Cristiano Ronaldo Archives

Cristiano Ronaldo rejects idea that World Cup glory defines greatness

Portugal’s football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has downplayed the importance of winning a FIFA World Cup, insisting that his legacy does not depend on the only major trophy missing from his illustrious career.

The 40-year-old forward, who already holds the record for most goals in men’s international football (143) and an astonishing 952 career goals overall, believes his greatness cannot be judged on a single tournament.

Speaking in an upcoming interview with Piers Morgan, the Al Nassr and Portugal captain said the World Cup is not something he views as a lifelong dream.

“If you ask me, Cristiano, is it a dream to win the World Cup? No, it’s not a dream,” Ronaldo said in a teaser clip released ahead of the full interview.

Ronaldo questioned the logic of defining a footballer’s entire legacy based on one event that spans just a handful of matches.

“To define if I’m one of the best in history, you think it’s fair to depend on one competition of six or seven games?” he asked rhetorically.

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The five-time Ballon d’Or and Champions League winner’s comments come amid ongoing comparisons with Lionel Messi, who famously described Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph as “the dream of my life.”

Ronaldo, however, made it clear he disagrees with being measured by that standard.

“Is Messi better than me? I disagree. I don’t want to be humble,” he stated.

Despite not lifting the World Cup, Ronaldo’s international career remains decorated.

He led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory, followed by the inaugural UEFA Nations League title in 2019, and another triumph in the same competition this summer.

He is also the only player to feature in six European Championships and holds the record for most goals (14) in the tournament’s history.

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Cristiano Ronaldo hints at ’emotional’ retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he plans to retire “soon” as the Portugal and Al Nassr star prepares for a tearful end to his glittering career.

Ronaldo discussed his thoughts on retirement and his life after football in an interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored.

The 40-year-old, who has scored a remarkable 952 goals, is one of the most decorated players in the history of the game, but the end is in sight for his astonishing career.

Asked when he would consider hanging up his boots, Ronaldo, who is under contract with Al Nassr until 2027, replied: “Soon. But I think I will be prepared.

“It will be tough, of course. It will be difficult? Yes. Probably will cry, yes. I’m an open person. It will be very, very difficult, yes.

“But Piers, I prepare my future since 25, 26, 27 years old, I prepare my future. So I think I will be capable to support that pressure.”

Ronaldo is confident he will be able to cope without football because he wants to focus on his family and his off-the-pitch interests.

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“Nothing will be able to compare to the adrenaline that we have for football to score a goal,” he said.

“But everything has a beginning, and everything has an end. I have other passions. I’m going to have more time for me, I’m going to have more time for my family to raise my kids.

“I want to follow Cristiano Junior because he’s at an age when kids do stupid things. I was the same. Mateo loves football as well.

“I want to do more fun things. I love playing Padel with my closest friends. We are getting quite good.”

After starting his career with Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo enjoyed successful spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.

He won three Premier League titles and the Champions League, among other trophies, in his first stint in Manchester.

Ronaldo joined Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr after leaving United for a second time in 2022.

He still looks out for the Premier League club’s results, given his affinity with their current manager — his former Portugal team-mate Ruben Amorim.

But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner warned United fans to not expect miracles from Amorim, who is in the midst of a rollercoaster reign at Old Trafford following his arrival 12 months ago.

“He’s doing his best,” Ronaldo said. “What are you going to do? Miracles. Miracles is impossible.

“He’s not going to do miracles. They have good players, but they don’t have some of them in mind what Manchester United is.

“Manchester United is still in my heart. I love that club. But we have all to be honest and look for ourselves and say, ‘Listen, they are not in a good path’. So, they need to change, and it’s not only about the coach and players, in my opinion.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo wins second Golden Boot in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo added another milestone to his legendary career on Sunday as he lifted his second successive Golden Boot in the Saudi Pro League (SPL).

The Al Nassr captain, widely celebrated as CR7, was presented with the 2024-25 Golden Boot award by Saudi football great Majed Abdullah during a pre-match ceremony at Al Awwal Park, ahead of his side’s clash with Al Kholood.

The 40-year-old striker topped the scoring charts last season with 25 goals in 30 league appearances, securing his second SPL Golden Boot.

His first came in the 2023-24 season, where he netted an astonishing 35 goals in 31 matches, finishing well clear of Al Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrović.

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Already football’s all-time leading international scorer, Ronaldo has now scored 74 goals in 77 league appearances since joining Al Nassr in December 2022.

With four European Golden Shoes to his name from his time in Europe, he continues to add to an already unmatched legacy in world football.

In his acceptance, Ronaldo expressed gratitude to fans, sharing on Instagram: “Together we fight, together we win. Thank you all for your support, let’s keep it going.”

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A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

The night got even better for Al Nassr as they cruised to a 2-0 win over Al Kholood, courtesy of second-half goals from Sadio Mané and debutant Iñigo Martínez.

The result means Al Nassr have opened a league season with back-to-back wins for the first time since 2019-20, and are unbeaten in their last 10 league matches in September.

Ronaldo finished last season with 25 goals and three assists in the SPL, totaling 35 goals in all competitions.

He now aims for an unprecedented third consecutive Golden Boot as Al Nassr defends their league title.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s heartfelt reaction to Diogo Jota’s tragic passing

Portuguese star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his deep sorrow in a heartfelt tribute to his teammate Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car crash in Spain.

Diogo Jota was with his brother Andre when their car crashed near Zamora in northwestern Spain and burst into flames.

The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the Liverpool star’s death in the crash along with his brother on Thursday.

“We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day,” the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement.

Following Diogo Jota’s tragic death, his Portuguese teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo, issued a statement mourning the footballer.

“It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married,” Cristiano Ronaldo wrote in a post on Facebook.

“To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you,” he added.

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Liverpool FC also mourned the footballer’s devastating death in fatal car accident.

“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre,” the club wrote on social media.

“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

“We will continue to provide them with our full support,” the club added.

It is worth noting here that Diogo Jota was with Liverpool when they won the Premier League last season.

He also made 49 appearances for Portugal, winning the UEFA Nations League on two occasions.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s new Al Nassr contract details revealed

Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a staggering new two-year deal with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, with details emerging that make it the most lucrative contract in sporting history.

According to a report by The Sun, the fresh terms are worth a basic £492 million over two years, which breaks down to a jaw-dropping £488,000 per day in base salary alone.

The renewed deal will see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continue with Al Nassr past his 42nd birthday.

The Portuguese superstar is also set to receive a £24.5 million signing bonus, which increases to £38 million if he activates the second year of the deal.

On top of that, Ronaldo has been handed a 15% ownership stake in Al Nassr, reportedly valued at £33 million.

Ronaldo’s new role will also include serving as a “dream ambassador” for the Kingdom, a position that could push his overall earnings well beyond £500 million over the course of the contract.

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If he bags further bonuses for achievements such as winning the Saudi Pro League and finishing as the top scorer, he’s set to comfortably eclipse the half-a-billion-pound mark.

Beyond the astronomical salary, Ronaldo’s lifestyle will continue to be supported by Al Nassr.

The club is reportedly covering the wages of a 16-person entourage, including three drivers, four housekeepers, two chefs, three gardeners, and four security personnel, costing around £1.4 million.

There’s also a £4 million allowance for private jet usage, along with commercial deals with Saudi companies projected to bring in an additional £60 million.

It’s worth mentioning that Cristiano Ronaldo scored 35 goals in 41 appearances for Al Nassr last season and was the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer for the second year running.

He now has 99 goals in 111 games for the club and remains in pursuit of a historic 1,000 career goals, currently sitting on 938.

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Al Nassr provides major update on Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract

Cristiano Ronaldo inked a two-year extension with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, the club announced Thursday, following months of speculation over which team he would sign for next season.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027,” the club wrote in a post on X.

Minutes before the official confirmation, the team posted a teaser video, with the 40-year-old Ronaldo walking along a beachfront and saying: “Al Nassr forever”.

Ronaldo later posted a message on his Instagram, confirming the extension.

“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” read the post.

The Portuguese superstar arrived in 2023 in the kingdom to play with the club, heralding a rush of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country.

Last month, Ronaldo posted “This chapter is over” hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again.

“Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,” a source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football, told AFP last month.

The oil-funded PIF, the sovereign wealth fund behind a number of big-ticket Saudi investments, controls a group of Pro League clubs including Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli.

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Ronaldo’s announcement in May came just months after Brazilian star Neymar ended his injury-plagued 18-month stay in January, after playing just seven times for Al Hilal — on a reported salary of around $104 million a year.

Although Ronaldo was the Pro League’s top scorer with 25 goals, he has been unable to win a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, who lost in the Asian Champions League semi-finals last month.

Last year, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he could end his career with Al Nassr, the Riyadh team favoured by a number of Saudi royals.

Saudi Arabia has shaken up football by spending heavily on stars from Europe, starting with Ronaldo’s move in late 2022, and the desert nation will host the World Cup in 2034.

For the past two years, Saudi football fans could watch the likes of Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, with six Ballons d’Or between them, on any given weekend during the football season in the kingdom.

However, the oil-fuelled Saudi football project has drawn comparisons with the Chinese Super League, which imported players on exorbitant salaries until team owners went bust as the Chinese economy fizzled.

But with Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 World Cup, and desperate to re-model itself as a tourism and business magnet before global oil demand falls for good, there is probably more to come from the Pro League.

Ronaldo appeared to trade an end-of-career payday for football obscurity when he first moved to Riyadh’s Al Nassr two years ago in a deal said to be worth $250 million at the time

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Cristiano Ronaldo rules himself out of Club World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he would not play in the upcoming Club World Cup on Saturday, dismissing rumours he was set to transfer to one of the participating clubs.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Nations League final against Spain in Munich, the Portugal captain said suggestions he was set to take part in the newly expanded competition were wide of the mark.

“I will not be at the Club World Cup,” the Portugal veteran said, but added he had “been contacted” by several participating teams.

Ronaldo came into the Nations League in Germany amid swirling doubts about his future at club level, with the veteran’s contract at Saudi side Al-Nassr set to expire at the end of June.

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In May, the Portuguese posted on social media “the chapter is over” as reports emerged he could switch to another club, potentially Saudi side Al Hilal, one of the teams who will be at the tournament in the United States in June.

Cristiano Ronaldo said he was not interested in making a short-term decision which would allow him to play in the competition.

“Some teams reached out to me. Some made sense and others did not, but you can’t try and do everything, you can’t catch every ball.”

The forward said the decision on his future was “almost final”.

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Saudis in ‘difficult’ talks to keep Ronaldo next season: PIF source

Saudi Arabian officials are in “difficult” talks to keep Cristiano Ronaldo in the country, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told AFP on Thursday, after the star footballer suggested he was leaving Al Nassr.

“There is an ongoing difficult negotiation to convince Ronaldo to stay and play” in the Saudi Pro League next season, said the source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football.

“First option is a transfer to Al Hilal with an opportunity to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup or to Asia champion Al Ahli,” the source added.

Ronaldo posted “This chapter is over” overnight Monday, hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again.

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A special transfer window opens from June 1-10 to allow the 32 teams involved in the Club World Cup to sign players.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino last week said, “there are discussions” over the former United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Sporting Lisbon star playing at the enlarged tournament in the United States starting on June 14.

Portuguese forward Ronaldo, 40, joined Al Nassr in 2022 from Manchester United, and his contract expires at the end of next month.

“Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,” the source added.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s eldest son called up by Portugal Under-15s

Cristiano dos Santos, the eldest son of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, was called up to the Portugal Under-15 squad for the first time on Tuesday.

The 14-year-old, who, like his father, plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has also had spells with Ronaldo’s former clubs Manchester United and Juventus.

The Selecao Under-15s will face Japan, Greece and England at the Vlatko Markovic youth tournament in Croatia between May 13-18.

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Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid’s all-time top goal scorer and still a Portugal international himself at 40, has five children.

The striker won Euro 2016 with his country, helping them lift their first major trophy, although he came off hurt early in the final against France.

Portugal Under-15 Squad

Cristiano dos Santos, Daniel Freire, Emiliano Cassamá, Gonçalo Fontes, Gonçalo Santos, Henrique Maduro, João Lopes, Salvador Ribeiro, Tiago Caires, Afonso Pereira, Guilherme Maia, André Marques, Carlos Moita, Eduardo Alves, Guilherme Lima, Rafael Cabral, Valdir Fernandes, Vicente Santos, Donte Lawrence, Henrique Amen, Lourenço Fernandes, Tiago Amorim.

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Mohammad Amir compares Virat Kohli with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has heaped praise on Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, comparing his dedication and work ethic to football greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Speaking to an Indian journalist in Lahore on Thursday, Amir highlighted how Kohli’s commitment to fitness, discipline, and overall lifestyle makes him a role model beyond just his on-field performances.

“Why do people love Ronaldo? Why do they love Messi? If I talk about Ronaldo, especially, look at his lifestyle. Look at his work ethic and his fitness. He is a complete package. Likewise, Virat Kohli is a complete package,” Amir said.

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The former left-arm quick emphasized that admiration for athletes like Kohli transcends borders, pointing out that even in Pakistan, the Indian batter has a huge fan following.

“Why is he a role model for many, even in Pakistan? The country doesn’t matter. Whether he is from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, or England—a role model can be from anywhere,” he added.

Mohammad Amir went on to state that Kohli is the best batter of this generation and that every young batter should look up to him as a role model.

“For this generation, Virat Kohli is an inspiration. All those youngsters who want to be cricketers, who want to be batters, should follow Virat Kohli’s footsteps,” he further added.

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Amir also shared that he wasn’t surprised to learn that Kohli arrived for training a full 90 minutes before the rest of the squad ahead of the high-voltage India-Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash.

“Virat Kohli is a player for whom age doesn’t matter. His work ethic doesn’t change depending on his form,” Amir said.

“He came 90 minutes before training on the eve of the India vs Pakistan match. Virat Kohli has lived the best life. He might play two or more years in international cricket, but his work ethic is still top-notch. There’s no doubting his ability and work ethics,” he concluded.

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