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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vitinha (PSG)
September 2025
Vitinha reflected on a “dream season” after winning four trophies with PSG and Nations League success with Portugal, stating he now aims to push for a high Ballon d’Or finish alongside nominees Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele. The 25-year-old midfielder was pivotal in PSG’s historic quadruple, earning recognition on the Ballon d’Or shortlist. Vitinha insisted expectations rise after such triumphs, vowing to keep improving and deliver for Portugal in World Cup qualifiers, starting with Armenia.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Portugal)
March 2025 (ahead of 2026 World Cup planning)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in Portugal’s 2026 World Cup squad is under scrutiny, with rising pressure to give younger talents like Gonçalo Ramos a bigger role.
Didi Hamann questioned Ronaldo’s continued inclusion, saying he had little influence at the last Euros and may hinder development of players like Ramos and Trincão. Critics argue Portugal must look ahead if they hope to contend in 2026, as Ronaldo’s effectiveness wanes. Coach Roberto Martínez faces a crucial decision.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
24 March 2025 (Sunday match)
Ronaldo missed an early penalty but rebounded by scoring and helping Portugal defeat Denmark 5-2 (5-3 aggregate) to advance to the UEFA Nations League semifinals.
Despite the miss, Ronaldo remained confident. Portugal’s dominant display included goals from Ronaldo, Francisco Trincão (2), and Gonçalo Ramos, sealing a showdown with Germany in the next round.
