Tag: Portugal

Injured Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of the Portugal squad to play pre-World Cup friendlies against tournament co-hosts Mexico and the United States later this month.

The 41-year-old has not played for his Saudi club Al-Nassr since the end of February but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez insisted that Ronaldo’s participation at what would be a record sixth World Cup was “not at risk”.

“It’s a minor injury,” Martinez said at a press conference, adding that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could be back “within one or two weeks”.

“Everything Cristiano has done physically during this season shows that he’s going through an excellent spell and that there are no physical problems.

“At the World Cup, the centre-forward position will be for Cristiano Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos. We are looking for a third striker with a different profile.”

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Portugal will face Mexico on Saturday, March 28, in Mexico City, and the United States three days later in Atlanta.

“This is the last chance to experiment, because it’s the final training camp before the World Cup squad is named,” said Martinez.

At the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, Portugal have been drawn in Group K with Colombia and Uzbekistan.

The other team in this group will come from a play-off that could see New Caledonia, Jamaica, or the Democratic Republic of Congo qualify.

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Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo can play in the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup after global football governing body FIFA gave him a partially “suspended” ban on Tuesday following a red card.

The 40-year-old was sent off as Portugal lost 2-0 in Dublin earlier in November when he elbowed Dara O’Shea in the back, for his first dismissal in 226 international appearances.

FIFA banned Ronaldo for three matches, two of which will be suspended and the other has already been served, when Portugal sealed their qualification for next summer’s tournament against Armenia.

“In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the serving of the two remaining matches has been suspended under a one-year probation period,” said FIFA in a statement given to AFP.

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“If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension set out in the disciplinary decision shall be deemed automatically revoked, and the remaining two matches must be served immediately at the next official (Portugal) matches.”

Ronaldo, the men’s all-time top goalscorer in international football with 143 goals, is aiming to play at a sixth World Cup next summer in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker, currently at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has not yet lifted the trophy but did win Euro 2016 with Portugal.

Ronaldo attended a dinner in the White House last week where he met US President Donald Trump, who said his son Barron “is a big fan” of the forward.

The World Cup group stage draw takes place on December 5.

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Portugal crushed Armenia 9-1 without suspended talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to clinch qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals on Sunday.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Paris Saint-Germain’s Joao Neves both scored hat-tricks as Roberto Martinez’s side racked up a huge win in Porto to top Group F.

Renato Veiga got the ball rolling for Portugal, with Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Conceicao also on the scoresheet.

After a draw in Hungary in October and a surprise defeat at Ireland on Thursday in which Ronaldo was sent off, Portugal wrapped up qualification at the third attempt in their final group match.

They will compete in a seventh consecutive edition of the World Cup, a tournament which the Euro 2016 champions are yet to win.

With Manchester United midfielder Fernandes playing a key role throughout, Portugal made a quick start by scoring in the seventh minute.

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Fernandes’s vicious inswinging free-kick from just outside the left side of the box was pushed onto the post by goalkeeper Henri Avagyan but Veiga was on hand to head home the rebound.

The visitors shocked the hosts by scoring on their first attack to equalise, with Grant-Leon Ranos crossing for Armenia captain Eduard Spertsyan to strike.

However Portugal quickly stepped up a gear and racked up an unassailable lead. Paris Saint-Germain striker Ramos intercepted a back pass and squeezed home his country’s second after rounding Avagyan.

Portugal put together a tidy move for their third, with Neves blasting home from the edge of the box after being teed up by Fernandes.

Neves netted a spectacular second with a free-kick which flew into the top right corner, leaving Avagyan with no chance.

Fernandes netted the fifth in first-half stoppage time with a low penalty after Ruben Dias was fouled.

The Manchester United midfielder continued where he left off after the break, slotting home his second after being fed by Ramos.

Fernandes completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after debutant substitute Carlos Forbs was felled.

Neves followed suit for Portugal’s eighth goal, smashing home after Veiga headed Fernandes’s cross into his path.

Juventus forward Conceicao added the ninth in stoppage time to seal one of his country’s biggest ever victories.

Ireland stunned Hungary with a late winner to triumph 3-2 in the other Group F match and reach the play-offs, with Troy Parrott following up his midweek brace against Portugal with a hat-trick.

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Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday said that the FIFA World Cup 2026 would be his last as he winds down one of the all-time great careers.

The 40-year-old forward, with more than 950 club and international goals, also said he would retire from football in “one or two years”.

“Definitely, yes,” he told a Saudi forum by video link, when asked if 2026 would be his final World Cup. “I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.”

Ronaldo, who began a lucrative stint at Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in 2023, also elaborated on comments last week when he said he would retire “soon”.

“Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years, I’ll still be at the game,” he said.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is hoping to play at a sixth World Cup next year. He came closest to lifting the trophy on debut in 2006, when Portugal lost to France in the semi-finals.

Portugal have yet to qualify for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, but can secure their spot if they beat Ireland on Thursday.

Last month, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer in World Cup qualifying history when he netted twice against Hungary to reach 41 goals, overtaking retired Guatemalan international Carlos Ruiz’s 39.

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The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward is also the all-time leading international goalscorer with 143 strikes.

During an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored last week, Ronaldo opened up further about the realities of his looming retirement.

“It will be difficult? Yes. Probably will cry, yes. I’m an open person. It will be very, very difficult, yes,” he said.

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr after leaving Manchester United for a second time in late 2022, a move that heralded an influx of late-career stars to the oil-rich kingdom.

Ronaldo initially signed for 200 million euros a year, according to a source close to Al Nassr at the time, and inked a two-year contract extension in June.

Last month, he was named by Bloomberg as the sport’s first billionaire, and topped the Forbes list of highest-paid footballers for the sixth time in a decade.

With on-and off-field earnings of an estimated $280 million, Ronaldo will earn more than double that of second-placed rival Lionel Messi during the upcoming season, according to Forbes.

Saudi Arabia, which is spending big on sports and entertainment as part of its economic diversification plan, was named as host of the 2034 World Cup last December.

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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 Jr., son of Portugal captain and global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, made his international debut for the country’s Under-16 team in the Federation Cup in Turkey.

The 15-year-old forward came off the bench during stoppage time as Portugal U16 cruised to a 2–0 win over hosts Turkey in Antalya, with goals from Sporting CP’s Samuel Tavares and SC Braga’s Rafael Cabral sealing the result.

Though Ronaldo Jr.’s cameo was brief, it marked a significant milestone in a journey that has already captured worldwide attention.

Having honed his skills at Al Nassr’s youth setup in Saudi Arabia, where his father currently stars, the youngster’s progression through the Portuguese ranks has been rapid.

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Earlier this year, he impressed with a brace in Portugal’s 3–2 victory over Croatia in the Vlatko Markovic International Tournament final, further strengthening his credentials as one to watch.

This debut comes as his father, Cristiano Ronaldo Sr., continues to redefine football longevity, having recently surpassed 950 career goals and extended his record as the highest scorer in men’s international football.

Portugal’s U16 side, having opened their campaign with a win, will next face Wales on November 1 before taking on England on November 4 in the group stages.

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Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo became the top goalscorer in World Cup qualifying history at the age of 40 on Tuesday against Hungary.

Ronaldo netted his 40th and 41st qualifying goals, overtaking retired Guatemala international Carlos Ruiz, who scored 39 between 1998 and 2016.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner levelled for Portugal against Hungary in a 2026 World Cup qualifier after 22 minutes by finishing from Nelson Semedo’s cross.

Ronaldo pounced again before half-time after being set up by Nuno Mendes to give Portugal a 2-1 lead at the break.

Ronaldo, also the all-time top international goalscorer with 143 strikes, is aiming to play at a sixth World Cup.

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However, Hungary grabbed a late 2-2 draw to stop Portugal from reaching the 2026 edition with two games to spare.

After Attila Szalai netted for the visitors, Ronaldo’s first-half brace put Roberto Martinez’s side on the verge of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

However, Dominik Szoboszlai struck in stoppage time to make Portugal wait and boost his nation’s hopes of making it to the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Portugal snatched a late victory from a five-goal thriller when the teams met in Hungary in September, as Marco Rossi’s side showed their steel.

Hoping to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986, Hungary again proved a tough nut to crack.

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Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record for World Cup qualifying goals, but Hungary grabbed a late 2-2 draw to stop Portugal from reaching the 2026 edition with two games to spare.

After Attila Szalai netted for the visitors, Ronaldo’s first-half brace put Roberto Martinez’s side on the verge of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

However, Dominik Szoboszlai struck in stoppage time to make Portugal wait and boost his nation’s hopes of making it to the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

“We are getting closer to our goal! Let’s go, Portugal,” said Ronaldo on X after the game.

Martinez’s side top Group F with 10 points, five clear of Hungary.

“We didn’t manage the game in the last 10 minutes well enough,” admitted Spanish coach Martinez.

“If you don’t kill the game, you need to know how to manage it until the end. Today we stopped playing and Hungary equalised.”

Portugal snatched a late victory from a five-goal thriller when the teams met in Hungary in September, as Marco Rossi’s side showed their steel.

Hoping to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986, Hungary again proved a tough nut to crack.

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They took an early lead through Szalai, when the tall defender headed home from Szoboszlai’s corner after eight minutes.

Ronaldo, still leading the line for his country at 40, soon levelled, tucking home after Nelson Semedo crossed for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

It was his 40th goal in World Cup qualifying, setting a new record ahead of retired Guatemala international Carlos Ruiz on 39.

Ronaldo, who missed a penalty against Ireland at the weekend, extended his tally before half-time with his 143rd international goal, also an all-time record.

The veteran was in the right place at the right time again to clinically finish off a cross from Nuno Mendes and give his team the edge in an end-to-end clash.

Hungary pushed for an equaliser in the second half and Szalai hit the crossbar with another header.

Martinez took off Ronaldo, who is hoping to play at a sixth World Cup, but Nations League champions Portugal could not keep hold of their lead.

Eventually, Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai found the leveller when he arrived at the back post to finish off Daniel Lukacs’s low cross, which found its way through.

“I’m proud of everyone, I’m proud of the whole team,” said Szoboszlai. “I couldn’t get to the near post, so I went for the far post. I don’t know how many legs the ball went through, but it worked out.”

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Wimbledon paid tribute to Diogo Jota after the Liverpool star’s death as Portugal’s Francisco Cabral wore a black ribbon during his doubles match on Friday.

Cabral was allowed to put the ribbon on his shirt sleeve for the second-round tie after the All England Club relaxed its strict all-white dress code to allow tributes to the Portugal forward.

Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in northern Spain while traveling to catch a ferry to England ahead of the start of pre-season training.

The accident came just days after Jota’s wedding to Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.

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Cabral said he was driving to Wimbledon when he heard the news and praised Jota as “an idol, such an icon, such a good person”.

“I know what he’s been through, what he conquered through his career and through his life. So he’s just very inspiring for me,” he said after losing with Austrian partner Lucas Miedler against Czech duo Petr Nouza and Patrik Rikl.

“I just wish all the best for his family. I know they have good people around them so I hope they can get through it.”

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British doubles player Neal Skupski, a passionate Liverpool fan, had also brought a black armband for his match on Thursday but opted not to wear it.

He suggested he may wear one later in the tournament, saying: “Maybe in the next couple of days.”

READ: 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.

READ: Liverpool mourns star Diogo Jota’s tragic death in car crash