Tag: Portugal

Ronaldo sees first Portugal red in costly Ireland defeat

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
World Cup qualifier against Ireland

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) endured a nightmare night in a World Cup qualifier against Ireland, receiving the first red card of his international career for an elbow on Dara O’Shea after a VAR review, leaving his team two goals down and reduced to ten men.
The dismissal came after pre match comments where Ronaldo promised to be a good boy and enjoy what he said would be his final World Cup, but his frustrated reaction, sarcastic applause to home fans and looming suspension now overshadow Portugal’s qualification push.

Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his last, while hinting he could still play on

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr/Portugal)
November 2025

At a Riyadh forum, Cristiano Ronaldo said the 2026 World Cup will “for sure” be his last, citing age and satisfaction with his career, while joking he could keep going. The 40-year-old is set for a record sixth World Cup appearance next summer. Ronaldo remains prolific for Al-Nassr and continues to lead Portugal in qualifying, targeting more milestones as he chases 1,000 career goals. His announcement clarifies timelines for national-team succession planning and sets up tributes during Portugal’s run-in to the tournament.

Ronaldo tipped to play past 42 with 1,000-goal dream alive

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr; Portugal)
October 2025

Simpson predicted Ronaldo will extend his career beyond 42. Ronaldo has 105 goals in 118 Al-Nassr games, back-to-back Golden Boots, and eyes 2026 World Cup selection while targeting 1,000 competitive goals and the possibility of sharing a pitch professionally with Cristiano Jr. Output remains elite via shot volume, penalties, and set-piece threat. Team silverware is the next target as Al-Nassr lead early in the Saudi Pro League. Longevity plan centers on workload management, defined penalty-box roles alongside Sadio Mané/João Félix, and selective international minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo quiet on ex-United WhatsApp, says Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand (ex-Manchester United)
October 2025

Ferdinand said Ronaldo stays silent in a WhatsApp group of ex-United players because he views Ferdinand as “a journalist” post-retirement. Despite an acrimonious 2022 exit, Ronaldo remains in touch with former teammates who celebrated his first United-era peak. Ferdinand’s punditry and podcasting shift blurs lines for active stars wary of leaks. Ronaldo’s restraint preserves privacy around current commitments while maintaining cordial ties. The anecdote underscores evolving media dynamics for elite players and ex-pros within semi-private channels.

Ronaldo sets all-time World Cup qualifying goals record

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
October 2025

Ronaldo scored twice in a 2–2 draw with Hungary to reach 41 World Cup qualifying goals and 143 for Portugal overall. Portugal missed the chance to clinch early but remain on track to qualify next month.
He targets 1,000 career goals across club and country. While the milestone is distant, sustained scoring for Al Nassr and Portugal keeps the chase alive and underscores his longevity at age 40.

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes football’s first billionaire

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
October 2025

Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer to reach billionaire status, with Bloomberg estimating his net worth at $1.4 billion following his lucrative contract extension with Al-Nassr. Already football’s most prolific goalscorer, the 40-year-old is now eyeing 1,000 career goals as his next landmark.
His new Al-Nassr deal, worth £178m annually plus a signing bonus, pushed him past the milestone, joining Federer, Woods, Jordan, and LeBron James in sport’s billionaire club. Despite family pressure to retire, Ronaldo insists he will play on and focus on Portugal’s World Cup push.

Mourinho Admits Portugal Job Was Expected Before Benfica Return

José Mourinho (Benfica)
September 2025

José Mourinho revealed he had always envisioned returning to Portugal to manage the national team rather than Benfica, but embraced the chance to take over his former club, leading them to victory in his league comeback. The 62-year-old, who started his career at Benfica in 2000, said the role felt a “natural consequence” of his career. Despite past friction with the club, Mourinho welcomed the chance to manage another “giant” and restart on familiar ground.

Lalas Blasts Pochettino for ‘Training Session’ Remark

Alexi Lalas
September 2025

U.S. legend Alexi Lalas hit out at Mauricio Pochettino for framing September friendlies as “training sessions,” saying the coach undermined the honor of representing the national team. Lalas insisted matches still matter deeply to players and fans, regardless of competitive stakes. Speaking on his podcast, Lalas urged Pochettino to “read the room,” stressing respect for supporters. He highlighted America’s traditional strength in the underdog role, pointing to their resilient draw with England at the 2022 World Cup as proof the U.S. can rise against giants.

Ronaldo Shirt Breaks Auction Record

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
September 2025

A shirt worn by Cristiano Ronaldo during Portugal’s 5-0 win over Armenia has broken the all-time record at MatchWornShirt.com auctions, fetching £61,657 so far and surpassing Lionel Messi’s PSG jersey sale from 2023, with bidding still open. Ronaldo scored twice in the Armenia qualifier, making the shirt a prized collectible. With four days left in the auction, experts expect the final price to climb even higher, further cementing his enduring global appeal and his commercial rivalry with Messi.

Portugal honour Diogo Jota with Ronaldo’s emotional tribute goal

Cristiano Ronaldo
September 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 21st minute as Portugal paid tribute to Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash. Teammates marked the moment with symbolic gestures, showing unity and respect for their late colleague during the World Cup qualifier. Ruben Neves wore Jota’s No.21 shirt in homage, and Ronaldo’s goal in the same minute made the tribute poignant. Coach Roberto Martinez described the moment as a sign of Jota’s enduring spirit, saying the squad felt his presence throughout the camp.

POPULAR ARTICLES