April 17 - Ollie Watkins still has hope of making England's World Cup squad despite being dropped for last month's friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, with the Aston Villa forward saying all he can do in the last few weeks of the season is score goals.

After Al Nassr's last game, head coach Jorge Jesus explained that Cristiano Ronaldo's early exit to the locker room was due to star suffering from "stomach pains." Cristiano Ronaldo has been the cornerstone of Al Nassr’s recent surge, but his blistering goalscoring streak came to a halt Wednesday against Al Ettifaq. Following a uncharacteristically quiet performance from the club’s captain, head coach Jorge Jesus revealed that Ronaldo’s abrupt exit to the locker room was the result of “stomach pains” the forward had been battling since before kickoff. After returning from a hamstring injury in March, Ronaldo had been flawless, netting a brace against Al Najma and a clinical strike against Al Okhdood to keep Al Nassr’s title hopes alive. However, his impact against Al Ettifaq was far more subdued; despite registering seven shots, only two found the target, and he uncharacteristically squandered a golden opportunity in the 47th minute. Ronaldo was eventually subbed off in the 89th minute for Abdullah Al-Hamdan, but rather than joining his teammates on the bench, the Portuguese icon headed straight down the tunnel. While his departure initially sparked speculation regarding his frustration with the substitution, Jorge Jesus was quick to clear the air during his post-match press conference. When asked about his star player, the Portuguese manager admitted that Ronaldo was nearly omitted from the lineup entirely. “I considered leaving him out; he simply wasn’t in good shape,” Jesus said. “He was suffering from stomach pains and general fatigue. When I finally substituted him, he went straight to the dressing room and threw up.“ تبديلان إضافيان للنصر، وخروج كريستيانو رونالدو 🔄#النصر_الاتفاق | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/YfP5bPeLTg — رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) April 15, 2026 Jesus assured reporters that Ronaldo was recovering well after the match, explaining that his absence from the post-game celebrations following the 1-0 victory was simply because he was still indisposed. Although his scoring run has ended, the veteran striker is expected to be back in the selection for the club’s next fixture. One step closer to the SPL title Wednesday’s hard-fought victory moves Al Nassr within touching distance of the Saudi Pro League title. The club currently sits atop the table with 76 points through 29 matches, fueled by a staggering 15-game winning streak in league play. Al Hilal remains in second place with 68 points and a game in hand, but they now face a daunting eight-point mountain to climb. Riding the momentum of 17 consecutive wins across all competitions, Jorge Jesus reflected on the culture shift he has implemented in his debut season. “Al Nassr are not used to competing for titles, but now the players feel they are close to winning the league. I have won 24 titles, so I consider myself among the best coaches in the world. We have a great feeling and sense that we’re close to the title, but our focus now is to take it one match at a time,” he stated.

Uruguay y Chile se convirtieron en las nuevas selecciones clasificadas al Mundial Sub-17 de la FIFA Catar 2026™. Venezuela y Bolivia definirán el último cupo mundialista en la próxima jornada de la Fase Final. Las selecciones de Uruguay y Chile aseguraron su presencia en la Copa Mundial Sub17 de la FIFA Catar 2026™, tras disputarse una nueva jornada correspondiente a la Fase Final de la CONMEBOL Sub17, en Villeta - Paraguay. La fecha dejó además a Venezuela y a Bolivia con una última oportunidad de clasificación, que se definirá en el partido decisivo del sábado 18, por el último cupo mundialista disponible en la CONMEBOL Sub17 2026. Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida por CONMEBOLtorneos (@conmeboltorneos) - Uruguay 3-0 Venezuela - La Celeste selló su boleto mundialista tras imponerse 3-0 ante Venezuela, en un encuentro en el que marcó diferencias con eficacia en el complemento. Juan Pablo Ganacheff abrió el marcador a los 34’, mientras que Nicolás Scotti (71’) y Thiago Brizuela (73’) sentenciaron el encuentro. El conjunto uruguayo volvió a mostrar su fortaleza ofensiva en el torneo. Es la segunda vez que logra una victoria por tres goles de diferencia con valla invicta en la actual CONMEBOL Sub17, registro que no conseguía desde 2019, cuando venció 3-0 a Argentina. Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida por CONMEBOLtorneos (@conmeboltorneos) Además, en todos sus partidos del certamen, la Celeste convirtió al menos un gol en el primer tiempo, destacándose como uno de los equipos más efectivos en la etapa inicial. -- Números del partido - Es la segunda vez que Uruguay golea por tres tantos de diferencia con la valla invicta a un rival en el actual CONMEBOL Sub-17, al menos desde 2009. La última vez que consiguió lo mismo en la competición fue en 2019 tras vencer 3-0 a Argentina. Juan Gancheff (Uruguay) marcó su primer gol en el actual CONMEBOL Sub17 en su segundo partido como titular y solo 135 minutos jugados en todo el torneo. Se convirtió en el cuarto jugador en anotar con menos de 150 minutos disputados en la competición. Thiago Brizuela convirtió el tercer gol del partido para Uruguay. Se posiciona como líder en participaciones de gol en el actual CONMEBOL Sub17 con cuatro (3G+1A), al igual que Nabil Nacif (Bolivia), Eduardo Conceição y Eduardo Pape (ambos de Brasil) y José Escorcia (Colombia). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF7OyrlUyoc - Chile 4-0 Bolivia - La Roja se impuso y aseguró su clasificación al Mundial Sub17 tras vencer 4-0 a Bolivia. Los goles del encuentro fueron convertidos por Amaro Rivero (32’), Joaquín Muñoz (45’+1), Baltazar Orostica (52’) e Ignacio Cerda (90’+5), en un partido que el conjunto chileno dominó de principio a fin para sellar su boleto mundialista. El conjunto chileno alcanzó un nuevo registro destacado en la competición, sumando su cuarta victoria por tres o más goles desde 2009 en la CONMEBOL Sub-17. Además, se mantiene como la única selección con penales atajados en el torneo, tras las intervenciones de Cristóbal del Río y Vicente Villegas. Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida por CONMEBOLtorneos (@conmeboltorneos) En el plano individual, Amaro Rivero y Baltazar Orostica se convirtieron en los jugadores más jóvenes en marcar en la actual edición, mientras que el equipo mostró un alto nivel colectivo, con múltiples futbolistas involucrados en la generación de goles. - Números del partido - Desde 2009, es la cuarta vez que Chile gana por tres o más goles en CONMEBOL Sub17: Venezuela (3-0) y Bolivia (4-0) en 2019, ante Perú (5-0) el año pasado y este 3 a 0 a Bolivia.. Chile es la única selección con penales atajados en el CONMEBOL Sub17: Cristóbal del Río ante Ecuador y hoy, Vicente Villegas ante Bolivia. Amaro Riveros (15 años y 117 días) y Baltazar Orostica (15 años y 199 días), de Chile, se convirtieron en los dos jugadores más jóvenes en marcar en el actual CONMEBOL Sub17. Chile tuvo seis jugadores directamente involucrados en los tres goles que convirtió. Solo Brasil tuvo más futbolistas participando en tantos en un mismo partido en el actual CONMEBOL Sub-17: siete en la goleada 5-0 ante Bolivia. CONMEBOL.com/OPTA

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has sold a 70% stake in Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company.

With Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both central figures in this evolving landscape, a new chapter appears to be unfolding behind the scenes at the highest level of the game. The future of club ownership in Saudi soccer is shifting quickly, and the ripple effects are already being felt around some of the league’s biggest names. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both central figures in this evolving landscape, a new chapter appears to be unfolding behind the scenes at the highest level of the game. The turning point came when Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) made a decisive move regarding one of its flagship clubs. Al-Hilal has now seen its ownership structure transformed after a majority stake was sold to Kingdom Holding Company, a firm led by a prominent Saudi investor. The deal valued the club at approximately $373 million, signaling both confidence in the league’s growth and a willingness to shift toward private ownership. In a statement, the new ownership emphasized the broader vision behind the move. “Al-Hilal is a national symbol and a source of pride for the Saudi people,” the statement read. “This acquisition expresses our deep belief in the power of sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for national development.” The message was clear: soccer in Saudi Arabia is entering a new phase, one driven by strategic investment and long-term sustainability. Stepping Into a New Chapter of Glory 💙 pic.twitter.com/zya4Au7XRB — AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) April 16, 2026 Cristiano Ronaldo’s club could be next While the spotlight initially fell on Karim Benzema’s new environment, attention quickly turned toward Cristiano Ronaldo’s club. Behind the scenes, discussions have reportedly begun over a similar restructuring process. According to Sportksanet, it has emerged that there is a plan to sell up to 50% of Al-Nassr’s shares to external investors, including a mix of international companies and Saudi businessmen. This potential move would mark another major shift in how top clubs in the league are operated and financed. Such a transition could redefine the club’s future, especially given Ronaldo’s global influence and the commercial weight he brings. Why PIF is changing strategy The reasoning behind these decisions lies in a wider economic vision, as per journalist Abdulkarim Al-Zamil. PIF has played a central role in transforming the Saudi Pro League, injecting funds that helped attract global stars and elevate the competition’s profile. PIF and Kingdom Holding Company’s representatives arrange deal over Al Hilal. Now, the focus appears to be on maximizing returns and redistributing capital within the domestic economy, while encouraging private sector involvement. In an official explanation, the fund outlined its long-term intentions. “The sale aligns with PIF’s strategy to maximise returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy,” the statement noted. “PIF is unlocking opportunities to make a transformative impact in the Saudi sports sector and deliver positive, long-term results.” What does it mean for the league? These ownership changes could have far-reaching consequences for the league as a whole. Clubs transitioning to private ownership may gain greater flexibility in decision-making, particularly in transfers and commercial partnerships. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr At the same time, the presence of global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo ensures that any structural change will be closely watched. His influence extends beyond the pitch, making Al-Nassr one of the most visible clubs in world soccer. For Al-Hilal, now linked with Karim Benzema, the new ownership could open doors to different investment strategies and partnerships. That, in turn, may reshape competition within the league as clubs adapt to new financial realities.

Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund announced Thursday the sale of its majority stake in Saudi Pro League football club Al-Hilal, where French striker Karim Benzema plays. The PIF, which also owns English Premier League side Newcastle United, sold 70 percent of Al-Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), the firm run by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, […] The post Saudi wealth fund sells football club Al-Hilal appeared first on Soccer America.

Inter Miami forward German Berterame does not have his place secured with Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In just over a month, the coaches of the 48 qualified national teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will have to finalize their 26-man squads. In Mexico, there is fierce competition for the striker spots, putting Inter Miami star German Berterame’s chances in serious doubt. “Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez are the main forwards of the Mexico national team, and that appears to be beyond any doubt as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches,” Diario Marca reported this week. Indeed, the Fulham forward has been a key figure based on recent call-ups. And while Gimenez has struggled this year at AC Milan due to inconsistent performances and injuries, he has built a strong reputation in Europe to earn that consideration. “The debate is over the third striker for the World Cup,” the report adds. “The focus is on Armando Gonzalez and German Berterame, who are competing for a place in the 26-man squad that Javier Aguirre will select for the FIFA tournament.” Armando Gonzalez playing for Mexico. Who is Armando Gonzalez? One of the fastest-rising players in Mexican soccer in recent years is Armando Gonzalez. The striker will turn 23 next week and is currently enjoying the best season of his professional career with Guadalajara. After beginning his career with Tapatio in Liga de Expansion MX in 2020, ‘La Hormiga’ (The Ant) reached Liga MX in 2024 and has since established himself as a key player for Guadalajara. This season, he is the team’s undisputed star, leading the standings and topping the Clausura tournament scoring chart with 12 goals. Those performances earned Gonzalez a call-up to the Mexico national team, where Javier Aguirre gave him the opportunity to make his debut in a friendly against Paraguay in November 2025. Since then, he has recorded six appearances, one goal and one assist at the international level. Berterame is struggling at Inter Miami While Armando Gonzalez is in the best form of his career with Guadalajara and gaining prominence with the Mexico national team, German Berterame is having trouble finding his rhythm on the field. Inter Miami paid $15 million to Monterrey at the start of this year to sign the Argentina-born forward, hoping he would become an important attacking piece for the team. However, his start with the club has not been ideal: across MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup, Berterame has managed just one goal in nine appearances for the Herons, raising questions about his place in the starting lineup. That lack of form at club level has impacted his chances internationally. Javier Aguirre has included Berterame in the starting lineup in only one of Mexico’s five matches this year, while in two others he did not see the field at all.

PIF has changed his involvement in soccer by completing the sell of Al Hilal to their new owners, a situation Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr are watching closely. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has taken significant new steps toward the privatization of Saudi Arabian soccer clubs. As Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr watch the next moves closely, the PIF has officially announced the sale of Al Hilal to a new ownership group. In a press release issued on April 16, the PIF announced an agreement with Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) for the acquisition of a 70% stake in Al Hilal Club Company. The firm, led by Prince Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud, will now serve as the club’s majority owner, while the PIF retains a 5% interest in the share capital. As a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s “Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project,” the PIF became the majority shareholder of Al Hilal, alongside Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad, in July 2023. This initial investment was designed to accelerate club growth and increase the sports sector’s overall contribution to the Saudi GDP. A new strategy is now taking shape with the completion of the first of these four sales, as the PIF seeks to maximize returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy. This gradual exit from majority ownership aims to guide the clubs toward financial sustainability while the PIF maintains a role as a minority shareholder or strategic partner. PIF and Kingdom Holding Company’s representatives arrange deal over Al Hilal. In a statement released on PIF’s website, KHC Chairman Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud reflected on the landmark deal: “Al-Hilal is a national symbol and a source of pride for the Saudi people. This acquisition expresses our deep belief in the power of sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for national development. By applying our global investment standards and cultivating strategic partnerships, we will unlock Al-Hilal’s full potential while preserving its history and identity.“ Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad up next Al Hilal represents only the first phase of this divestment process. Following this precedent, the PIF will move forward with the sales of Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli, seeking suitable suitors to continue the clubs’ professional development. Reports have already revealed that, alongside a new contract signed in June 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo acquired a 15% ownership stake in Al Nassr valued at £50 million (approximately $66.7 million). As the PIF actively pursues new majority owners for the club, the Portuguese legend is positioned to assume an even more significant role in the organization. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Al Nassr is encouraging Ronaldo to increase his equity, further deepening his ties to the Saudi side’s ownership structure. With club sales expected to be phased over the coming years, the soccer icon could see his influence grow significantly in the near future.

Chelsea have reportedly entered the high-stakes battle to sign Palmeiras’ latest wonderkid, Eduardo Conceicao, as the club continues its aggressive recruitment of the world’s most elite teenage talents. The 16-year-old winger has become the subject of an intense transfer war, with The Times reporting that Chelsea are now vying with Manchester City, Barcelona, and PSG […] The post Chelsea looking to beat Man City in stunning swoop for £87m wonderkid – report appeared first on CaughtOffside.

UE Cornella have announced that Lionel Messi has become the club’s new owner. Lionel Messi continues to take steps toward remaining involved in soccer once his professional playing career comes to an end. His latest move in that direction is the acquisition of a fifth-division club in Spain, Unio Esportiva Cornella, the third club he is involved in. “The Argentine footballer and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Leo Messi, has finalized the acquisition of UE Cornella,” the club announced in a statement published Thursday on their official website. “With this operation, Messi strengthens his close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalunya.” UE Cornella are a club founded in 1951 and based in the autonomous community of Catalunya, around 50 miles from Barcelona. They currently compete in the Tercera RFEF (Spain’s fifth division) and sit third in Group V, five points behind leaders Manresa. “The arrival of Leo Messi opens a new chapter in the club’s history, with the aim of driving its sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its structure, and continuing to invest in talent. The project includes a long-term vision, with a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and local identity,” the statement added. Lionel Messi of Inter Miami How many clubs is Lionel Messi involved in? While continuing his professional career — since 2023 with Inter Miami — Lionel Messi has also begun exploring a role that was previously unfamiliar to him: club ownership and management. On more than one occasion, he has said this side of soccer appeals to him more than coaching, as he looks ahead to life after retirement. Last year, he joined his friend and teammate Luis Suarez in a project of this kind in Uruguay, becoming co-founders and co-owners of Deportivo LSM. The club debuted in the country’s fourth division and, in its first season — 2025 — earned promotion, beginning what looks like a promising path forward. In addition, the Messi family also founded a club in Argentina: Leones de Rosario FC, based in Leo’s hometown. The project began in 2015 with a focus on developing young talent, but this year took its first professional step by joining Primera C, Argentina’s fourth division. Messi and Ronaldo follow similar paths The news of Lionel Messi’s acquisition of UE Cornella comes just months after Cristiano Ronaldo made a similar move. The 41-year-old forward has owned a 25% stake in Almeria since February of this year, another club competing in the lower tiers of Spanish soccer. Almeria, unlike UE Cornella, are a more established club with greater tradition: they have spent a total of seven seasons in La Liga, most recently in 2024. Messi’s new club, meanwhile, have yet to play in Spain’s top division.