Goal efficiency
How clinical and direct the player was in front of goal — volume, accuracy, and conversion.
Al-Nassr · Euro Championship · Attacker · #79 · Portugal · 26 yrs
João Félix plays as an attacker for Al-Nassr. João Félix is a Portuguese international, 26 years old, attacker, currently at Al-Nassr. João Félix wears shirt number 79 for Al-Nassr. João Félix was born in Viseu, Portugal on 1999-11-10. João Félix is 181 cm tall and weighs 70 kg. João Félix's Sportra profile tracks season statistics across Euro Championship, Euro Championship - Qualification, World Cup, World Cup - Qualification Europe, and other leagues. João Félix's page brings together career clubs, trophies, injury history, multi-competition stats, and related news headlines. On Sportra you can explore João Félix season statistics, transfer history, trophies, injury updates, and related news across every competition tracked in the profile.
| Date | Type | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-28 | Transfer |  Chelsea CHE |  Al-Nassr NAS |
| 2025-07-01 | N/A |  AC Milan MIL | Chelsea CHE |
| 2025-02-04 | Loan | Chelsea CHE | AC Milan MIL |
Season intelligence
Profile as Attacker: creator. Archetype: Wide creator. Season rating 6.5.
Scaled 0–99 from season output — map to fantasy, comparisons, or scouting cards.
Per-90 rates, efficiency ratios, and Sportra indices from season totals.
How clinical and direct the player was in front of goal — volume, accuracy, and conversion.
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
Isolation threat and progressive carrying — volume plus success rate.
How often they draw fouls and stay out of trouble with cards.
Tackles, duels, and off-ball defensive contribution.
Shot-stopping, goals conceded, and penalty saves.
Minutes, availability, and how central they were to the team.
Every tracked category for this league and season, grouped by Sportra.
João Félix plays as an attacker for Al-Nassr. João Félix is a Portuguese international, 26 years old, attacker, currently at Al-Nassr. João Félix wears shirt number 79 for Al-Nassr. João Félix was born in Viseu, Portugal on 1999-11-10. João Félix is 181 cm tall and weighs 70 kg. João Félix's Sportra profile tracks season statistics across Euro Championship, Euro Championship - Qualification, World Cup, World Cup - Qualification Europe, and other leagues. João Félix's page brings together career clubs, trophies, injury history, multi-competition stats, and related news headlines. On Sportra you can explore João Félix season statistics, transfer history, trophies, injury updates, and related news across every competition tracked in the profile.
| Date | Type | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-28 | Transfer | Chelsea CHE | Al-Nassr NAS |
| 2025-07-01 | N/A | AC Milan MIL | Chelsea CHE |
| 2025-02-04 | Loan | Chelsea CHE | AC Milan MIL |
Season intelligence
Profile as Attacker: creator. Archetype: Wide creator. Season rating 6.5.
Scaled 0–99 from season output — map to fantasy, comparisons, or scouting cards.
Per-90 rates, efficiency ratios, and Sportra indices from season totals.
How clinical and direct the player was in front of goal — volume, accuracy, and conversion.
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
Isolation threat and progressive carrying — volume plus success rate.
How often they draw fouls and stay out of trouble with cards.
Tackles, duels, and off-ball defensive contribution.
Shot-stopping, goals conceded, and penalty saves.
Minutes, availability, and how central they were to the team.
Every tracked category for this league and season, grouped by Sportra.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr has discovered its next challenge in Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious knockout competition after the King’s Cup Round of 16 draw was completed. With eight single-leg ties scheduled for October, the Riyadh side now knows what stands between it and another step toward domestic silverware. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr has discovered its next challenge in Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious knockout competition after the King’s Cup Round of 16 draw was completed. With eight single-leg ties scheduled for October, the Riyadh side now knows what stands between it and another step toward domestic silverware. The draw has produced several intriguing matchups involving Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs and ambitious challengers. Al-Nassr will have home advantage, but the tie could still demand full concentration from Ange Postecoglou’s side. The draw, held at Thmanyah studios on Thursday, August 20, confirmed that Al-Nassr will face Al-Kholood at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. The match is scheduled to take place on October 19 or 20, although organizers have also announced November 30 and December 1 as alternative dates if the calendar requires adjustments. The Saudi Pro League champion booked its place in the last 16 with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Al-Diriyah earlier this week. Joao Felix stole the spotlight in that match, scoring twice and adding an assist after Al-Nassr initially fell behind. مرحلة جديدة في مشوار البطولة 🆕 🏆 إليكم نتائج قرعة دور الـ16 📋⚽️ #أغلى_الكؤوس pic.twitter.com/01gMclZDzh— كأس خادم الحرمين الشريفين (@KingCupSA) August 20, 2026 The opponent arrives with its own impressive cup story. Al-Kholood defeated First Division side Jeddah 5-0 in the Round of 32, with Spanish midfielder Iker Kortajarena scoring a first-half hat-trick to underline the club’s attacking threat. Al-Kholood brings recent King’s Cup pedigree Al-Kholood enjoyed a remarkable run in the previous edition of the competition. The club reached the King’s Cup final last season, even taking the lead against Al-Hilal before eventually losing 2-1. That campaign was particularly impressive because Al-Kholood was simultaneously fighting to preserve its top-flight status. Under Des Buckingham, the club managed to avoid relegation while establishing itself as a genuine threat in the cup, demonstrating that it can cause problems for more established opponents. النصر يحجز مقعده في دور الـ16 من #أغلى_الكؤوس 🏆تهانينا لـ@AlNassrFC وجماهيره 🎉 pic.twitter.com/BaXhnJDdnu— كأس خادم الحرمين الشريفين (@KingCupSA) August 18, 2026 The recent league meeting between the two sides should also give Al-Nassr reason for caution. The teams played out a 1-1 draw, meaning Postecoglou’s players will already know that Al-Kholood can frustrate them when the game becomes competitive and tightly contested. Postecoglou faces another test with Ronaldo’s side Al-Nassr enters the tie as the obvious favorite given its squad quality and ambitions. Ronaldo remains the headline figure, while the Riyadh side can also call upon Joao Felix and a collection of international stars capable of deciding a knockout match. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr is challenged by Nasser Al-Dawsari of Al Hilal. For Postecoglou, the King’s Cup represents another opportunity to build momentum during his first season in charge. The Australian coach will be expected to challenge for multiple trophies, making a favorable home draw something Al-Nassr will want to capitalize on. Still, knockout soccer can quickly punish complacency. Al-Kholood’s cup pedigree, recent 1-1 draw with Al-Nassr and emphatic 5-0 victory in the previous round mean the visitor has enough evidence to believe it can produce another surprise.
Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise […] Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise as a raw 19-year-old winger at Manchester United. It’s a stark departure from the version of Ronaldo that dominated the series for the better part of two decades. Between FIFA 17 and FIFA 19, he sat at a career-high 94 overall, a level matched by only a handful of players in the game’s history. Even as his output tailed off in his mid-to-late 30s, EA Sports kept him in elite territory well into his time at Al Nassr, refusing to nerf him below 84 until this year’s edition. The decline has been gradual but steady. His rating dropped a single point across FC 25 and FC 26 (85 in both), then fell again this year to 84, continuing a slide that began in earnest once he left Europe for the Saudi Pro League in early 2023. The Saudi Pro League’s best. But who deserves the top spot?The Top 27 rated @SPL players in #FC27 are here. Now, let the debate begin.Pre-order today: https://t.co/HCrRKgAJWR pic.twitter.com/ZXy3Tlp8iM— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) August 19, 2026 FIFA 23 marked the first real inflection point, when EA slashed his card from an initial 90 down to 87 mid-cycle following the Al Nassr transfer, a rating cut that set the tone for everything since. Despite the drop, Ronaldo’s 84 overall still ranks as the highest base cards ever assigned to a 41-year-old in the franchise’s history. Whether EA Sports FC 27 ends up being his final appearance in the series remains to be seen, but for now, the numbers tell the story of a decline two decades in the making. Cristiano no longer the Saudi Pro League’s top-rated player For the first time since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t the highest-rated player at the Saudi Pro League. According to the latest EA Sports FC 27 ratings, Ruben Neves now tops the league pecking order with an 85 overall, edging out Ronaldo’s 84. Even so, Ronaldo remains comfortably the highest-rated player at Al Nassr. His 84 overall sits well clear of the club’s next-best cards, João Felix (83), Iñigo Martinez (83), and Kingsley Coman (83), all a full point behind their captain. Ronaldo’s overall rating through every FIFA/EA Sports FC edition EditionOverall RatingFIFA 0480FIFA 0588FIFA 0691FIFA 0787FIFA 0891FIFA 0991FIFA 1089FIFA 1189FIFA 1292FIFA 1392FIFA 1492FIFA 1592FIFA 1693FIFA 1794FIFA 1894FIFA 1994FIFA 2093FIFA 2192FIFA 2291FIFA 2387EA Sports FC 2486EA Sports FC 2585EA Sports FC 2685EA Sports FC 2784
While the Portuguese superstar has watched the early stages of the campaign from the sidelines, the latest developments suggest his comeback is progressing exactly as the club hoped. Cristiano Ronaldo is edging closer to his return for Al-Nassr, with Ange Postecoglou increasingly confident about the condition of his captain. While the Portuguese superstar has watched the early stages of the campaign from the sidelines, the latest developments suggest his comeback is progressing exactly as the club hoped. Ronaldo has already returned to training after receiving an extended break following Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign and his wedding to Georgina Rodríguez. The 41-year-old missed the opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh and Tuesday’s King’s Cup clash with Al-Diriyah, but his absence has allowed Postecoglou to assess his squad without its biggest star. Al-Nassr began the new campaign impressively, beating Al-Fateh 3-0 before overcoming Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the King’s Cup. Joao Felix played a starring role against Al-Diriyah, scoring twice, while Mohamed Simakan and Abdullah Al-Hamdan also found the net. Ronaldo was present around the team despite being unavailable for selection. Before the opening league game, he was filmed encouraging his teammates with a passionate message, telling them, “Passion… play, play, play, play, play. First game is always the difficult one.” Chills 🗣️🔥 Ange Postecoglou & Cristiano Ronaldo combined for a huge pre-game rev up before Al Nassr’s first game of the season. pic.twitter.com/B3Sy8Vjurp— Football360.com.au (@football360au) August 18, 2026 Postecoglou has also been careful to avoid rushing his captain back into competitive action. Ronaldo’s return from his post-World Cup break has been accompanied by a special fitness plan designed to build his match sharpness, with the coaching staff focused on making sure he begins the season in the best possible condition. Postecoglou reveals major Ronaldo update After the King’s Cup victory over Al-Diriyah, Postecoglou offered the clearest indication yet that Ronaldo’s return is moving in the right direction. “Ronaldo is working very hard. He had the World Cup, and he’s important to us. He was busier than any other player, and it’s crucial that he starts the season ready,” the Australian said. The Al-Nassr manager added that the Portuguese superstar has already completed a training session and suggested supporters will see him back with the squad soon. “He’s had a training session, and I’m happy. Day by day, you’ll see him soon,” Postecoglou explained, determined to give his captain enough time to regain full match fitness after a demanding summer. Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr training Will Al-Nassr change its system for Ronaldo? One of the most interesting parts of Postecoglou’s update concerned how Ronaldo will fit into the team’s tactical approach once he returns. Despite the Portuguese forward’s enormous influence, the coach insists that Al-Nassr’s strategy will remain largely unchanged when its captain comes back. “I don’t think we’ll change our strategy with Ronaldo’s return. When he joins the team, we’ll have more room for improvement,” the Australian manager said. That suggests that he believes Ronaldo can be integrated into the structure already taking shape rather than forcing the team to completely reorganize itself around him. That could be encouraging for the veteran forward, especially after Al-Nassr produced two convincing victories without him. The early performances from Felix, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, and Al-Hamdan have given Postecoglou additional attacking options while Ronaldo works his way back.
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.
While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature when Al-Nassr faces Estrela Amadora in Portugal, with the Saudi champion continuing its preseason preparations under Ange Postecoglou. While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. The absence has generated plenty of discussion because Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to appear in any of Al-Nassr’s preseason fixtures, even as several of his teammates have already returned from international duty. Instead, the club has chosen to move forward with its Portugal training camp while waiting for its captain to rejoin the squad at a later date. So far, Al-Nassr has experienced mixed preseason results. The Saudi Pro League winner lost 2-1 to Benfica B before bouncing back with a 2-0 victory over Spanish side Merida, with further matches against Estrela Amadora and Almeria still scheduled. However, for Estrela Amadora, the match carries significance beyond being another preseason fixture. The Portuguese club is using the game as its official presentation for the 2026-27 campaign, allowing fans to see the squad before the Primeira Liga season begins. The match also launches the inaugural Trofeu Cidade da Amadora, making it an important event for the home club. Troféu 𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐃𝐀 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐀 🆚 AL Nassr pic.twitter.com/uIuacsjcMr— CF Estrela da Amadora (@estrelamadora) August 1, 2026 Estrela itself has an interesting modern history. After the original club entered bankruptcy in 2011, it was re-established in 2020 through a merger, allowing soccer in Amadora to continue at the professional level. The reason why Ronaldo is missing The Portuguese forward is still enjoying his scheduled break following the 2026 World Cup and is not expected to return until after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Lisbon. According to multiple reports, including Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari, the 41-year-old will not join the squad in Portugal and is instead expected to report once the team returns to Riyadh. Al-Nassr’s overseas camp concludes on August 5, after which the players will receive a short break before final preparations begin for the new Saudi Pro League season. That schedule means Ronaldo is likely to have around one week of full training before the team opens its league title defense against Al-Fateh on August 15. Inigo Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo in training Ronaldo’s delayed return opens door for Felix Away from soccer, Ronaldo has spent the past several weeks relaxing with his family after the World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently shared vacation photos from Mallorca alongside his son, Cristiano Jr., with one Instagram caption simply reading: “Not yet.” View this post on Instagram The family holiday came after Portugal’s Round of 16 elimination against Spain, a tournament that marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup career. Following such an emotional conclusion, both the player and the club appear comfortable allowing additional recovery time before he returns to club duties. With Ronaldo unavailable, his compatriot Joao Felix becomes one of the main attractions for the Knight of Najd. The Portugal international has already spent valuable time adapting to Postecoglou’s tactical ideas and is expected to play a major creative role during the friendly.
As tensions continue to rise between FIFA and UEFA, Spain and Portugal have become central figures in a dispute that could reshape the future of international soccer, although the full implications remain unclear. Gianni Infantino is facing mounting pressure after FIFA’s controversial commercial proposal triggered fresh uncertainty around the 2030 World Cup. As tensions continue to rise between FIFA and UEFA, Spain and Portugal have become central figures in a dispute that could reshape the future of international soccer, although the full implications remain unclear. The growing conflict stems from FIFA‘s proposal to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new commercial subsidiary designed to manage the governing body’s major competitions. While FIFA insists the project would generate billions for soccer development, critics argue the plan risks changing the identity of the World Cup and weakening trust between the sport’s governing bodies. The controversy began after FIFA unveiled plans to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, a company valued at roughly $20 billion, which would oversee commercial rights linked to the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments. Under the proposal, up to 20% of the company could be sold to private investors, with FIFA hoping to raise approximately $4.2 billion. According to FIFA, the additional revenue would significantly increase financial support for its 211 member associations, with some federations eligible to receive as much as $40 million if they approve the proposal before the September deadline. FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks about the 2026 World Cup with U.S. President Donald Trump Spain and Portugal find themselves at the heart of the dispute The situation has become especially sensitive because Spain, Portugal and Morocco are scheduled to host the 2030 World Cup, while Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will stage the tournament’s opening centenary matches. Although Spain and Portugal have not individually announced they are withdrawing, Spanish newspaper El Español indicates that both countries are considering abandoning their hosting role if FIFA refuses to change course. The reports are directly connected to UEFA’s collective position, rather than independent decisions by the two countries. Because both federations belong to UEFA, they are expected to follow the confederation’s stance if the dispute remains unresolved. Joao Felix #11 of Portugal competes for the ball against Pedro Porro #12 of Spain. UEFA threatens boycott as FIFA refuses to back down The major turning point came when all 55 UEFA member associations unanimously voted to oppose FIFA’s proposal, warning they would boycott FIFA competitions if the project continues. According to UEFA: “The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product.” The governing body added: “It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.” That position means Spain and Portugal could ultimately be prevented from participating in, or even hosting, the very tournament they are preparing to stage, should UEFA carry out its threat and FIFA move forward with the proposal. Such a scenario would be unprecedented in World Cup history. FIFA President, Gianni Infantino in conversation with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin As criticism intensified, FIFA publicly defended the proposal and rejected suggestions that it intends to privatize the World Cup. FIFA stated: “Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain.” The organization also insisted that the consultation process would continue despite widespread opposition. FIFA added: “Everyone has the right to express their opposition and to seek further clarification, but no single entity can claim to represent all 211 Member Associations around the world.” Statement on behalf o
While the club pushes ahead with preparations for the new season and the Portugal national team has already concluded its campaign, a new update has emerged that explains why supporters will have to wait a little longer before seeing the veteran forward back in training. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate headlines even while away from the pitch, with fresh reports suggesting the Al-Nassr captain is still not ready to return from his summer break following the 2026 World Cup. While the club pushes ahead with preparations for the new season and the Portugal national team has already concluded its campaign, a new update has emerged that explains why supporters will have to wait a little longer before seeing the veteran forward back in training. The Portuguese superstar has spent the past few weeks enjoying family time after an emotional end to his international career, while Al-Nassr has been conducting its preseason camp in Lisbon under new head coach Ange Postecoglou. Although many expected Ronaldo to return once his mandatory rest period ended, the latest developments point toward a different timetable. The 41-year-old recently shared a glimpse into his vacation by posting photos from Mallorca alongside his eldest son, Cristiano Jr., who is now part of Al-Nassr’s youth academy. The father-son images quickly went viral, especially as the 16-year-old appeared taller than the five-time Ballon d’Or winner while displaying a similarly athletic physique. The Instagram post featured Ronaldo and Cristiano Jr. posing shirtless on a rocky beach, accompanied by the playful caption, “Not yet.” The holiday also included Ronaldo’s fiancée Georgina Rodriguez, with the family enjoying time together following what has been a demanding year on and off the field. Earlier in the vacation, Rodriguez also shared footage of the couple swimming in a scenic underground pool, offering fans another rare look into their private lives. View this post on Instagram Ronaldo’s vacation followed Portugal’s elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, where the national team suffered a narrow defeat against Spain on July 6. The tournament marked the conclusion of the legendary striker’s international career, making the emotional aftermath even more significant. New report explains Ronaldo’s delayed return Following that defeat, the veteran stepped away from soccer to recharge physically and mentally before beginning preparations for another campaign with Al-Nassr. While many expected Ronaldo to report back to Al-Nassr after completing the standard 21-day post-tournament recovery period, fresh information from Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari paints a different picture. According to his post on X (formerly Twitter), Ronaldo will not rejoin Al-Nassr during the club’s training camp in Lisbon. Instead, the Portuguese forward is expected to wait until after the squad returns from Portugal, meaning his comeback has been pushed back beyond the conclusion of the overseas camp. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Al-Nassr’s preseason camp officially ends on August 5, after which the delegation will travel back to Riyadh. The players are also expected to receive a brief period of rest following their return, meaning Ronaldo’s first training session is now likely to take place only shortly before the start of the competitive season. That schedule would leave the club’s biggest star with roughly one week of full training before Al-Nassr begins the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League campaign on August 15 against Al-Fateh. Al-Nassr squad gradually coming together Although Ronaldo remains absent, the rest of the squad has gradually been reassembled during the Lisbon camp. Abdulelah Al-Amri has already returned after arriving earlier this week. At the same time, Joao Felix and Sadio Mane were also expected to report to the Portuguese camp, leaving Ronaldo as the final notable absentee. Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo Earlier report
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.
For this fun match at the 2026 World Cup, Joao Felix isn't in the lineup for Portugal against Croatia. A very interesting match in this round of the 2026 World Cup sees Croatia face Portugal, with the starting lineup confirmed and João Félix among the notable players not included in the starting eleven. The reason Félix is not starting is a technical decision from Roberto Martínez, who has chosen Rafael Leão as the left winger for this match. It is a tactical preference rather than an injury or fitness issue. While Félix remains an important attacking option for Portugal, he is expected to be used from the bench. The coaching staff preferred Leão’s pace and direct running in open space for a match that is expected to feature quick transitions and high intensity.
As Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric brace for a defining moment in their 2026 World Cup campaign, a hidden truth lies in the numbers. Old foes will cross paths once more as Portugal and Croatia prepare for a monumental Round of 32 battle beneath the lights of BMO Field in Toronto. As Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric brace for a defining moment in their 2026 World Cup campaign, a hidden truth lies in the numbers. Portugal reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group K, while Croatia also progressed as runner-up in Group L. Ronaldo and his teammates enter the contest with a strong historical record against their European rival, having won seven of the previous 10 meetings. However, Luka Modric’s side’s proven pedigree in major tournaments promises another demanding challenge. Roberto Martinez and his players’ group-stage campaign produced mixed emotions despite remaining unbeaten. The Selecao opened with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo before delivering an emphatic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice, and then secured qualification after a goalless draw against Colombia. Croatia recovered impressively after suffering a 4-2 defeat to England in its opening fixture. Zlatko Dalic’s side responded with victories over Panama and Ghana to book a place in the Round of 32, reinforcing its reputation as one of international football’s toughest knockout opponents. osip Stanisic of Croatia and Joao Felix of Portugal compete for the ball during 2024 International Friendly Portugal’s current FIFA ranking revealed and how it compares to Croatia After building anticipation ahead of the match, Portugal currently sits eighth in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking with 1,764.86 ranking points, having slipped three places since the start of the tournament. Although it entered the World Cup among the highest-ranked nations, its inconsistent group-stage displays have resulted in a slight drop. Croatia, meanwhile, has dropped down to 13th in the latest rankings with 1,723.05 points, reflecting its mixed performances since the start. The Blazers entered the 2026 World Cup ranked 11th in the official FIFA Men’s World Ranking. TeamFIFA Ranking at Start of the World CupCurrent FIFA RankingCurrent FIFA PointsPortugal5th8th (-3)1,764.86Croatia11th13th (-2)1,723.05 That difference suggests Portugal holds the statistical edge, but it is not large enough to offer comfort. Both national teams are close enough in ranking to make the matchup feel like a true 50-50 knockout battle rather than a clear favorite-versus-underdog scenario. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal drinks at the hydration break Last 16 place on the line With both national teams fully fit, experienced, and packed with world-class talent, the Round of 32 meeting promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the knockout stage. Portugal carries the higher FIFA ranking and a stronger recent head-to-head record, while Croatia brings proven tournament resilience and the ability to thrive under pressure.
Portugal face Croatia in the last 32 at the World Cup, and Joao Felix believes there will only be one winner at Boston Stadium. The post Joao Felix ‘very confident’ Portugal will beat Croatia at World Cup appeared first on SoccerNews.
After the criticism from the first game, Portugal teammate Joao Felix backed Cristiano Ronaldo, stating that "he is the best player inside the box." Cristiano Ronaldo faced severe scrutiny after an underwhelming performance in Portugal‘s 2026 World Cup debut against DR Congo. However, after responding with a brace against Uzbekistan, teammate Joao Felix quickly came to the defense of the 41-year-old forward, stating, “He is the best player inside the box.” With rival stars like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi shining early in the tournament, Ronaldo was expected to dominate a DR Congo squad making just its second World Cup appearance in history. Instead, the match ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw where the legendary striker struggled to make an impact, a narrative he quickly erased with two goals in a 5-0 routing of Uzbekistan. Following the bounce-back victory, Felix was asked by DAZN about the heavy criticism Ronaldo endured after the opener: “With Cristiano, there is always noise. Whether he does well or badly, people are always looking for more from him. In the first match, what blame could he possibly have? If he doesn’t get any balls inside the penalty area… he is the best player inside the box.” Reflecting on their club partnership, Felix explained the simple formula required for the aging icon to shine on the world stage. “You have to give him chances to score. He had them today and he scored two. That’s what it is; we have to create chances inside the box, mostly because in the first game we didn’t create many, whereas in this one we did create a ton,” he concluded. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates scoring In that frustrating opener against DR Congo, Portugal dominated 75% of the possession but completely failed to break down a compact, deep-lying defense. Out of the mere seven total shots the Selecao managed, only a Joao Neves header found the target, while a counter-attacking Congo side actually looked more menacing with eight total shots. Facing another five-man backline against Uzbekistan, the tactical challenge initially looked identical for the European powerhouses. However, after several key adjustments to the starting lineup, Portugal looked far more fluid, unleashing 17 total shots with nine hitting the target to overwhelm their opponents. Ronaldo and Felix: A partnership forged in Al Nassr Following the discouraging draw against DR Congo, head coach Roberto Martinez chose to drop Bernardo Silva from the starting XI, deploying Felix on the left wing. The tactical gamble paid off immensely, as Felix constantly exploited spaces and replicated the offensive chemistry he built with Ronaldo during the 2025-26 season in Saudi Arabia. After the final whistle, Felix opened up about his intuitive on-field relationship with the veteran captain: “We spent the whole year training this understanding. He knows my movements and I know his, so the chemistry becomes easy. When he has players around him, we can make quick exchanges. The focus is to stay close to each other so we can play our style.“ Felix proved to be a vital addition for Al Nassr during their recent Saudi Pro League title run, a move heavily pushed for by Ronaldo himself. Out of the 19 assists Felix delivered across all competitions this past club season, six went directly to Ronaldo, proving that their elite club connection translates perfectly to the international stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are already shaping the next chapter of their story, with a reported retirement timeline and long-term executive plan beginning to surface behind the scenes. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are already shaping the next chapter of their story, with a reported retirement timeline and long-term executive plan beginning to surface behind the scenes. While the Portuguese superstar is off to represent Portugal in what is likely to be his final World Cup tournament, fresh reports now suggest that his club could already be preparing a major role for him beyond his playing career. At 41, Ronaldo is still delivering on the pitch, but speculation around his future has intensified as Al-Nassr reportedly prepares a post-playing role for its captain within its soccer leadership structure. The timing of the speculation has added even more intrigue following the team’s Saudi Pro League title-winning campaign, where the veteran once again proved decisive in the biggest moments. Al-Nassr’s 2025-26 campaign ended with a dramatic Saudi Pro League title victory, sealed on the final day with a 4-1 win over Damac, where Ronaldo scored a decisive brace. The Portuguese forward finished the season with 28 league goals, once again proving decisive in key moments. The triumph marked a major milestone for the club, which also saw contributions from Sadio Mane and Joao Felix in a season defined by consistency and late pressure. Alongside the league success, Ronaldo’s individual brilliance was also recognized, including a spectacular overhead kick that earned him the Saudi Pro League Goal of the Season. The title success also marked the end of an important cycle for the club. Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus stepped down after guiding Al-Nassr to the championship, leaving the Saudi side preparing for another major transition heading into the new season. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. At the same time, league organizers confirmed that the upcoming campaign will be one of the most demanding in Saudi soccer history. The 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season will run from August 13, 2026, until May 29, 2027, featuring 34 rounds and 306 matches across the competition. The hidden detail behind Ronaldo’s future Amid preparations for another exhausting campaign, reports from Saudi Arabia have now revealed the detail that has sparked major discussion about Ronaldo’s long-term future. According to former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie on X (formerly Twitter), Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to retire at the end of next season in the summer of 2027 when his current contract expires. However, the bigger revelation involves what may happen immediately afterward. As per his reports, if the consortium attempting to acquire Al-Nassr succeeds, Ronaldo could transition directly into a senior executive role at the club as Football Executive Director (Sporting Director). The move would allow the Portuguese icon to remain deeply involved in shaping the sporting future of the organization. Simão Coutinho is the new Sports director at AlNassr. 💛Welcome aboard, Simão. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/BOZTL4lLWJ— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) July 27, 2025 The position would reportedly mirror the current responsibilities handled by Simao Coutinho, the club’s current sporting director and a close associate of Ronaldo. Coutinho officially assumed his role in July 2025 and has already become heavily involved in transfer planning and broader soccer operations. What would Ronaldo’s executive role actually mean? The proposed role would place Ronaldo at the center of Al-Nassr’s soccer structure. In modern soccer, executive directors or sporting directors oversee everything from recruitment and squad planning to coaching appointments and long-term development strategies. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr That means Ronaldo could potentially influence: Transfer decisions and player recruitmentYouth development structuresManagerial ap
In a very evenly contested match, Portugal managed to defeat Nigeria thanks to a brilliant goal from Francisco Conceição. With this victory, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team arrive unbeaten in their friendlies ahead of the 2026 World Cup, looking to be among the tournament’s main protagonists. Portugal and Nigeria faced each other in their final friendly before the 2026 World Cup, looking for a convincing victory. As one of UEFA’s best national teams, Roberto Martínez’s managed to defeat Eric Chelle’s team, imposing a dominant collective game. Nonetheless, the Super Eagles managed to compete along the game, leveling the game on several occasions. With this victory, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team secure a victory ahead the anticipated tournament. Despite failing to secure the victory, Nigeria did show that they are one of the most solid teams in Africa. Not only did they shine defensively, but they also created numerous attacking opportunities. In addition, they managed to adapt to Portugal’s style of play, making the contest very evenly matched for long stretches of the game. However, they lacked the attacking aggression needed to find a way past Diogo Costa. Throughout the game, Portugal demonstrated their creative prowess, with a brilliant Vitinha and João Neves. In the second half, João Félix emerged as the most important player, distributing play and activating his teammates. However, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to shine in any facet. Not only did he not contribute at a collective level, but he also missed clear scoring chances, extending his goalscoring drought. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Portugal have demonstrated that their greatest strength remains their deep roster. Head coach Roberto Martínez has a squad so deep that he can adjust his tactics numerous times throughout the 90 minutes. While build-up play continues to be their strongest aspect, they emerge as clear candidates to win the anticipated tournament, precisely because of their great rotation, as the winning goal came from Conceição off the bench.
Under Hansi Flick, Raphinha has become one of the best players in the world. In light of this, Al Nassr are reportedly targeting the Brazilian player as a star partner for Cristiano Ronaldo. To make this happen, they would be willing to offer €80 million to Barcelona in the summer of 2026. Raphinha has managed to become one of the best players in the world. Serving as the ideal complement to Lamine Yamal, the Brazilian star secured a starting role in the team. Following his outstanding performances, he has reportedly emerged as a key target for Al Nassr as a potential attacking partner for Cristiano Ronaldo. To make that happen, the Saudi side would be willing to submit an €80 million offer to Barcelona in the summer of 2026. According to Ferran Martínez, via Mundo Deportivo, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is backing Al Nassr in its pursuit of Raphinha. To make the deal happen, they are willing to pay €80 million to Barcelona, making it a very difficult offer to reject. In addition, the Brazilian star would be offered a salary four times higher than his current one, as he would become one of the team’s marquee players alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. With Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mané operating on the wings, Raphinha would arrive to form a partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo as an attacking midfielder. His presence on the pitch could significantly boost Al Nassr’s attacking firepower, although João Félix’s role could come into question. However, they also face competition, as the PIF is reportedly backing Al Hilal as well, with the club equally eager to bring him in. Far from being the first time they have pursued Raphinha, the Saudi Pro League already attempted to sign the Brazilian star in 2024, when his future at the club was far from certain. Now 29 years old, he could be facing the perfect opportunity to sign the most lucrative contract of his career. In addition, the Blaugrana could use the €80 million fee to further rebuild their attack, having already signed Anthony Gordon. Raphinha of FC Barcelona Report: Raphinha rejects lucrative offer as Barcelona future remains clear Under Hansi Flick, Raphinha has managed to showcase the best version of himself. Not only has he improved his goalscoring output, but also his creative contribution. Although his season was affected by injuries, he still managed to score 21 goals. Due to his excellent form, the Brazilian star has reportedly decided to reject any transfer in the summer of 2026, as the head coach continues to view him as an undisputed starter. According to Alex Pintanel, via Jijantes FC, Raphinha has decided not to accept any offer to leave Barcelona. While both parties could benefit from such a move, Hansi Flick considers him irreplaceable. In addition, the Brazilian star wants to make up for his previous season, as injuries significantly affected his performances. Therefore, Anthony Gordon emerges as a long-term solution, while the present still revolves around Raphinha.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League journey has been filled with high-profile rivals, but one of the league’s most creative playmakers has now decided to move on. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League journey has been filled with high-profile rivals, but one of the league’s most creative playmakers has now decided to move on. As the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to lead Al-Nassr’s ambitions, Konstantinos Fortounis has brought his Saudi Arabian chapter to an end, closing the door on a memorable spell that saw him emerge as one of the competition’s standout creators. The departure marks the end of a rivalry that often flew under the radar. While Ronaldo and Al-Nassr chased trophies at the top of the table, Fortounis built a reputation as the driving force behind Al-Khaleej’s attack, producing numbers that placed him among the league’s most effective midfielders. After two seasons in Saudi Arabia, Fortounis has officially left Al-Khaleej, ending a successful stint that exceeded many expectations. The Greek playmaker joined the club in August 2024 and quickly became the focal point of its attacking play. His final season was particularly impressive. Across 30 league appearances, he scored 10 goals and delivered 12 assists, helping Al-Khaleej remain comfortably clear of any relegation concerns while consistently creating opportunities for teammates. The midfielder’s influence extended beyond raw statistics. He was recognized as one of the league’s most creative players and even collected the Saudi League Player of the Month award in October 2025 after a series of standout performances. Emotional return to familiar surroundings The mystery surrounding Fortounis’ next destination was finally solved when Olympiacos announced the return of the club legend on a free transfer. The move represents a homecoming for a player who spent a decade building a remarkable legacy with the Greek giant. Before leaving for Saudi Arabia in 2024, Fortounis had already secured his place among Olympiacos’s greatest modern players. He captained the club to the historic UEFA Europa Conference League triumph in 2024 and departed after one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. Καλώς ήρθες σπίτι σου Κώστα! ✍🏻🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/N47UoPp2Hk— Olympiacos FC (@olympiacosfc) June 2, 2026 Olympiacos FC’s official statement read: “Olympiacos FC announces the acquisition of Kostas Fortounis, two years after the magnificent moment when, as captain, he lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League.” The statement also highlighted his extraordinary contribution during his first spell. “Fortou wore the ‘red and white’ jersey with No. 7 on the back and returns to the Thrylos, with whom he made 343 appearances from 2014 to 2024, scoring 94 goals and 106 assists.” Saudi Pro League loses one of its best creators The Greek veteran leaves the Saudi Pro League after establishing himself as one of the league’s elite playmakers. During his two seasons with Al-Khaleej, he accumulated 20 goals and 17 assists, impressive numbers for a player operating on a side outside the division’s traditional powerhouses. His final campaign also featured an intriguing battle with Al-Nassr star Joao Felix. While Felix finished with 13 assists compared to Fortounis’s 12, the Greek midfielder pushed him all the way in the race to be the league’s leading creator. Joao Felix ends the season 🔝 of the assist chart in his #RoshnSaudiLeague debut season 🇵🇹🤝 pic.twitter.com/gcadY1Ri2t— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 25, 2026 For Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, the departure means one less established rival in the Saudi Pro League. For Olympiacos, it means the return of a club icon. And for Fortounis himself, it marks an emotional reunion with the team where he built his legacy and where he now hopes to write another successful chapter.
Uncertainty has emerged around the future of one of the team's most experienced midfield figures, Marcelo Brozovic, whose contract situation has become one of the biggest talking points heading into the summer. Cristiano Ronaldo may soon face a significant change at Al-Nassr despite the club’s recent Saudi Pro League triumph. While celebrations continue following a successful campaign, uncertainty has emerged around the future of one of the team’s most experienced midfield figures, Marcelo Brozovic, whose contract situation has become one of the biggest talking points heading into the summer. With Al-Nassr preparing for another season of domestic and continental ambitions, attention is gradually shifting from the title celebrations to squad planning. Several foreign players face important decisions regarding their futures, and one case in particular could have a major impact on the club’s plans moving forward. According to information reported by former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie, discussions between the club and Brozovic have reached a difficult stage. It has thus created uncertainty over whether the Croatian midfielder will remain in Riyadh. The squad remains filled with high-profile international talent. Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Joao Felix are all under contract until 2027, while players such as Kingsley Coman, Bento, and Wesley are tied to longer-term agreements. However, not every situation appears straightforward. Marcelo Brozovic of Al-Nassr FC during line up prior to the Saudi Pro League match. Several contracts require immediate attention, and Brozovic has emerged as one of the most important unresolved cases within the squad. The Croatian international has become a crucial figure since arriving from Inter, providing balance, experience, and leadership in midfield. His ability to control matches has often allowed the team’s attacking stars greater freedom in the final third. Why Brozovic’s future has suddenly become uncertain Recent reports indicate that conversations regarding a new agreement have already taken place between the player and club representatives. According to Saad Al-Subaie, Al-Nassr officials held talks with Brozovic before the decisive league match against Damac. Initially, there appeared to be optimism that a renewal could be reached. Both parties reportedly expressed a willingness to continue working together following the title-winning season. Yet as negotiations progressed, a key disagreement emerged that has complicated the situation considerably. The major obstacle centers on contract length. Brozovic reportedly wants to remain at Al-Nassr for two additional seasons, while the club’s sporting management is only prepared to offer a one-year extension without additional financial incentives. The reasoning from Al-Nassr’s perspective is largely connected to long-term financial planning. Club officials are said to be cautious about making major commitments to older players and want to avoid creating expensive obligations in future seasons. Brozovic standing firm on his position The midfielder appears unwilling to compromise at this stage. The report states that Brozovic has rejected the club’s proposal and continues to insist on a two-year contract. As a result, the possibility of an exit has increased significantly, despite both sides initially expressing interest in continuing their partnership. For Al-Nassr, the situation creates a delicate balancing act. The club values Brozovic’s contribution and experience, particularly after a championship-winning season, but it also wants to maintain a sustainable squad structure for the years ahead. The Croatian’s stance demonstrates his desire for long-term security after helping guide the club to one of its most important achievements in recent history. Why losing Brozovic would matter to Ronaldo and Al-Nassr While much of the attention surrounding Al-Nassr naturally focuses on Ronaldo, the team’s success has been built on far more
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr has discovered its next challenge in Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious knockout competition after the King’s Cup Round of 16 draw was completed. With eight single-leg ties scheduled for October, the Riyadh side now knows what stands between it and another step toward domestic silverware. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr has discovered its next challenge in Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious knockout competition after the King’s Cup Round of 16 draw was completed. With eight single-leg ties scheduled for October, the Riyadh side now knows what stands between it and another step toward domestic silverware. The draw has produced several intriguing matchups involving Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs and ambitious challengers. Al-Nassr will have home advantage, but the tie could still demand full concentration from Ange Postecoglou’s side. The draw, held at Thmanyah studios on Thursday, August 20, confirmed that Al-Nassr will face Al-Kholood at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. The match is scheduled to take place on October 19 or 20, although organizers have also announced November 30 and December 1 as alternative dates if the calendar requires adjustments. The Saudi Pro League champion booked its place in the last 16 with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Al-Diriyah earlier this week. Joao Felix stole the spotlight in that match, scoring twice and adding an assist after Al-Nassr initially fell behind. مرحلة جديدة في مشوار البطولة 🆕 🏆 إليكم نتائج قرعة دور الـ16 📋⚽️ #أغلى_الكؤوس pic.twitter.com/01gMclZDzh— كأس خادم الحرمين الشريفين (@KingCupSA) August 20, 2026 The opponent arrives with its own impressive cup story. Al-Kholood defeated First Division side Jeddah 5-0 in the Round of 32, with Spanish midfielder Iker Kortajarena scoring a first-half hat-trick to underline the club’s attacking threat. Al-Kholood brings recent King’s Cup pedigree Al-Kholood enjoyed a remarkable run in the previous edition of the competition. The club reached the King’s Cup final last season, even taking the lead against Al-Hilal before eventually losing 2-1. That campaign was particularly impressive because Al-Kholood was simultaneously fighting to preserve its top-flight status. Under Des Buckingham, the club managed to avoid relegation while establishing itself as a genuine threat in the cup, demonstrating that it can cause problems for more established opponents. النصر يحجز مقعده في دور الـ16 من #أغلى_الكؤوس 🏆تهانينا لـ@AlNassrFC وجماهيره 🎉 pic.twitter.com/BaXhnJDdnu— كأس خادم الحرمين الشريفين (@KingCupSA) August 18, 2026 The recent league meeting between the two sides should also give Al-Nassr reason for caution. The teams played out a 1-1 draw, meaning Postecoglou’s players will already know that Al-Kholood can frustrate them when the game becomes competitive and tightly contested. Postecoglou faces another test with Ronaldo’s side Al-Nassr enters the tie as the obvious favorite given its squad quality and ambitions. Ronaldo remains the headline figure, while the Riyadh side can also call upon Joao Felix and a collection of international stars capable of deciding a knockout match. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr is challenged by Nasser Al-Dawsari of Al Hilal. For Postecoglou, the King’s Cup represents another opportunity to build momentum during his first season in charge. The Australian coach will be expected to challenge for multiple trophies, making a favorable home draw something Al-Nassr will want to capitalize on. Still, knockout soccer can quickly punish complacency. Al-Kholood’s cup pedigree, recent 1-1 draw with Al-Nassr and emphatic 5-0 victory in the previous round mean the visitor has enough evidence to believe it can produce another surprise.
Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise […] Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise as a raw 19-year-old winger at Manchester United. It’s a stark departure from the version of Ronaldo that dominated the series for the better part of two decades. Between FIFA 17 and FIFA 19, he sat at a career-high 94 overall, a level matched by only a handful of players in the game’s history. Even as his output tailed off in his mid-to-late 30s, EA Sports kept him in elite territory well into his time at Al Nassr, refusing to nerf him below 84 until this year’s edition. The decline has been gradual but steady. His rating dropped a single point across FC 25 and FC 26 (85 in both), then fell again this year to 84, continuing a slide that began in earnest once he left Europe for the Saudi Pro League in early 2023. The Saudi Pro League’s best. But who deserves the top spot?The Top 27 rated @SPL players in #FC27 are here. Now, let the debate begin.Pre-order today: https://t.co/HCrRKgAJWR pic.twitter.com/ZXy3Tlp8iM— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) August 19, 2026 FIFA 23 marked the first real inflection point, when EA slashed his card from an initial 90 down to 87 mid-cycle following the Al Nassr transfer, a rating cut that set the tone for everything since. Despite the drop, Ronaldo’s 84 overall still ranks as the highest base cards ever assigned to a 41-year-old in the franchise’s history. Whether EA Sports FC 27 ends up being his final appearance in the series remains to be seen, but for now, the numbers tell the story of a decline two decades in the making. Cristiano no longer the Saudi Pro League’s top-rated player For the first time since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t the highest-rated player at the Saudi Pro League. According to the latest EA Sports FC 27 ratings, Ruben Neves now tops the league pecking order with an 85 overall, edging out Ronaldo’s 84. Even so, Ronaldo remains comfortably the highest-rated player at Al Nassr. His 84 overall sits well clear of the club’s next-best cards, João Felix (83), Iñigo Martinez (83), and Kingsley Coman (83), all a full point behind their captain. Ronaldo’s overall rating through every FIFA/EA Sports FC edition EditionOverall RatingFIFA 0480FIFA 0588FIFA 0691FIFA 0787FIFA 0891FIFA 0991FIFA 1089FIFA 1189FIFA 1292FIFA 1392FIFA 1492FIFA 1592FIFA 1693FIFA 1794FIFA 1894FIFA 1994FIFA 2093FIFA 2192FIFA 2291FIFA 2387EA Sports FC 2486EA Sports FC 2585EA Sports FC 2685EA Sports FC 2784
While the Portuguese superstar has watched the early stages of the campaign from the sidelines, the latest developments suggest his comeback is progressing exactly as the club hoped. Cristiano Ronaldo is edging closer to his return for Al-Nassr, with Ange Postecoglou increasingly confident about the condition of his captain. While the Portuguese superstar has watched the early stages of the campaign from the sidelines, the latest developments suggest his comeback is progressing exactly as the club hoped. Ronaldo has already returned to training after receiving an extended break following Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign and his wedding to Georgina Rodríguez. The 41-year-old missed the opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh and Tuesday’s King’s Cup clash with Al-Diriyah, but his absence has allowed Postecoglou to assess his squad without its biggest star. Al-Nassr began the new campaign impressively, beating Al-Fateh 3-0 before overcoming Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the King’s Cup. Joao Felix played a starring role against Al-Diriyah, scoring twice, while Mohamed Simakan and Abdullah Al-Hamdan also found the net. Ronaldo was present around the team despite being unavailable for selection. Before the opening league game, he was filmed encouraging his teammates with a passionate message, telling them, “Passion… play, play, play, play, play. First game is always the difficult one.” Chills 🗣️🔥 Ange Postecoglou & Cristiano Ronaldo combined for a huge pre-game rev up before Al Nassr’s first game of the season. pic.twitter.com/B3Sy8Vjurp— Football360.com.au (@football360au) August 18, 2026 Postecoglou has also been careful to avoid rushing his captain back into competitive action. Ronaldo’s return from his post-World Cup break has been accompanied by a special fitness plan designed to build his match sharpness, with the coaching staff focused on making sure he begins the season in the best possible condition. Postecoglou reveals major Ronaldo update After the King’s Cup victory over Al-Diriyah, Postecoglou offered the clearest indication yet that Ronaldo’s return is moving in the right direction. “Ronaldo is working very hard. He had the World Cup, and he’s important to us. He was busier than any other player, and it’s crucial that he starts the season ready,” the Australian said. The Al-Nassr manager added that the Portuguese superstar has already completed a training session and suggested supporters will see him back with the squad soon. “He’s had a training session, and I’m happy. Day by day, you’ll see him soon,” Postecoglou explained, determined to give his captain enough time to regain full match fitness after a demanding summer. Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr training Will Al-Nassr change its system for Ronaldo? One of the most interesting parts of Postecoglou’s update concerned how Ronaldo will fit into the team’s tactical approach once he returns. Despite the Portuguese forward’s enormous influence, the coach insists that Al-Nassr’s strategy will remain largely unchanged when its captain comes back. “I don’t think we’ll change our strategy with Ronaldo’s return. When he joins the team, we’ll have more room for improvement,” the Australian manager said. That suggests that he believes Ronaldo can be integrated into the structure already taking shape rather than forcing the team to completely reorganize itself around him. That could be encouraging for the veteran forward, especially after Al-Nassr produced two convincing victories without him. The early performances from Felix, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, and Al-Hamdan have given Postecoglou additional attacking options while Ronaldo works his way back.
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.
While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature when Al-Nassr faces Estrela Amadora in Portugal, with the Saudi champion continuing its preseason preparations under Ange Postecoglou. While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. The absence has generated plenty of discussion because Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to appear in any of Al-Nassr’s preseason fixtures, even as several of his teammates have already returned from international duty. Instead, the club has chosen to move forward with its Portugal training camp while waiting for its captain to rejoin the squad at a later date. So far, Al-Nassr has experienced mixed preseason results. The Saudi Pro League winner lost 2-1 to Benfica B before bouncing back with a 2-0 victory over Spanish side Merida, with further matches against Estrela Amadora and Almeria still scheduled. However, for Estrela Amadora, the match carries significance beyond being another preseason fixture. The Portuguese club is using the game as its official presentation for the 2026-27 campaign, allowing fans to see the squad before the Primeira Liga season begins. The match also launches the inaugural Trofeu Cidade da Amadora, making it an important event for the home club. Troféu 𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐃𝐀 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐀 🆚 AL Nassr pic.twitter.com/uIuacsjcMr— CF Estrela da Amadora (@estrelamadora) August 1, 2026 Estrela itself has an interesting modern history. After the original club entered bankruptcy in 2011, it was re-established in 2020 through a merger, allowing soccer in Amadora to continue at the professional level. The reason why Ronaldo is missing The Portuguese forward is still enjoying his scheduled break following the 2026 World Cup and is not expected to return until after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Lisbon. According to multiple reports, including Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari, the 41-year-old will not join the squad in Portugal and is instead expected to report once the team returns to Riyadh. Al-Nassr’s overseas camp concludes on August 5, after which the players will receive a short break before final preparations begin for the new Saudi Pro League season. That schedule means Ronaldo is likely to have around one week of full training before the team opens its league title defense against Al-Fateh on August 15. Inigo Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo in training Ronaldo’s delayed return opens door for Felix Away from soccer, Ronaldo has spent the past several weeks relaxing with his family after the World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently shared vacation photos from Mallorca alongside his son, Cristiano Jr., with one Instagram caption simply reading: “Not yet.” View this post on Instagram The family holiday came after Portugal’s Round of 16 elimination against Spain, a tournament that marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup career. Following such an emotional conclusion, both the player and the club appear comfortable allowing additional recovery time before he returns to club duties. With Ronaldo unavailable, his compatriot Joao Felix becomes one of the main attractions for the Knight of Najd. The Portugal international has already spent valuable time adapting to Postecoglou’s tactical ideas and is expected to play a major creative role during the friendly.
As tensions continue to rise between FIFA and UEFA, Spain and Portugal have become central figures in a dispute that could reshape the future of international soccer, although the full implications remain unclear. Gianni Infantino is facing mounting pressure after FIFA’s controversial commercial proposal triggered fresh uncertainty around the 2030 World Cup. As tensions continue to rise between FIFA and UEFA, Spain and Portugal have become central figures in a dispute that could reshape the future of international soccer, although the full implications remain unclear. The growing conflict stems from FIFA‘s proposal to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new commercial subsidiary designed to manage the governing body’s major competitions. While FIFA insists the project would generate billions for soccer development, critics argue the plan risks changing the identity of the World Cup and weakening trust between the sport’s governing bodies. The controversy began after FIFA unveiled plans to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, a company valued at roughly $20 billion, which would oversee commercial rights linked to the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments. Under the proposal, up to 20% of the company could be sold to private investors, with FIFA hoping to raise approximately $4.2 billion. According to FIFA, the additional revenue would significantly increase financial support for its 211 member associations, with some federations eligible to receive as much as $40 million if they approve the proposal before the September deadline. FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks about the 2026 World Cup with U.S. President Donald Trump Spain and Portugal find themselves at the heart of the dispute The situation has become especially sensitive because Spain, Portugal and Morocco are scheduled to host the 2030 World Cup, while Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will stage the tournament’s opening centenary matches. Although Spain and Portugal have not individually announced they are withdrawing, Spanish newspaper El Español indicates that both countries are considering abandoning their hosting role if FIFA refuses to change course. The reports are directly connected to UEFA’s collective position, rather than independent decisions by the two countries. Because both federations belong to UEFA, they are expected to follow the confederation’s stance if the dispute remains unresolved. Joao Felix #11 of Portugal competes for the ball against Pedro Porro #12 of Spain. UEFA threatens boycott as FIFA refuses to back down The major turning point came when all 55 UEFA member associations unanimously voted to oppose FIFA’s proposal, warning they would boycott FIFA competitions if the project continues. According to UEFA: “The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product.” The governing body added: “It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.” That position means Spain and Portugal could ultimately be prevented from participating in, or even hosting, the very tournament they are preparing to stage, should UEFA carry out its threat and FIFA move forward with the proposal. Such a scenario would be unprecedented in World Cup history. FIFA President, Gianni Infantino in conversation with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin As criticism intensified, FIFA publicly defended the proposal and rejected suggestions that it intends to privatize the World Cup. FIFA stated: “Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain.” The organization also insisted that the consultation process would continue despite widespread opposition. FIFA added: “Everyone has the right to express their opposition and to seek further clarification, but no single entity can claim to represent all 211 Member Associations around the world.” Statement on behalf o
While the club pushes ahead with preparations for the new season and the Portugal national team has already concluded its campaign, a new update has emerged that explains why supporters will have to wait a little longer before seeing the veteran forward back in training. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate headlines even while away from the pitch, with fresh reports suggesting the Al-Nassr captain is still not ready to return from his summer break following the 2026 World Cup. While the club pushes ahead with preparations for the new season and the Portugal national team has already concluded its campaign, a new update has emerged that explains why supporters will have to wait a little longer before seeing the veteran forward back in training. The Portuguese superstar has spent the past few weeks enjoying family time after an emotional end to his international career, while Al-Nassr has been conducting its preseason camp in Lisbon under new head coach Ange Postecoglou. Although many expected Ronaldo to return once his mandatory rest period ended, the latest developments point toward a different timetable. The 41-year-old recently shared a glimpse into his vacation by posting photos from Mallorca alongside his eldest son, Cristiano Jr., who is now part of Al-Nassr’s youth academy. The father-son images quickly went viral, especially as the 16-year-old appeared taller than the five-time Ballon d’Or winner while displaying a similarly athletic physique. The Instagram post featured Ronaldo and Cristiano Jr. posing shirtless on a rocky beach, accompanied by the playful caption, “Not yet.” The holiday also included Ronaldo’s fiancée Georgina Rodriguez, with the family enjoying time together following what has been a demanding year on and off the field. Earlier in the vacation, Rodriguez also shared footage of the couple swimming in a scenic underground pool, offering fans another rare look into their private lives. View this post on Instagram Ronaldo’s vacation followed Portugal’s elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, where the national team suffered a narrow defeat against Spain on July 6. The tournament marked the conclusion of the legendary striker’s international career, making the emotional aftermath even more significant. New report explains Ronaldo’s delayed return Following that defeat, the veteran stepped away from soccer to recharge physically and mentally before beginning preparations for another campaign with Al-Nassr. While many expected Ronaldo to report back to Al-Nassr after completing the standard 21-day post-tournament recovery period, fresh information from Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari paints a different picture. According to his post on X (formerly Twitter), Ronaldo will not rejoin Al-Nassr during the club’s training camp in Lisbon. Instead, the Portuguese forward is expected to wait until after the squad returns from Portugal, meaning his comeback has been pushed back beyond the conclusion of the overseas camp. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Al-Nassr’s preseason camp officially ends on August 5, after which the delegation will travel back to Riyadh. The players are also expected to receive a brief period of rest following their return, meaning Ronaldo’s first training session is now likely to take place only shortly before the start of the competitive season. That schedule would leave the club’s biggest star with roughly one week of full training before Al-Nassr begins the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League campaign on August 15 against Al-Fateh. Al-Nassr squad gradually coming together Although Ronaldo remains absent, the rest of the squad has gradually been reassembled during the Lisbon camp. Abdulelah Al-Amri has already returned after arriving earlier this week. At the same time, Joao Felix and Sadio Mane were also expected to report to the Portuguese camp, leaving Ronaldo as the final notable absentee. Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo Earlier report
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.
For this fun match at the 2026 World Cup, Joao Felix isn't in the lineup for Portugal against Croatia. A very interesting match in this round of the 2026 World Cup sees Croatia face Portugal, with the starting lineup confirmed and João Félix among the notable players not included in the starting eleven. The reason Félix is not starting is a technical decision from Roberto Martínez, who has chosen Rafael Leão as the left winger for this match. It is a tactical preference rather than an injury or fitness issue. While Félix remains an important attacking option for Portugal, he is expected to be used from the bench. The coaching staff preferred Leão’s pace and direct running in open space for a match that is expected to feature quick transitions and high intensity.
As Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric brace for a defining moment in their 2026 World Cup campaign, a hidden truth lies in the numbers. Old foes will cross paths once more as Portugal and Croatia prepare for a monumental Round of 32 battle beneath the lights of BMO Field in Toronto. As Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric brace for a defining moment in their 2026 World Cup campaign, a hidden truth lies in the numbers. Portugal reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group K, while Croatia also progressed as runner-up in Group L. Ronaldo and his teammates enter the contest with a strong historical record against their European rival, having won seven of the previous 10 meetings. However, Luka Modric’s side’s proven pedigree in major tournaments promises another demanding challenge. Roberto Martinez and his players’ group-stage campaign produced mixed emotions despite remaining unbeaten. The Selecao opened with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo before delivering an emphatic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice, and then secured qualification after a goalless draw against Colombia. Croatia recovered impressively after suffering a 4-2 defeat to England in its opening fixture. Zlatko Dalic’s side responded with victories over Panama and Ghana to book a place in the Round of 32, reinforcing its reputation as one of international football’s toughest knockout opponents. osip Stanisic of Croatia and Joao Felix of Portugal compete for the ball during 2024 International Friendly Portugal’s current FIFA ranking revealed and how it compares to Croatia After building anticipation ahead of the match, Portugal currently sits eighth in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking with 1,764.86 ranking points, having slipped three places since the start of the tournament. Although it entered the World Cup among the highest-ranked nations, its inconsistent group-stage displays have resulted in a slight drop. Croatia, meanwhile, has dropped down to 13th in the latest rankings with 1,723.05 points, reflecting its mixed performances since the start. The Blazers entered the 2026 World Cup ranked 11th in the official FIFA Men’s World Ranking. TeamFIFA Ranking at Start of the World CupCurrent FIFA RankingCurrent FIFA PointsPortugal5th8th (-3)1,764.86Croatia11th13th (-2)1,723.05 That difference suggests Portugal holds the statistical edge, but it is not large enough to offer comfort. Both national teams are close enough in ranking to make the matchup feel like a true 50-50 knockout battle rather than a clear favorite-versus-underdog scenario. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal drinks at the hydration break Last 16 place on the line With both national teams fully fit, experienced, and packed with world-class talent, the Round of 32 meeting promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the knockout stage. Portugal carries the higher FIFA ranking and a stronger recent head-to-head record, while Croatia brings proven tournament resilience and the ability to thrive under pressure.
Portugal face Croatia in the last 32 at the World Cup, and Joao Felix believes there will only be one winner at Boston Stadium. The post Joao Felix ‘very confident’ Portugal will beat Croatia at World Cup appeared first on SoccerNews.
After the criticism from the first game, Portugal teammate Joao Felix backed Cristiano Ronaldo, stating that "he is the best player inside the box." Cristiano Ronaldo faced severe scrutiny after an underwhelming performance in Portugal‘s 2026 World Cup debut against DR Congo. However, after responding with a brace against Uzbekistan, teammate Joao Felix quickly came to the defense of the 41-year-old forward, stating, “He is the best player inside the box.” With rival stars like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi shining early in the tournament, Ronaldo was expected to dominate a DR Congo squad making just its second World Cup appearance in history. Instead, the match ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw where the legendary striker struggled to make an impact, a narrative he quickly erased with two goals in a 5-0 routing of Uzbekistan. Following the bounce-back victory, Felix was asked by DAZN about the heavy criticism Ronaldo endured after the opener: “With Cristiano, there is always noise. Whether he does well or badly, people are always looking for more from him. In the first match, what blame could he possibly have? If he doesn’t get any balls inside the penalty area… he is the best player inside the box.” Reflecting on their club partnership, Felix explained the simple formula required for the aging icon to shine on the world stage. “You have to give him chances to score. He had them today and he scored two. That’s what it is; we have to create chances inside the box, mostly because in the first game we didn’t create many, whereas in this one we did create a ton,” he concluded. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates scoring In that frustrating opener against DR Congo, Portugal dominated 75% of the possession but completely failed to break down a compact, deep-lying defense. Out of the mere seven total shots the Selecao managed, only a Joao Neves header found the target, while a counter-attacking Congo side actually looked more menacing with eight total shots. Facing another five-man backline against Uzbekistan, the tactical challenge initially looked identical for the European powerhouses. However, after several key adjustments to the starting lineup, Portugal looked far more fluid, unleashing 17 total shots with nine hitting the target to overwhelm their opponents. Ronaldo and Felix: A partnership forged in Al Nassr Following the discouraging draw against DR Congo, head coach Roberto Martinez chose to drop Bernardo Silva from the starting XI, deploying Felix on the left wing. The tactical gamble paid off immensely, as Felix constantly exploited spaces and replicated the offensive chemistry he built with Ronaldo during the 2025-26 season in Saudi Arabia. After the final whistle, Felix opened up about his intuitive on-field relationship with the veteran captain: “We spent the whole year training this understanding. He knows my movements and I know his, so the chemistry becomes easy. When he has players around him, we can make quick exchanges. The focus is to stay close to each other so we can play our style.“ Felix proved to be a vital addition for Al Nassr during their recent Saudi Pro League title run, a move heavily pushed for by Ronaldo himself. Out of the 19 assists Felix delivered across all competitions this past club season, six went directly to Ronaldo, proving that their elite club connection translates perfectly to the international stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are already shaping the next chapter of their story, with a reported retirement timeline and long-term executive plan beginning to surface behind the scenes. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are already shaping the next chapter of their story, with a reported retirement timeline and long-term executive plan beginning to surface behind the scenes. While the Portuguese superstar is off to represent Portugal in what is likely to be his final World Cup tournament, fresh reports now suggest that his club could already be preparing a major role for him beyond his playing career. At 41, Ronaldo is still delivering on the pitch, but speculation around his future has intensified as Al-Nassr reportedly prepares a post-playing role for its captain within its soccer leadership structure. The timing of the speculation has added even more intrigue following the team’s Saudi Pro League title-winning campaign, where the veteran once again proved decisive in the biggest moments. Al-Nassr’s 2025-26 campaign ended with a dramatic Saudi Pro League title victory, sealed on the final day with a 4-1 win over Damac, where Ronaldo scored a decisive brace. The Portuguese forward finished the season with 28 league goals, once again proving decisive in key moments. The triumph marked a major milestone for the club, which also saw contributions from Sadio Mane and Joao Felix in a season defined by consistency and late pressure. Alongside the league success, Ronaldo’s individual brilliance was also recognized, including a spectacular overhead kick that earned him the Saudi Pro League Goal of the Season. The title success also marked the end of an important cycle for the club. Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus stepped down after guiding Al-Nassr to the championship, leaving the Saudi side preparing for another major transition heading into the new season. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. At the same time, league organizers confirmed that the upcoming campaign will be one of the most demanding in Saudi soccer history. The 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season will run from August 13, 2026, until May 29, 2027, featuring 34 rounds and 306 matches across the competition. The hidden detail behind Ronaldo’s future Amid preparations for another exhausting campaign, reports from Saudi Arabia have now revealed the detail that has sparked major discussion about Ronaldo’s long-term future. According to former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie on X (formerly Twitter), Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to retire at the end of next season in the summer of 2027 when his current contract expires. However, the bigger revelation involves what may happen immediately afterward. As per his reports, if the consortium attempting to acquire Al-Nassr succeeds, Ronaldo could transition directly into a senior executive role at the club as Football Executive Director (Sporting Director). The move would allow the Portuguese icon to remain deeply involved in shaping the sporting future of the organization. Simão Coutinho is the new Sports director at AlNassr. 💛Welcome aboard, Simão. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/BOZTL4lLWJ— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) July 27, 2025 The position would reportedly mirror the current responsibilities handled by Simao Coutinho, the club’s current sporting director and a close associate of Ronaldo. Coutinho officially assumed his role in July 2025 and has already become heavily involved in transfer planning and broader soccer operations. What would Ronaldo’s executive role actually mean? The proposed role would place Ronaldo at the center of Al-Nassr’s soccer structure. In modern soccer, executive directors or sporting directors oversee everything from recruitment and squad planning to coaching appointments and long-term development strategies. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr That means Ronaldo could potentially influence: Transfer decisions and player recruitmentYouth development structuresManagerial ap
In a very evenly contested match, Portugal managed to defeat Nigeria thanks to a brilliant goal from Francisco Conceição. With this victory, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team arrive unbeaten in their friendlies ahead of the 2026 World Cup, looking to be among the tournament’s main protagonists. Portugal and Nigeria faced each other in their final friendly before the 2026 World Cup, looking for a convincing victory. As one of UEFA’s best national teams, Roberto Martínez’s managed to defeat Eric Chelle’s team, imposing a dominant collective game. Nonetheless, the Super Eagles managed to compete along the game, leveling the game on several occasions. With this victory, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team secure a victory ahead the anticipated tournament. Despite failing to secure the victory, Nigeria did show that they are one of the most solid teams in Africa. Not only did they shine defensively, but they also created numerous attacking opportunities. In addition, they managed to adapt to Portugal’s style of play, making the contest very evenly matched for long stretches of the game. However, they lacked the attacking aggression needed to find a way past Diogo Costa. Throughout the game, Portugal demonstrated their creative prowess, with a brilliant Vitinha and João Neves. In the second half, João Félix emerged as the most important player, distributing play and activating his teammates. However, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to shine in any facet. Not only did he not contribute at a collective level, but he also missed clear scoring chances, extending his goalscoring drought. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Portugal have demonstrated that their greatest strength remains their deep roster. Head coach Roberto Martínez has a squad so deep that he can adjust his tactics numerous times throughout the 90 minutes. While build-up play continues to be their strongest aspect, they emerge as clear candidates to win the anticipated tournament, precisely because of their great rotation, as the winning goal came from Conceição off the bench.
Under Hansi Flick, Raphinha has become one of the best players in the world. In light of this, Al Nassr are reportedly targeting the Brazilian player as a star partner for Cristiano Ronaldo. To make this happen, they would be willing to offer €80 million to Barcelona in the summer of 2026. Raphinha has managed to become one of the best players in the world. Serving as the ideal complement to Lamine Yamal, the Brazilian star secured a starting role in the team. Following his outstanding performances, he has reportedly emerged as a key target for Al Nassr as a potential attacking partner for Cristiano Ronaldo. To make that happen, the Saudi side would be willing to submit an €80 million offer to Barcelona in the summer of 2026. According to Ferran Martínez, via Mundo Deportivo, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is backing Al Nassr in its pursuit of Raphinha. To make the deal happen, they are willing to pay €80 million to Barcelona, making it a very difficult offer to reject. In addition, the Brazilian star would be offered a salary four times higher than his current one, as he would become one of the team’s marquee players alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. With Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mané operating on the wings, Raphinha would arrive to form a partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo as an attacking midfielder. His presence on the pitch could significantly boost Al Nassr’s attacking firepower, although João Félix’s role could come into question. However, they also face competition, as the PIF is reportedly backing Al Hilal as well, with the club equally eager to bring him in. Far from being the first time they have pursued Raphinha, the Saudi Pro League already attempted to sign the Brazilian star in 2024, when his future at the club was far from certain. Now 29 years old, he could be facing the perfect opportunity to sign the most lucrative contract of his career. In addition, the Blaugrana could use the €80 million fee to further rebuild their attack, having already signed Anthony Gordon. Raphinha of FC Barcelona Report: Raphinha rejects lucrative offer as Barcelona future remains clear Under Hansi Flick, Raphinha has managed to showcase the best version of himself. Not only has he improved his goalscoring output, but also his creative contribution. Although his season was affected by injuries, he still managed to score 21 goals. Due to his excellent form, the Brazilian star has reportedly decided to reject any transfer in the summer of 2026, as the head coach continues to view him as an undisputed starter. According to Alex Pintanel, via Jijantes FC, Raphinha has decided not to accept any offer to leave Barcelona. While both parties could benefit from such a move, Hansi Flick considers him irreplaceable. In addition, the Brazilian star wants to make up for his previous season, as injuries significantly affected his performances. Therefore, Anthony Gordon emerges as a long-term solution, while the present still revolves around Raphinha.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League journey has been filled with high-profile rivals, but one of the league’s most creative playmakers has now decided to move on. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League journey has been filled with high-profile rivals, but one of the league’s most creative playmakers has now decided to move on. As the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to lead Al-Nassr’s ambitions, Konstantinos Fortounis has brought his Saudi Arabian chapter to an end, closing the door on a memorable spell that saw him emerge as one of the competition’s standout creators. The departure marks the end of a rivalry that often flew under the radar. While Ronaldo and Al-Nassr chased trophies at the top of the table, Fortounis built a reputation as the driving force behind Al-Khaleej’s attack, producing numbers that placed him among the league’s most effective midfielders. After two seasons in Saudi Arabia, Fortounis has officially left Al-Khaleej, ending a successful stint that exceeded many expectations. The Greek playmaker joined the club in August 2024 and quickly became the focal point of its attacking play. His final season was particularly impressive. Across 30 league appearances, he scored 10 goals and delivered 12 assists, helping Al-Khaleej remain comfortably clear of any relegation concerns while consistently creating opportunities for teammates. The midfielder’s influence extended beyond raw statistics. He was recognized as one of the league’s most creative players and even collected the Saudi League Player of the Month award in October 2025 after a series of standout performances. Emotional return to familiar surroundings The mystery surrounding Fortounis’ next destination was finally solved when Olympiacos announced the return of the club legend on a free transfer. The move represents a homecoming for a player who spent a decade building a remarkable legacy with the Greek giant. Before leaving for Saudi Arabia in 2024, Fortounis had already secured his place among Olympiacos’s greatest modern players. He captained the club to the historic UEFA Europa Conference League triumph in 2024 and departed after one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. Καλώς ήρθες σπίτι σου Κώστα! ✍🏻🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/N47UoPp2Hk— Olympiacos FC (@olympiacosfc) June 2, 2026 Olympiacos FC’s official statement read: “Olympiacos FC announces the acquisition of Kostas Fortounis, two years after the magnificent moment when, as captain, he lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League.” The statement also highlighted his extraordinary contribution during his first spell. “Fortou wore the ‘red and white’ jersey with No. 7 on the back and returns to the Thrylos, with whom he made 343 appearances from 2014 to 2024, scoring 94 goals and 106 assists.” Saudi Pro League loses one of its best creators The Greek veteran leaves the Saudi Pro League after establishing himself as one of the league’s elite playmakers. During his two seasons with Al-Khaleej, he accumulated 20 goals and 17 assists, impressive numbers for a player operating on a side outside the division’s traditional powerhouses. His final campaign also featured an intriguing battle with Al-Nassr star Joao Felix. While Felix finished with 13 assists compared to Fortounis’s 12, the Greek midfielder pushed him all the way in the race to be the league’s leading creator. Joao Felix ends the season 🔝 of the assist chart in his #RoshnSaudiLeague debut season 🇵🇹🤝 pic.twitter.com/gcadY1Ri2t— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 25, 2026 For Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, the departure means one less established rival in the Saudi Pro League. For Olympiacos, it means the return of a club icon. And for Fortounis himself, it marks an emotional reunion with the team where he built his legacy and where he now hopes to write another successful chapter.
Uncertainty has emerged around the future of one of the team's most experienced midfield figures, Marcelo Brozovic, whose contract situation has become one of the biggest talking points heading into the summer. Cristiano Ronaldo may soon face a significant change at Al-Nassr despite the club’s recent Saudi Pro League triumph. While celebrations continue following a successful campaign, uncertainty has emerged around the future of one of the team’s most experienced midfield figures, Marcelo Brozovic, whose contract situation has become one of the biggest talking points heading into the summer. With Al-Nassr preparing for another season of domestic and continental ambitions, attention is gradually shifting from the title celebrations to squad planning. Several foreign players face important decisions regarding their futures, and one case in particular could have a major impact on the club’s plans moving forward. According to information reported by former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie, discussions between the club and Brozovic have reached a difficult stage. It has thus created uncertainty over whether the Croatian midfielder will remain in Riyadh. The squad remains filled with high-profile international talent. Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Joao Felix are all under contract until 2027, while players such as Kingsley Coman, Bento, and Wesley are tied to longer-term agreements. However, not every situation appears straightforward. Marcelo Brozovic of Al-Nassr FC during line up prior to the Saudi Pro League match. Several contracts require immediate attention, and Brozovic has emerged as one of the most important unresolved cases within the squad. The Croatian international has become a crucial figure since arriving from Inter, providing balance, experience, and leadership in midfield. His ability to control matches has often allowed the team’s attacking stars greater freedom in the final third. Why Brozovic’s future has suddenly become uncertain Recent reports indicate that conversations regarding a new agreement have already taken place between the player and club representatives. According to Saad Al-Subaie, Al-Nassr officials held talks with Brozovic before the decisive league match against Damac. Initially, there appeared to be optimism that a renewal could be reached. Both parties reportedly expressed a willingness to continue working together following the title-winning season. Yet as negotiations progressed, a key disagreement emerged that has complicated the situation considerably. The major obstacle centers on contract length. Brozovic reportedly wants to remain at Al-Nassr for two additional seasons, while the club’s sporting management is only prepared to offer a one-year extension without additional financial incentives. The reasoning from Al-Nassr’s perspective is largely connected to long-term financial planning. Club officials are said to be cautious about making major commitments to older players and want to avoid creating expensive obligations in future seasons. Brozovic standing firm on his position The midfielder appears unwilling to compromise at this stage. The report states that Brozovic has rejected the club’s proposal and continues to insist on a two-year contract. As a result, the possibility of an exit has increased significantly, despite both sides initially expressing interest in continuing their partnership. For Al-Nassr, the situation creates a delicate balancing act. The club values Brozovic’s contribution and experience, particularly after a championship-winning season, but it also wants to maintain a sustainable squad structure for the years ahead. The Croatian’s stance demonstrates his desire for long-term security after helping guide the club to one of its most important achievements in recent history. Why losing Brozovic would matter to Ronaldo and Al-Nassr While much of the attention surrounding Al-Nassr naturally focuses on Ronaldo, the team’s success has been built on far more
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