Cristiano Ronaldo

L'ex centrocampista parla a Dazn

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.

Cristiano Ronaldo may soon receive another boost at Al-Nassr, with fresh reports suggesting the club is close to securing the future of Marcelo Brozovic. Cristiano Ronaldo may soon receive another boost at Al-Nassr, with fresh reports suggesting the club is close to securing the future of Marcelo Brozovic. The experienced midfielder has become one of the most important figures in the squad, and talks over a new agreement appear to be moving in the right direction. Keeping a player of Brozovic’s quality would be an important step for Al-Nassr as the Riyadh outfit continues building around elite talent. According to reports from Al Youm newspaper, Al-Nassr has reached an agreement with Marcelo Brozovic over a contract renewal. The understanding would keep the Croatian international at the Saudi club for the foreseeable future. The report suggests club officials worked hard behind the scenes to prevent any uncertainty surrounding the midfielder’s future. After weeks of discussions, both sides are now said to be aligned on the main terms of the extension. This development would be welcomed across the club, especially by a dressing room that values stability and leadership. Brozovic’s presence in midfield has helped give balance to a side filled with attacking stars. Marcelo Brozovic of Al Nassr What still needs to happen before it becomes official While the agreement is reportedly in place, one final step remains before everything can be announced publicly. Al-Nassr is now waiting for the player’s representative to arrive to complete the remaining formalities and finalize the official announcement. That means the deal is close, but not yet signed off in full. Once those final administrative details are completed, the club is expected to make the extension official. In modern soccer, these last stages can often move quickly once the major terms are settled. For Al-Nassr fans, that creates optimism that confirmation may arrive soon. Why Brozovic matters so much to Al-Nassr Brozovic is widely viewed as a key pillar of the Al-Nassr lineup. His composure on the ball, tactical awareness, and ability to control tempo have made him one of the side’s most reliable performers. Unlike more attacking stars who often dominate headlines, the 33-year-old’s influence is seen in the structure of the team. He helps connect defense to attack and gives freedom to creative players further forward. For a club aiming to challenge domestically and internationally, keeping a midfielder with that profile is a major priority. His consistency has made him difficult to replace. The Croatian midfielder has featured regularly throughout the campaign. Brozovic played 34 matches in all competitions this season, scoring one goal and providing four assists.

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.

England icon Gary Lineker picked Lionel Messi as the greatest of all time and revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo did not take it well. The debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to determine the best player of this era—and arguably of all time—has lasted for more than a decade. Fans around the world, as well as numerous experts, have shared their opinions, including England legend Gary Lineker. “He doesn’t like me very much, Cristiano Ronaldo,” Lineker admitted during a recent appearance on The Rest Is Football podcast. “I didn’t upset him by anything I said about him, other than the fact I’m honest and think overall Messi’s a better footballer.” The former England forward, who was the top scorer at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, has always expressed his admiration for Messi, whom he has often placed at the top of the sport alongside another Argentina icon, Diego Maradona. Explaining how he noticed Ronaldo’s animosity toward him, Lineker said: “He unfollowed me on Instagram.” However, he did not take the setback too seriously and joked about it: “I’ll get over it. I will always like him. I’ve met him a lot of times. I know he’s got the hump with me. But that’s OK. And on that note… Please Cristiano… give me a call. Let’s be friends again.” England legend Gary Lineker. Lineker names his Mount Rushmore of soccer players In the same conversation, Gary Lineker praised Lionel Messi, placing him above other great stars of the sport. “He’s my favourite player of all time, quite simply because he’s the best player of all time, in my view,” said the former Barcelona, Leicester City and Tottenham forward. Lineker then explained that while other players deserve special mention, they fall just short of that level, which further highlights Messi’s greatness. “Even the difference between some of the real greats, the Cruyffs, Zidane, (Cristiano) Ronaldo, the fact that you can then have another level above them, quite clearly above them, is truly remarkable,” he said. “Without his injuries, I think we’d have had Brazilian Ronaldo in that conversation. But unfortunately, he did, but he still did incredible things, and he was joyous. So, if I had four, you know, the ‘Mount Rushmore’ thing, yeah, that would be my four. So, Pele, Maradona, Messi, Fenomeno (Ronaldo),” Lineker added.

Robert Lewandowski has had a disappointing season, losing his starting position at Barcelona and missing out on the 2026 World Cup. Following this, the Polish now faces one of the most important challenges of his career: Convincing the Blaugranas and securing his future. Despite arriving in Barcelona as a seasoned veteran, Robert Lewandowski managed to put in an impressive performance in his first few seasons, scoring 42 goals last season and surpassing 25 goals in the two seasons prior. Despite this, the Polish striker is having a season to forget, missing out on the 2026 World Cup and raising serious doubts among the Blaugranas. As a result, he faces a tough challenge: convincing the Spanish side to keep him and securing his future. Shortly after the start of the 2025–26 season, Robert Lewandowski suffered two muscle injuries that limited his impact at Barcelona. As a result, Ferran Torres took his starting spot, delivering strong performances. Beyond the injuries themselves, this situation highlights a growing concern: his declining physical output. While the Polish striker remains in good shape, Hansi Flick’s tactical system demands far more than just goals, something he has not been consistently providing. Unlike his previous season, Robert Lewandowski has been far less productive in front of goal. In the 40 matches he has played this season, he has managed to score just 17 goals, marking his lowest scoring output since joining Barcelona. With his contract set to expire in June 2026, the Blaugranas are not fully convinced about renewing him, reportedly offering only a one-year extension with a reduced salary and a secondary role. His struggles have not been limited to Barcelona, as Lewandowski has also failed to impress with Poland. Despite being an undisputed starter, the veteran was unable to make a decisive impact in the final stages of the World Cup qualifiers, going scoreless against Sweden and missing out on the 2026 edition, leaving him with just two World Cup appearances in his career. Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona looks on from the bench. Lewandowski disappointed with Poland in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Robert Lewandowski is one of the most important players in the history of Poland. After 165 appearances, he has scored 89 goals, making him the nation’s all-time leading scorer. He also ranks among the top five international goal scorers of all time, alongside players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Despite this, the 37-year-old striker did not deliver his best performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. During the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Lewandowski set a historic record by scoring 16 goals in 10 matches. Far from slowing down in the 2022 edition, the Polish forward once again impressed, netting 9 goals in 9 games and leading his national team to the tournament. However, he was unable to replicate that level in the most recent campaign, producing a less effective return. Unlike the previous two editions, Lewandowski managed just five goals in nine matches for Poland. While he has played a key role in creating space and assisting teammates, his goal output has dropped significantly. He also failed to score against Sweden in the play-off final, leaving his side without his usual scoring contribution and reflecting a difficult season in which he has struggled to find his best form. Lewandowski no longer fits in at Barcelona under Flick Hansi Flick has managed to establish a highly dominant style of play in Europe. Since his arrival in Barcelona, he has relied on intense high-pressing and pressure after turnover involving his forwards. As a result, the Blaugranas have excelled offensively, creating far more scoring opportunities. While Lewandowski performed brilliantly in the 2024-25 season, his physical condition has declined this season, making him less productive. During the 2025–26 season, Robert Lewandowski has become a less effective goalscorer, though he has maintained his importance in overall play by drawing defenders and creating opportunities for his teammates. However, head coach Hansi Flick has a clear demand for his striker: high pressing and immediate pressure after losing possession. As a veteran forward, Lewandowski has struggled to meet those physical demands. Given his declining goal output and high salary, Barcelona are reportedly no longer counting on him as an undisputed starter. Instead, they are pursuing the signing of a younger forward such as Julián Álvarez, prioritizing pressing, pace, scoring ability, and creativity. That said, the Polish striker could still play a key role off the bench, offering experience and finishing quality as a more traditional central striker. Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona With one of the highest salaries in the squad, Robert would need to significantly reduce his wages and accept a secondary role. While this scenario would be ideal for Barcelona, he could struggle to adapt to those conditions. In addition, he continues to attract strong interest from clubs that could offer him a more lucrative contract or a more prominent role. As a result, Lewandowski is not entirely open to staying at Barcelona, feeling neglected by the club, reports Nil Sola, via SER. How has Lewandowski’s playing style changed compared to previous seasons? Robert Lewandowski has gone through several distinct phases throughout his career. During his tenure at Borussia Dortmund, the Polish striker established himself as a brilliant forward, physically dominant and relentless in pressing defenders to score. While not yet a standout in collective play, he still managed to record 103 goals and 42 assists in 187 appearances, attracting interest from Real Madrid and several top European clubs. With his move to Bayern Munich, Lewandowski underwent a clear evolution in his playing style. Under the influence of Pep Guardiola, he developed into one of the most complete strikers in the world. Not only did he excel as a goalscorer, but he also became fully integrated into the team’s collective play, frequently rotating positions with Thomas Müller. At the same time, he maintained his physical dominance, finishing his spell with 344 goals and 73 assists in 375 matches. After his historic stint in Germany, Lewandowski chose to join FC Barcelona. Despite already being a veteran, he made an immediate impact under Xavi Hernández. Thanks to his game intelligence, he stood out by scoring 33 goals in his first season, playing a key role in creating space, pressing, and winning duels against defenders. However, he has since had to adapt his style, maintaining his importance while seeing a decline in pure scoring output. Even though Lewandowski had previously scored 42 goals for Barcelona under Hansi Flick, he has shown a noticeable physical decline this season. As a result, he has shifted his focus toward drawing defenders and facilitating play for Fermín López and Lamine Yamal. In doing so, he has remained highly influential in the team’s overall structure, albeit with a reduced scoring role, particularly as he is no longer applies pressure on opponents. Robert Lewandowski may be an ideal fit for AC Milan Robert Lewandowski can still thrive in European leagues, and AC Milan could be an ideal fit. Arriving as a free agent, the Polish striker would suit head coach Massimiliano Allegri. Unlike Barcelona, the Rossoneri are looking for a forward capable of dominating aerially and positioning himself between opposing center-backs. While he is not coming off his best season, he could still fulfill the role required by the Italian side. As a more traditional, fixed center-forward, Lewandowski could maintain solid output in Serie A. Without heavy creative or pressing responsibilities, he could preserve his physicality to outmuscle defenders and convert chances consistently. With his clinical finishing, he could become a key solution for Allegri, especially as a partnership with Christian Pulisic could significantly boost his goal production. Compared to Christopher Nkunku and Rafael Leão, Lewandowski has consistently demonstrated elite scoring ability in recent seasons, comfortably surpassing 15 goals. He also offers a strong aerial presence, which could be decisive, particularly as Milan have relied on Adrien Rabiot in that aspect. In addition, his presence could create more space for Leão and Pulisic to operate more effectively. While Lewandowski may no longer possess the physical profile to dominate in a high-intensity collective system, he remains highly effective as a fixed striker. Moreover, he could serve as an ideal mentor for Francesco Camarda, who could develop significantly as his backup—something the club does not currently get from options like Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Giménez.

The Real Madrid star is still searching for his first UCL trophy, but he's breaking records in the process. Leer

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.

Vinicius Junior surpassed a Lionel Messi assist record in the UEFA Champions League during Real Madrid’s loss to Bayern Munich, although Cristiano Ronaldo still leads the all-time list. Real Madrid were eliminated from the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League after falling to Bayern Munich on Wednesday in Germany. However, the match allowed Vinicius Junior to surpass a Lionel Messi mark and move closer to Cristiano Ronaldo. Vini produced a brilliant play and assisted Kylian Mbappe on Real Madrid’s third goal in the closing minutes of the first half, which temporarily put the Spanish side level in the tie. With that contribution, the Brazilian winger reached 13 assists in the knockout stages of the European competition. In doing so, Vinicius moved past Lionel Messi for second place in the all-time rankings in that category. The Argentine forward had recorded 12 assists in Champions League knockout matches during his time with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Cristiano Ronaldo remains at the top of the list, having recorded a total of 15 assists in the tournament’s knockout stages across his spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. No other player has come close to those numbers, but Vinicius, at just 25 years old, needs only three more to claim the all-time record. IT'S MBAPPE'S TURN! 😱 OH MY GOODNESS, WHAT A MATCH! #UCL pic.twitter.com/g0RYwP92aF — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) April 15, 2026 Vinicius also draws level with Neymar That assist to Mbappe at the Allianz Arena also helped Vinicius climb the all-time Champions League assist rankings, including both the knockout rounds and the group stage. Vini is now tied with Neymar for fourth place on the list with 33 assists, and he has strong prospects of closing in on the top spots in the near future. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as expected, are also in the top three, with the Portuguese star leading the way. However, there is another somewhat unexpected name included: Angel Di Maria, who played alongside both legends at Real Madrid and PSG, respectively. All-time Champions League assist leaders: 1- Cristiano Ronaldo (42) 2- Angel Di Maria (41) 3- Lionel Messi (40) 4- Neymar (33) 4- Vinicius (33) 6- Kevin De Bruyne (31) 6- Ryan Giggs (31) 8- Xavi Hernandez (30) 8- Thomas Muller (30) 10- Karim Benzema (29) 10- Andres Iniesta (29)

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.