone significant minute management at Al Nassr. While he played 3,164 minutes during the season, he often did not feature in the early stages of the AFC Champions League Two, while also being rested for some away matches in the Saudi Pro League. With this in mind, he may choose not to target the 2030 World Cup, instead focusing on making a major impact at the 2026 edition. Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Martinez of Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo could target best-ever World Cup run with Portugal Despite remaining one of the best players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo has not enjoyed a particularly outstanding record at the World Cup. After playing 22 matches for Portugal in the tournament, he has scored only eight goals, finding the net just once in the 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022 editions. Only the 2018 tournament stands out as a prolific campaign, with four goals. At 41 years old, he could be aiming to produce his best World Cup performance in 2026. With one of the strongest national teams in the world, Cristiano’s Portugal enter as one of the clear favorites to win the tournament. With players such as Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes capable of elevating the team’s collective play, the 41-year-old striker would only need to focus on his goalscoring duties, giving him a better platform to shine. If he were to finish as the tournament’s top scorer, he could silence doubts about his impact.

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Cristiano Ronaldo won Saudi Pro League with Jorge Jesus, but another coach got the best out of him: Comparing CR7’s goals, assists, and win percentage under each Al-Nassr coach

worldsoccertalk.com · 3 weeks ago

While Jorge Jesus delivered the trophy that had eluded the club for years, a closer look at the numbers raises an intriguing question about whether he was actually the coach under whom Ronaldo performed at his highest level. Cristiano Ronaldo finally achieved one of his biggest objectives in Saudi Arabia when Al-Nassr captured the Saudi Pro League title under Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese manager arrived with a clear mission, and after guiding the club to the championship, he chose to walk away from the project with his promise fulfilled. The achievement marked a historic moment for both Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. However, while Jorge Jesus delivered the trophy that had eluded the club for years, a closer look at the numbers raises an intriguing question about whether he was actually the coach under whom Ronaldo performed at his highest level. Jorge Jesus officially stepped down shortly after leading Al-Nassr to the Saudi Pro League crown. The title was secured with a commanding 4-1 victory over Damac on the final day of the season, a match that saw Ronaldo score twice and play a decisive role in the celebrations. Speaking after the triumph, Jesus explained that helping the 41-year-old win the league had been one of the main reasons he accepted the position in the first place. “I came here to help Cristiano and this club to win,” the veteran coach said. “We did an incredible job all together… now for me it’s time to go.” A week has passed… the feeling hasn’t 💛😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/Eomko4gG4m— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 29, 2026 The veteran manager revealed that he had planned his departure long before the season ended. Thus, he is said to have informed club officials and Ronaldo at the beginning of the project that he intended to stay for only one campaign. Ronaldo’s numbers under each Al-Nassr coach His success ultimately delivered Al-Nassr’s first league title since 2019 and restored belief among supporters who had endured several disappointing seasons. However, while Jesus achieved the ultimate objective, statistics suggest that Ronaldo’s most productive spell may have come under a different manager. Since arriving at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has played under five different coaches. The numbers reveal some surprising differences in terms of goals, assists, and overall attacking output. Under Rudi Garcia, Ronaldo recorded 11 goals and two assists in 12 matches. During Dinko Ilicic‘s brief tenure, he managed three goals in seven appearances. The most productive period came under Luis Castro, where Ronaldo produced 54 goals and 16 assists in 56 matches. Under Stefano Pioli, he registered 31 goals and two assists across 35 games. Meanwhile, under his compatriot Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo finished with 30 goals and four assists in 38 matches, helping Al-Nassr secure the league title. CoachMatchesGoalsAssistsGoal ContributionsGC per MatchRudi Garcia12112131.08Dinko Ilicic73030.43Luis Castro565416701.25Stefano Pioli35312330.94Jorge Jesus38304340.89 The coach who got the best out of Ronaldo statistically When comparing total goal contributions per game, the figures point clearly toward Luis Castro as Ronaldo’s most effective coach at Al-Nassr. Castro oversaw 70 goal contributions in 56 matches, producing an impressive average of 1.25 goal contributions per game. Ronaldo also achieved his best goals-per-match ratio during that period, scoring at a rate of 0.96 goals per game. By comparison, CR7 averaged 0.89 goal contributions per game under Jorge Jesus, despite the team ultimately lifting the league trophy. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s most prolific soccer outside of Europe may have arrived under Castro, but the long-awaited championship finally arrived under Jesus.

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Cristiano Ronaldo faces transfer setback as Al Nassr reportedly forced to pay $7M for Felix and Coman after SPL triumph

worldsoccertalk.com · 3 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo is already facing problems ahead of potential squad boosts as Al Nassr are reportedly force to pay $7M for Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman after the triumph in the SPL. Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the central figures in Al Nassr‘s 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title triumph, ending a drought that stretched back to his arrival at the club in 2022. However, the celebration has come with an unexpected financial sting, as Al Nassr are reportedly obligated to pay approximately $7 million in bonus fees related to the signings of Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix. Alongside Iñigo Martinez, Felix and Coman were the most high-profile arrivals of the 2025 summer window, part of a significant investment Al Nassr made to reshape the squad around Ronaldo. Both have more than justified the outlay, with Felix claiming the SPL Player of the Season award, but the title success has now triggered contractual clauses that will add to the club’s expenditure. According to Al Arriyadiyah, Al Nassr will be paying Chelsea and Bayern Munich a combined figure of approximately €6 million (around $7 million) as a result of those clauses. Both deals included a title bonus that would be activated if Al Nassr won the Saudi Pro League, and last Thursday’s triumph set that obligation in motion. Updated fees for Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman In Felix’s case, Chelsea agreed to a base transfer fee of €30 million with up to €20 million in potential add-ons, a structure similar in concept to the €52 million Atletico Madrid had originally paid for the Portuguese. The SPL title has triggered a €5 million add-on, bringing the total Al Nassr has paid to Chelsea so far to €35 million. Cristiano Ronaldo of AlNassr celebrates with teammates Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman after scoring. Coman‘s situation is slightly different. The French winger had been under contract with Bayern Munich until 2027 but was seeking a more prominent role, and Al Nassr agreed to a €30 million fee to secure his services. With the title now confirmed, Bayern will receive an additional bonus of approximately €856,000, bringing the effective total to just under €31 million. According to the Saudi outlet, the same SPL title clause in Felix’s deal would be activated again should Al Nassr win the league while he remains at the club, with his contract running through June 2027. For Coman, whose deal extends through 2028, the clause could theoretically be triggered twice more. Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman’s first season at Al Nassr While Ronaldo finished as Al Nassr’s top scorer for the season with 30 goals, Felix and Coman quickly established themselves as the next most productive attacking players in the squad. Felix ended the campaign with 26 goals, while Coman, operating primarily from wide positions rather than a central role, still managed an impressive 16. Felix’s case stands out most strikingly when assists are factored in. His 19 assists led the entire team, and his 45 direct goal contributions overall made him the most productive player at the club across the season even over Ronaldo (30 goals and 5 assists). His availability speaks to that level of contribution as well, with Felix appearing in 47 of Al Nassr’s 49 games, missing just two.

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The most goals scored in a single season in history: Harry Kane reaches top 10…

planetfootball.com · 3 weeks ago

You might be surprised who's top. The post The most goals scored in a single season in history: Harry Kane reaches top 10… appeared first on Planet Football.

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How Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr win, draw, or loss vs Damac could affect the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League title race

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

After months of twists, late drama, and pressure-filled nights, Al-Nassr enters the final matchday sitting top of the table with 83 points, while Al-Hilal remains right behind on 81, ahead of its simultaneous clash against Al-Fayha. Cristiano Ronaldo will walk onto the pitch at Al-Awwal Park knowing the entire Saudi Pro League season hangs in the balance. After months of twists, late drama, and pressure-filled nights, Al-Nassr enters the final matchday sitting top of the table with 83 points, while Al-Hilal remains right behind on 81, ahead of its simultaneous clash against Al-Fayha. The title race has become one of the most dramatic finishes in recent Saudi Pro League history. Al-Nassr controls its destiny, but the margin for error has disappeared completely after recent dropped points and the painful late equalizer conceded against Al-Hilal in the Riyadh derby. The 2025-26 campaign has tested Al-Nassr emotionally from start to finish. Jorge Jesus’ side looked ready to celebrate the title last week before Bento’s stoppage-time own goal denied the club victory in a tense derby draw against Al-Hilal. Just days later, the disappointment deepened with a 1-0 defeat to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, increasing the pressure surrounding the final league fixture. That result left Ronaldo and his teammates with one last opportunity to turn the season into a success. Despite the recent setbacks, the numbers still favor Al-Nassr. The club has recorded 27 wins, two draws, and only four defeats, scoring 87 goals while conceding just 27 across 33 league matches. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Roshn Saudi League (@spl_en) Meanwhile, Al-Hilal has continued to apply pressure without losing ground. The defending challenger has collected 81 points and remained unbeaten through 33 games, setting up a dramatic finish with both title contenders playing at the same time on Matchday 34. What happens if Al-Nassr wins against Damac? This is the simplest scenario in the title race. If Al-Nassr defeats Damac, the club officially becomes the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League champion regardless of Al-Hilal’s result against Al-Fayha. A victory would move Al-Nassr to 86 points, putting the trophy beyond the reach of every rival. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. It would also secure Cristiano Ronaldo’s first Saudi Pro League title since arriving in the Middle East. The atmosphere inside Al-Awwal Park is expected to be electric if the team gets the job done. Al-Nassr has already gone unbeaten in its last nine home league matches, winning eight of those games. What happens if Al-Nassr draws against Damac? A draw would open the door for chaos across Riyadh. If Al-Nassr finishes level against Damac and Al-Hilal defeats Al-Fayha, both clubs would end the season tied on 84 points. Under Saudi Pro League regulations, the first tiebreaker is head-to-head record rather than goal difference. Because Al-Hilal holds the advantage in the derby meetings across the season, Al-Hilal would overtake Al-Nassr and win the title. However, if Karim Benzema’s side also drops points by drawing or losing against Al-Fayha, Al-Nassr would remain champion. Ruben Neves looks on following the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Hilal. That possibility means fans will likely spend the evening following events in both stadiums simultaneously. The tension surrounding this scenario explains why the late equalizer against Al-Hilal last week felt so devastating for Jorge Jesus’ side. What happens if Al-Nassr loses against Damac? A defeat would create the most dangerous situation for Ronaldo and his teammates. If Al-Nassr loses and Al-Hilal beats Al-Fayha, the title slips away immediately. In that case, Al-Hilal would finish on 84 points while Al-Nassr would stay on 83. Jorge Jesus, Head Coach of Al Nassr, looks on after defeat in the AFC Champions League 2 Final between Al Nassr and Gamba Osaka Months of dominance at the top of the table would disappear on the

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr draw to Al Hilal: How do the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League standings look now?

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Cristiano Ronaldo has been unable to claim the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr after the 1-1 draw against Al Hilal. Cristiano Ronaldo saw his chances to secure the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr fading away with a thrilling 1-1 draw against Al Hilal. By splitting the points with only a fraction of the schedule remaining, Al Nassr have left the door wide open at the top of the table. Tuesday’s showdown between Al Nassr and Al Hilal carried massive title implications, with the hosts needing a win to effectively wrap up the race. Conversely, had the side led by Karim Benzema managed even a draw, they would have maintained control of their own destiny to potentially leapfrog Al Nassr in the final week. The match turned on a series of pivotal moments, starting with a Benzema strike that was ultimately wiped off the board for offside. In the 37th minute, Al Nassr capitalized on a corner kick as Kingsley Coman found Mohamed Simakan in the heart of the box for the opening goal, but the drama peaked in stoppage time. Following a late throw-in, a rare lapse from goalkeeper Bento allowed Al Hilal to snatch a 1-1 draw and silence the Al Awwal Park crowd. How do the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League standings look after Al Nassr’s win? The stalemate keeps Al Nassr at the summit of the table, moving them to 83 points through 33 games in the 2025-26 SPL campaign. Meanwhile, Al Hilal remains in second place with 78 points through 32 matches, remarkably maintaining their unbeaten status through the current league season. Saudi Pro League current standings. The late-season drama now shifts entirely to Al Hilal’s critical game in hand. That last-minute equalizer handed Benzema’s side a legitimate lifeline to snatch the title away from Ronaldo; while they trail by five points, a negative result from the leaders could open the opportunity to claim the league trophy. If they win their final two matches, Al Hilal will need for Al Nassr to drop points in their last matchup. With the trophy still very much up for grabs, Al Nassr will play their final league game against Damac FC on Thursday, May 21, just weeks before the 2026 World Cup kickoff. Al Hilal, now sensing blood in the water, must regroup for a May 16 clash with Neom SC before concluding their domestic hunt against Al Fayha on the 21st. Ronaldo eyes continental glory before SPL resolution While the domestic title remains in limbo, Cristiano Ronaldo is still searching for his first major trophy since arriving in Riyadh. A league title would be Al Nassr’s first since 2018-19, but before that is decided, the Portuguese icon has a chance to secure a massive piece of silverware on the continental stage. On Saturday, May 16, Al Nassr will host Japanese side Gamba Osaka at Al Awwal Park for the AFC Champions League Two final, where Ronaldo will hunt for his first continental title in Asia. While the domestic league was always the primary objective, a victory on Saturday would secure Al Nassr’s fourth international trophy and cap off a historic week for the club.

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Why isn’t Angelo playing today for Al Nassr vs Al Hilal in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League clash?

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Al Nassr have established as the clear favorites to become champions of the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League, needing a victory over Al Hilal. Nevertheless, head coach Jorge Jesus will be without Ângelo, dealing a significant blow to the team’s consistency. Throughout the 2025–26 season, Al Nassr have surprised many with their offensive performances, establishing themselves as the favorites to win the Saudi Pro League. Nevertheless, they need to defeat Al Hilal, relying on the scoring power of Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix. Despite this, head coach Jorge Jesus faces the difficult absence of Ângelo in the starting lineup, leaving the creative midfield exposed in a match that could define the entire season. Ângelo has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury after being substituted against Al Qadsiah, according to Ariyadhiah. Because of this, head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed his absence for Al Nassr’s clash against Al Hilal, raising doubts over whether he will be able to participate in the final two matches of the season. Whether as a midfielder or a winger, the Brazilian star is a key player for the team, making his absence a very significant blow. In place of the young Brazilian, head coach Jorge Jesus could once again rely on Abdullah Alkhaibari in midfield and Sadio Mané on the left wing. Although Al Nassr have managed to maintain their strong form without Ângelo, they have still lost a key creative and structural piece, as he provides significant stability with his versatile box-to-box profile for the team. Without Ângelo in the starting lineup, Al Nassr are placing all their hopes on the Marcelo Brozović–Abdullah Alkhaibari midfield pairing. However, this duo has proven to be significantly less consistent than when the Brazilian star is on the pitch, meaning the team’s defensive stability could be affected. Nevertheless, Iñigo Martínez could once again play a key role in balancing the side, acting as the leader of the defensive structure to counter Karim Benzema’s Al Hilal. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrates with teammate Kingsley Coman. Ângelo becomes a transformative figure at Al Nassr Under head coach Jorge Jesus, Ângelo has reached to transform into one of the most complete players in Al Nassr’s roster. Not only he can shine as winger, but he can also shine as midfielder, having a huge defensive impact. With his versatility and impressive talent, the 21-year-old star is one of the most important players of the team, having huge playing time and cemeting as a conerstone of the team’s future. Having a contract until 2029, Al Nassr may need to improve soon his deal, avoiding his departure to Europe as some teams have already asked for his transfer. Not only a improved salary, but also a competitive project may be needed to convince Ângelo, as he would still have some time to play in top European leagues, but arriving as a consolidated star rather than a young talent. Al Nassr aim to end a seven-year drought in the Saudi Pro League With Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival, Al Nassr became one of the most media-driven clubs in the Middle East, leading to the arrival of several world-class players to strengthen the squad. After several years of sporting disappointment, Jorge Jesus managed to restore the team’s competitiveness, with them standing out offensively. They could even end a seven-year drought in the Saudi Pro League by defeating Al Hilal, despite the absence of Ângelo. In the event of securing a victory today against Karim Benzema’s Al Hilal, Al Nassr could be crowned league champions, giving Cristiano Ronaldo his first official title with the club. Having last won a championship in 2019, Jorge Jesus would end a long trophy drought, cementing himself as a legendary figure at the club, especially as he could also go on to win the AFC Champions League Two in the coming days.

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Cristiano Ronaldo watches closely as Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Theo Hernandez suffers injury scare days before Saudi Pro League title decider: Will he play vs Al-Nassr?

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are preparing for what could become the biggest match of the Saudi Pro League season, but attention has suddenly shifted toward Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Theo Hernandez after an injury scare in the King’s Cup final. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are preparing for what could become the biggest match of the Saudi Pro League season, but attention has suddenly shifted toward Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Theo Hernandez after an injury scare in the King’s Cup final. The timing could hardly be more dramatic: with the Riyadh derby only days away, concern has started to grow around one of Al-Hilal’s most influential recent arrivals. Al-Hilal lifted the King’s Cup after defeating Al-Kholood 2-1 in a dramatic final. Simone Inzaghi secured his first trophy since arriving in Saudi Arabia, continuing a remarkable run that has seen his side lose only once in 50 matches. Nevertheless, the evening started badly for the Blue Waves after Ramiro Enrique stunned the crowd with an early opener for Al-Kholood. The response, however, showed exactly why the club remains one of the dominant forces in Saudi soccer. Nasser Al-Dawsari equalized shortly before halftime with a thunderous strike that reignited the atmosphere inside the stadium. Moments later, Theo Hernandez completed the comeback with a powerful low finish from outside the area after receiving a pass from Karim Benzema. The French defender delivered one of his best performances since joining Al-Hilal. He recorded a goal, a key pass, five duel wins, and maintained a 90 percent passing accuracy while constantly threatening down the left flank. According to Sofascore’s post-match statistics, the Frenchman completed 54 of his 60 passes and remained heavily involved throughout the final. His display helped Al-Hilal secure its 10th King’s Cup title, reinforcing the growing belief that the club can still turn the league race around. KING’S CUP TITLE NUMBER 10 FOR AL-HILAL 🏆🔵 pic.twitter.com/W3Ah4pyXIV— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) May 8, 2026 Hernandez’s injury concern suddenly changed the mood The celebrations did not last long without concern, though. During the second half, Hernandez appeared uncomfortable and was eventually forced off after suffering a calf issue. At first, there was uncertainty regarding the severity of the problem. The sight of the defender walking off without assistance offered some encouragement, but medical analysis later suggested the situation may still require close monitoring. Theo Hernández's injury incident.pic.twitter.com/cYuaMZEuAB https://t.co/URPliuShZ1— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) May 8, 2026 Saudi physical therapist specialist Thamer Al-Shahrani later explained the nature of the injury. According to his assessment on X (formerly Twitter), Hernandez suffered “a calf muscle injury caused by a minor sprain, which could lead to sudden internal tightening of the muscle.” The specialist also revealed two possible scenarios. “Best case scenario: just a strain and he could be available for the match against Al-Nassr,” he explained. However, the warning attached to the second possibility immediately raised concern inside Al-Hilal circles. “Worst case scenario: a muscle tear, even if minor, which would rule him out of the Al-Nassr match.” An injury forced Theo Hernandez off, but with him walking off unaided, it’s too early to tell how serious it is. pic.twitter.com/yvmI8lN5pK— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) May 8, 2026 Al-Nassr waits as the title race reaches boiling point Naturally, the developments surrounding Hernandez are being watched closely by Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. Next Tuesday’s showdown between the Riyadh rivals could ultimately decide the destination of the Saudi Pro League trophy. Al-Nassr currently sits five points clear at the top of the table, although Al-Hilal still holds a game in hand. Victory for Ronaldo’s side would virtually secure the championship and end the club’s long wait for another leag

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s 20-win streak ends as Al Nassr fall short of his Real Madrid career record

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

With Al Nassr's winning streak snapping at 20 games, Cristiano Ronaldo fell just short of matching his career-best mark set during his time at Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo could not prevent Al Nassr‘s defeat on Sunday against Al Qadsiah, which brought the club’s remarkable winning streak to a halt with a 3-1 loss. While the Portuguese legend helped push the run to 20 consecutive victories, he ultimately fell short of the career-best streak he had set during his time at Real Madrid. Al Nassr‘s winning run had stretched all the way back to January 17, some 106 days earlier, beginning on Matchday 16 against Al Shabab. Goals from Mohammed Abu Shamat in the 24th minute, Musab Al-Juwair in the 55th and Mexican international Julian Quiñones in the 78th were enough to end the streak, with Joao Felix’s 39th-minute strike accounting for Al Nassr’s only reply, leaving the club with just three games to go in the league season. The 3-1 defeat brings to a close what stands as the longest winning streak in Al Nassr’s history. The run was made up of 16 consecutive Saudi Pro League victories and four wins in the AFC Champions League Two on the way to reaching the final. However, the longest winning streak of Ronaldo’s career remains untouched. That benchmark dates back to the 2014-15 season, when between September 2014 and January 2015 he was part of a 22-match unbeaten winning run with Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates with Gareth Bale after scoring Real’s 3rd goal against FC Basel 1893. That streak began on September 16, 2014, with a 5-1 home victory in the opening matchday of the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League against FC Basel, with Ronaldo contributing a goal and an assist. The run spanned La Liga, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey and the FIFA Club World Cup before finally coming to an end on January 4, 2015, with a 2-1 away win over Valencia in La Liga, in which Ronaldo scored Real Madrid’s only goal. Cristiano Ronaldo’s contribution across both winning streaks Despite more than a decade separating the two runs, Ronaldo has been a pivotal figure in both, consistently contributing at both ends of the pitch, though his impact has been notably different in each setting. During his career-best streak at Real Madrid, Ronaldo sat out just two games, both Copa del Rey ties against UD Cornellà in which coach Carlo Ancelotti elected to rest him. Across the remaining 20 matches, he scored 28 goals and delivered 12 assists, producing a staggering rate of 1.4 goals per game and 2.0 direct goal contributions per appearance. The run also yielded the FIFA Club World Cup, with victories over Mexico’s Cruz Azul and Argentina’s San Lorenzo. During the most recent streak with Al Nassr, Ronaldo participated in 14 of the 20 games, missing six in total. Two of those absences came in the AFC Champions League Two Round of 16 against FK Arkadag, where coach Jorge Jesus chose to rest him, while the remaining four were Saudi Pro League matches: two in early February during his voluntary boycott of the league and two more in late March while sidelined with a hamstring injury. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates after winning against Al Ahli. Across the 14 games he did feature in, Ronaldo scored 11 goals and contributed two assists, staggering figures for a player who turned 41 while the streak was still alive. His performances helped Al Nassr reach the AFC Champions League Two final and maintain their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League, with the title still firmly in their own hands.

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‘Cristiano Ronaldo was never a crack like Messi or Ronaldinho,’ says former Portugal head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Cristiano Ronaldo has established as one of the greatest players in history, winning numerous championships and reshaping the history of Real Madrid and Portugal. Despite this, former Portugal head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari made a surprising comparison between him, Messi and Ronaldinho. Cristiano Ronaldo has become one of the greatest soccer players in history. He has not only broken goal-scoring records, but also transformed his national team into a winning one. Despite this, former Portugal head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari made a surprising comparison between the veteran and Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho, making it clear that he was never a natural star like them, while offering an important clarification. “He was never a crack like Messi or Ronaldinho—he made himself into one. He looked for alternatives. Players like Messi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, and Maradona already know where the ball will be; Cristiano doesn’t. He was a player who chased situations to turn himself into a crack. And now, at 41, he’s heading to another World Cup thanks to his persistence, determination, and dedication. He has a wonderful heart,” Luiz Felipe Scolari said, via DSports. Far from criticizing Cristiano, Scolari was highlighting a clear virtue of his career: Hard work. Unlike many soccer legends, the Portuguese star did not start as an elite player but managed to become one through dedication and persistence, winning several individual awards and dominating an era alongside Lionel Messi. Moreover, he scored more goals after turning 30 than in his earlier years, establishing as one of Real Madrid’s greatest legends. Even though Lionel Messi seemed to dominate the recent era on his own with his natural talent, Cristiano Ronaldo managed to compete with him directly, winning five Ballon d’Or awards along with five UEFA Champions League titles. In addition, he is approaching 1,000 goals, further cementing a legendary era in soccer. Because of this, he has placed firmly in the GOAT conversation, alongside the Argentine, Diego Maradona, Pelé, and others. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo reshaped Portugal’s history, leading a winning era Throughout history, Portugal have had many soccer legends, such as Eusébio, Deco, Luís Figo, Paulo Futre and others, making them a very attractive national team. However, they did not manage to win any titles during their time, disappointing tournament after tournament. Unlike them, Cristiano Ronaldo did transform the history of the national team, turning them into a highly competitive side and even favorites for the 2026 World Cup. Under Fernando Santos and Roberto Martinez, Portugal won the first three titles in their history: the 2016 UEFA Euro, the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League, and the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League. In all of them, Cristiano emerged as a key figure on the field, standing out not only for his goals but also for his leadership. Furthermore, they have a very promising team that is emerging as a contender to win the World Cup, which would further elevate the veteran forward’s legacy. Along with these titles, Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged as Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer with 143 goals. With this, he surpassed Pauleta and Eusébio, who finished with 47 goals and 42 goals, respectively. Because of this, the veteran forward can indeed be considered the most important figure in the history of the national team, having a completely historic impact.

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Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed for Saudi Pro League Player of the Month as Al Nassr’s Jesus wins coaching award

worldsoccertalk.com · 2 months ago

The Saudi Pro League did not select Cristiano Ronaldo as Player of the Month, but it did reward Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus. Al Nassr are on track to win the Saudi Pro League title, holding a comfortable lead in the standings over Al Hilal. Cristiano Ronaldo has been key to that run, yet the league still chose not to recognize him for his recent performances. The situation was different for head coach Jorge Jesus. This Friday, the Saudi Pro League announced through its official social media accounts the awards for the standout players and coaches of April. Argentine midfielder Valentin Vada received the honor. “With 6 G/A, massively contributing to Damac’s cause, Valentin Vada is the RSL’s Player of the month,” the Saudi Pro League announced. The decision is somewhat surprising considering the club’s performance this season, as they sit in 15th place and are just above the relegation zone. During that same period, Cristiano Ronaldo also delivered strong performances, contributing four goals in four matches—all wins for Al Nassr that helped them solidify their position at the top of the standings. With 6 G/A, massively contributing to @DAMAC_CLUB's cause, Valentin Vada is the RSL's Player of the month 🇦🇷Presented by @Roshnksa pic.twitter.com/e3a52jXJBi— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 1, 2026 Al Nassr receive other awards Despite Cristiano Ronaldo missing out, other key Al Nassr figures did receive recognition. “With a 100% win record from matchweeks 25-30, Jorge Jesus is the April Manager of the month,” the Saudi Pro League announced. In addition, Bento was named Goalkeeper of the Month thanks to his excellent performances in April. He conceded only once across four matches—the 5-2 win over Al Najma. In the other three games, he kept clean sheets and played an important role in the team’s success. What’s next for Cristiano Ronaldo May will be a crucial month for Cristiano Ronaldo. Domestically, Al Nassr are close to securing the Saudi Pro League title, holding an eight-point lead over Al Hilal (who have a game in hand) with four matches remaining. In addition, on May 16 they will face Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final. On top of that, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez will finalize his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this month. A preliminary list of 35 to 55 players must be submitted by May 11, and that number must be reduced to 26 by no later than June 1. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be included in the roster, barring any unexpected setbacks in the coming weeks.

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Cristiano Ronaldo sends retirement warning after Al Nassr’s latest victory: ’The end of my career is getting closer’

worldsoccertalk.com · 2 months ago

Al Nassr are closing in on the Saudi Pro League title after their recent victory over Al Ahli, with Cristiano Ronaldo as the standout figure. Despite his outstanding form, the Portuguese star has warned fans about his impending retirement, reflecting on his professional career. Cristiano Ronaldo has remained as the most important player of Al Nassr, shining at a goalscoring level and leading the team. With his scoring impact, the veteran is leading his team to the top of the Saudi Pro League, just a few matches away from winning the league title. While the 41-year-old striker is in top form and is aiming to play in the 2026 World Cup, the Portuguese has decided to warn about his professional retirement, reflecting on his tenure. “The end of my career is getting closer. let’s enjoy every game. I keep playing not only for this generation, but also for the previous one and the one coming next. I enjoy it day by day, game by game, year by year, even as I get closer to the end of my career. That’s a fact… My career has been brilliant and I want to keep it that way. I still enjoy it, I keep scoring goals… but above all, it’s about winning. And we really want to win the league,” Ronaldo said, via Canal GOATBR. Despite the warning about his professional retirement, Cristiano Ronaldo remains under contract with Al Nassr until 2027, so we could still have him for some more time shining in the Saudi Pro League. In addition, the Portuguese has just reached 970 goals, remaining only 30 away from the long-awaited 1,000-goal mark, which could cement him as a historic milestone and keep him highly motivated. Jorge Jesus has been a transformative figure for Cristiano and Al Nassr. Following his arrival, the team has developed an attacking identity, thriving with a high press. Not only do they remain leaders of the Saudi Pro League, but they will also play in the AFC Champions League 2 final. Because of this, the Portuguese veteran could be set for his best year since joining the club, potentially winning two titles to silence critics who labeled his spell at the club a “failure.” Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates scoring a goal. Cristiano Ronaldo faces his final major challenge: 2026 World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo’s emergence has powerfully transformed the history of the Portugal national team. With his arrival, they have managed to win their first three major titles: the 2016 UEFA Euro and the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League, establishing themselves as one of the strongest teams in the world. At 41 years old, the striker is preparing for his final opportunity: Winning the World Cup and making history with his national team. Throughout his career, Cristiano has not particularly excelled in this tournament. After playing 22 matches, he has only managed to score eight goals, not ranking among the top scorers. Heading into what is likely his final World Cup appearance, the Portuguese could look to impose his scoring rhythm and lead his national team to the title. With this, he would crown his professional career at the highest level—something Lionel Messi already achieved with Argentina. In the event of winning the 2026 World Cup, the Saudi Pro League, and the AFC Champions League 2, Cristiano Ronaldo could be tempted into professional retirement. After achieving everything with his national team and Al Nassr, he could step away with a trophy-filled résumé and in one of the best seasons of his career. However, this could prevent him from reaching the 1,000-goal mark.

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L. Cristiano

L. Cristiano news

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Cristiano Ronaldo won Saudi Pro League with Jorge Jesus, but another coach got the best out of him: Comparing CR7’s goals, assists, and win percentage under each Al-Nassr coach

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s 20-win streak ends as Al Nassr fall short of his Real Madrid career record

‘Cristiano Ronaldo was never a crack like Messi or Ronaldinho,’ says former Portugal head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari

Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed for Saudi Pro League Player of the Month as Al Nassr’s Jesus wins coaching award

Cristiano Ronaldo sends retirement warning after Al Nassr’s latest victory: ’The end of my career is getting closer’

L. Cristiano news

When is Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game? Portugal star preparing for 2026 World Cup debut

Cristiano Ronaldo has every reason to believe in 2026 World Cup dream win thanks to Portugal’s stunning tournament format-change record

Cristiano Ronaldo backed to play the 2030 World Cup by Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez: ‘He will fight for it’

Cristiano Ronaldo won Saudi Pro League with Jorge Jesus, but another coach got the best out of him: Comparing CR7’s goals, assists, and win percentage under each Al-Nassr coach

Cristiano Ronaldo faces transfer setback as Al Nassr reportedly forced to pay $7M for Felix and Coman after SPL triumph

The most goals scored in a single season in history: Harry Kane reaches top 10…

How Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr win, draw, or loss vs Damac could affect the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League title race

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr draw to Al Hilal: How do the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League standings look now?

Why isn’t Angelo playing today for Al Nassr vs Al Hilal in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League clash?

Cristiano Ronaldo watches closely as Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Theo Hernandez suffers injury scare days before Saudi Pro League title decider: Will he play vs Al-Nassr?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 20-win streak ends as Al Nassr fall short of his Real Madrid career record

‘Cristiano Ronaldo was never a crack like Messi or Ronaldinho,’ says former Portugal head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari

Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed for Saudi Pro League Player of the Month as Al Nassr’s Jesus wins coaching award

Cristiano Ronaldo sends retirement warning after Al Nassr’s latest victory: ’The end of my career is getting closer’