<p>Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has again taken a potshot at Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star was with the Premier League club during Ten Hag's tenure as manager from April 2022 to October 2024. Ronaldo eventually fell out with the club and had an unceremonious exit in November 2022. Ten Hag, earlier this month, had also called out Ronaldo for letting him and the team down during his tenure as the United manager. The two had fallen out, with Ronaldo saying during the 2022 FIFA World Cup that he quit because of his falling out with Ten Hag.</p><h2>Erik ten Hag calls out Ronaldo</h2><p>"Every top team must embrace the top player, but the top player must also make way for the team. That was simply the problem with Ronaldo," ten Hag said on ESPN. "The players wanted to work for him and they looked up to him, because let there be no misunderstanding about that. He is, of course, a tremendous player, one of the all-time greats."</p><p>Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1-dead-8-injured-in-birmingham-alabama-shooting-after-football-game-1793521320080">1 dead, 8 injured in Birmingham Alabama shooting after football game</a></p><p>"But that is also the reality over the last seven, eight years; he simply can no longer deliver. From Juventus onwards, it’s simply over. That is actually the great gift of Real Madrid. They always know when to say goodbye to players at the right moment. They recognize when a player’s level is declining. And they say goodbye at a moment when, to the outside world, they still appear to be at their peak, but they can no longer actually deliver."</p><h2>Ronaldo falling out with Portugal manager</h2><p>Ronaldo recently had a falling out with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus during the UEFA Nations League as well. He had left the squad after not being used as a substitute and then not being selected for the next match. Ronaldo, later on, apologized for his actions and accused Jesus of breaking his word. The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently accepted the apology and slapped a nominal fine on him.</p>

Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag took another potshot at Cristiano Ronaldo over team priority. Meanwhile, Ronaldo also fell out with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus in the Nations League.

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has again taken a potshot at Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star was with the Premier League club during Ten Hag's tenure as manager from April 2022 to October 2024. Ronaldo eventually fell out with the club and had an unceremonious exit in November 2022. Ten Hag, earlier this month, had also called out Ronaldo for letting him and the team down during his tenure as the United manager. The two had fallen out, with Ronaldo saying during the 2022 FIFA World Cup that he quit because of his falling out with Ten Hag. Erik ten Hag calls out Ronaldo "Every top team must embrace the top player, but the top player must also make way for the team. That was simply the problem with Ronaldo," ten Hag said on ESPN. "The players wanted to work for him and they looked up to him, because let there be no misunderstanding about that. He is, of course, a tremendous player, one of the all-time greats." Also Read - 1 dead, 8 injured in Birmingham Alabama shooting after football game "But that is also the reality over the last seven, eight years; he simply can no longer deliver. From Juventus onwards, it’s simply over. That is actually the great gift of Real Madrid. They always know when to say goodbye to players at the right moment. They recognize when a player’s level is declining. And they say goodbye at a moment when, to the outside world, they still appear to be at their peak, but they can no longer actually deliver." Ronaldo falling out with Portugal manager Ronaldo recently had a falling out with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus during the UEFA Nations League as well. He had left the squad after not being used as a substitute and then not being selected for the next match. Ronaldo, later on, apologized for his actions and accused Jesus of breaking his word. The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently accepted the apology and slapped a nominal fine on him.

<p>Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag took another potshot at Cristiano Ronaldo over team priority. Meanwhile, Ronaldo also fell out with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus in the Nations League.</p>

Former Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo 'can no longer deliver'

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo, who was in the news for negative reasons earlier this month, is now back to doing what he does best – scoring goals. The Portuguese footballer scored a 15-minute hat-trick for his club Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday (Oct 29). Ronaldo scored goals in the 66th, 72nd, and 81st minutes to help his team win 5–3 from a 2-2 tie and proved that he is still one of the best to play the sport. With the hat-trick, Ronaldo is now just 15 goals short of completing 1,000 goals.</p><h2>Ronaldo scores 15-minute hat-trick in Saudi Pro League</h2><p>During the Al Nassr vs Al Kholood game at Alawwal Park in Riyadh, Julian Dominguez scored the first goal for Al Kholood in the 16th minute before Angelo Gabriel scored the equalizer for Al Nassr in the 24th minute. Sadio Mane then scored in the 38th minute as Al Nassr took a 2-1 lead, but Antoine Essomba struck for Al Kholood right before half-time in the 45+2nd minute to ensure a 2-2 scoreline.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-wins-first-ever-ballon-d-or-of-all-time-award-1793263554176">Cristiano Ronaldo wins first-ever Ballon d’Or Of All Time award</a></p><p>In the second half, both teams tried but could not score a goal before Ronaldo took matters into his own hands. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored three goals in 15 minutes to stun everyone in the stadium and ensure a victory for his team. Have a look at the goals below:</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ronaldo's hat-trick to take him to goal 985 🤩 https://t.co/oxgu7aqua2</p>&mdash; Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) <a href="https://x.com/SPL_EN/status/2115912558041268274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>For Al Kholood, Dominguez scored one more goal from a penalty kick in the final seconds, but it could not change the result.</p><p>With the win, Al Nassr is now level with league leaders Al Qadsiah as both teams have 28 points. Al Nassr, however, has a game in hand, having earned 28 points in 11 games while Al Qadsiah has played 12 matches for the same number of points.</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a 15-minute hat-trick to lead Al Nassr to a 5-3 win over Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League. The victory moves Al Nassr level on 28 points at the top with a game in hand.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was in the news for negative reasons earlier this month, is now back to doing what he does best – scoring goals. The Portuguese footballer scored a 15-minute hat-trick for his club Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday (Oct 29). Ronaldo scored goals in the 66th, 72nd, and 81st minutes to help his team win 5–3 from a 2-2 tie and proved that he is still one of the best to play the sport. With the hat-trick, Ronaldo is now just 15 goals short of completing 1,000 goals. Ronaldo scores 15-minute hat-trick in Saudi Pro League During the Al Nassr vs Al Kholood game at Alawwal Park in Riyadh, Julian Dominguez scored the first goal for Al Kholood in the 16th minute before Angelo Gabriel scored the equalizer for Al Nassr in the 24th minute. Sadio Mane then scored in the 38th minute as Al Nassr took a 2-1 lead, but Antoine Essomba struck for Al Kholood right before half-time in the 45+2nd minute to ensure a 2-2 scoreline. Also Read - Cristiano Ronaldo wins first-ever Ballon d’Or Of All Time award In the second half, both teams tried but could not score a goal before Ronaldo took matters into his own hands. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored three goals in 15 minutes to stun everyone in the stadium and ensure a victory for his team. Have a look at the goals below:

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo scored a 15-minute hat-trick to lead Al Nassr to a 5-3 win over Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League. The victory moves Al Nassr level on 28 points at the top with a game in hand.</p>

Ronaldo now 15 short of 1000 goals with 15-minute hat-trick for Al Nassr - VIDEO

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo has topped the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) fan vote, beating Lionel Messi’s 2012 season with his performances for Manchester United in 2008. The 41-year-old enjoyed an outstanding season in England, scoring 42 goals across all competitions and helping Manchester United win both the Premier League and the Champions League. Messi’s 2012 season finished second, while Ronaldo’s 2017 campaign took third place.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The top 10 rankings were dominated by the two football legends, with Ronaldo and Messi taking all the spots. Ronaldo featured five times for his seasons in 2008, 2017, 2016, 2014 and 2013. While, Messi’s campaigns from 2012, 2023, 2015, 2011 and 2009 occupied the other five positions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ronaldo scored 31 Premier League goals in the 2007-08 season to win the Golden Boot and help Manchester United secure the league title. He also scored in the Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow, where United eventually won the trophy on penalties.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-para-games-gold-medallist-neeraj-yadav-passes-away-at-42-delhi-1793183395873"><strong>Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav dies by suicide at 42</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His performances earned him his first Ballon d’Or in 2008 and went on to claim the award four more times, in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Messi’s 2012 season was equally remarkable, as the Barcelona forward scored 91 goals for club and country during the calendar year, setting a record that remains one of football’s greatest individual achievements. Despite finishing second in the fan vote, Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-is-uma-kashvi-15-year-old-makes-history-as-youngest-ever-wpl-signing-1793258306420"><strong>Who is Uma Kashvi? 15-year-old makes history as youngest-ever WPL signing</strong></a></p><h3>B.O.A.T. fan vote: Top 10 rankings</h3><ul><li>Cristiano Ronaldo - 2008</li><li>Lionel Messi - 2012</li><li>Cristiano Ronaldo - 2017</li><li>&nbsp;Lionel Messi - 2023</li><li>Cristiano Ronaldo - 2016</li><li>Cristiano Ronaldo - 2014</li><li>Lionel Messi - 2015</li><li>Cristiano Ronaldo - 2013</li><li>Lionel Messi - 2011</li><li>Lionel Messi - 2009</li></ul>

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the inaugural B.O.A.T. award, beating other football legends in the honour launched by UEFA and France Football.

Cristiano Ronaldo has topped the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) fan vote, beating Lionel Messi’s 2012 season with his performances for Manchester United in 2008. The 41-year-old enjoyed an outstanding season in England, scoring 42 goals across all competitions and helping Manchester United win both the Premier League and the Champions League. Messi’s 2012 season finished second, while Ronaldo’s 2017 campaign took third place. The top 10 rankings were dominated by the two football legends, with Ronaldo and Messi taking all the spots. Ronaldo featured five times for his seasons in 2008, 2017, 2016, 2014 and 2013. While, Messi’s campaigns from 2012, 2023, 2015, 2011 and 2009 occupied the other five positions. Ronaldo scored 31 Premier League goals in the 2007-08 season to win the Golden Boot and help Manchester United secure the league title. He also scored in the Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow, where United eventually won the trophy on penalties. Also Read - Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav dies by suicide at 42 His performances earned him his first Ballon d’Or in 2008 and went on to claim the award four more times, in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017. Messi’s 2012 season was equally remarkable, as the Barcelona forward scored 91 goals for club and country during the calendar year, setting a record that remains one of football’s greatest individual achievements. Despite finishing second in the fan vote, Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards. Also Read - Who is Uma Kashvi? 15-year-old makes history as youngest-ever WPL signing B.O.A.T. fan vote: Top 10 rankings Cristiano Ronaldo - 2008 Lionel Messi - 2012 Cristiano Ronaldo - 2017 Lionel Messi - 2023 Cristiano Ronaldo - 2016 Cristiano Ronaldo - 2014 Lionel Messi - 2015 Cristiano Ronaldo - 2013 Lionel Messi - 2011 Lionel Messi - 2009

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo has won the inaugural B.O.A.T. award, beating other football legends in the honour launched by UEFA and France Football.</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo wins first-ever Ballon d’Or Of All Time award

<p>Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo let both him and the team down during their time together at the club. The Dutchman said he was eager to work with Ronaldo and had even travelled to Portugal to discuss his plans with the forward before taking charge of Man United in 2022.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“He let the team down, and he let me down, because we planned with him,” Ten Hag told The Athletic.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I flew out to Portugal to speak with him about what I was aiming for before I came to United. Obviously, he’s one of the best in football history. I respected him a lot. But at that time, as a manager, I had to make a rational decision and keep the players I admire in,” he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ten Hag also expressed disappointment with Ronaldo’s training habits and claimed that the Portuguese star missed some training sessions, failed to work at the required intensity on other occasions and did not complete the running exercise assigned to the squad after their 4-0 defeat to Brentford early in the 2022-23 season.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I confronted him with this,” the Dutchman said. “Many times I say, ‘Ronnie, everyone wants to work for you to bring you in the right position, but if you can’t bring yourself in the box, you can’t score’. He was not capable to do this. It’s the wrong idea to put this to me, that I expected him to do the pressing, that he’s exhausted. But he couldn’t. He ran neither in possession nor out of possession. The reason was because he didn’t prepare himself.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ten Hag added that even the best players must put the team’s needs first.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Every top team has to embrace the top player, but the top player has to work for the team.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldo-handed-30-day-suspension-for-walking-out-on-portugal-national-team-1792466149725"><strong>Ronaldo handed 30-day suspension for walking out on Portugal national team</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He further claimed that Ronaldo encouraged other players to save their energy during training sessions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“He was telling the players, ‘Save your legs at the training’. I understand it when you are top fit; you have sessions, you can save the legs. But first you have to train yourself to get into the right fitness levels.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The former United manager also felt that Ronaldo’s attitude influenced some of his teammates.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Players have to act, they have a big responsibility. Football is, for some, not the highest priority. And United for some wasn’t the highest priority.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2027-auction-146-players-to-go-under-the-hammer-for-27-slots-in-kochi-on-oct-28-1792491485892"><strong>WPL 2027 Auction: 146 players to go under the hammer for 27 slots in Kochi on Oct 28</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ronaldo returned to Manchester United from Juventus in Aug 2021 and enjoyed a strong first season, scoring 24 goals in 38 appearances. However, his relationship with the club worsened after Ten Hag took over in May 2022.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Portuguese forward began the 2022-23 campaign with United but gradually lost his place in the starting line-up. In October, he refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur and left Old Trafford before the final whistle. Ten Hag subsequently left him out of the squad for the match against Chelsea.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In Nov 2022, Ronaldo gave an interview to Piers Morgan in which he criticised Manchester United and declared that he had “no respect” for Ten Hag.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Later that month, the club announced that his contract had been terminated with immediate effect by mutual agreement. Ronaldo then joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in Dec 2022.</p>

Breaking his two-year silence, Erik ten Hag reflected on his Manchester United fallout with Cristiano Ronaldo, citing differences over training methods, tactical decisions and authority.

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo let both him and the team down during their time together at the club. The Dutchman said he was eager to work with Ronaldo and had even travelled to Portugal to discuss his plans with the forward before taking charge of Man United in 2022. “He let the team down, and he let me down, because we planned with him,” Ten Hag told The Athletic. “I flew out to Portugal to speak with him about what I was aiming for before I came to United. Obviously, he’s one of the best in football history. I respected him a lot. But at that time, as a manager, I had to make a rational decision and keep the players I admire in,” he added. Ten Hag also expressed disappointment with Ronaldo’s training habits and claimed that the Portuguese star missed some training sessions, failed to work at the required intensity on other occasions and did not complete the running exercise assigned to the squad after their 4-0 defeat to Brentford early in the 2022-23 season. “I confronted him with this,” the Dutchman said. “Many times I say, ‘Ronnie, everyone wants to work for you to bring you in the right position, but if you can’t bring yourself in the box, you can’t score’. He was not capable to do this. It’s the wrong idea to put this to me, that I expected him to do the pressing, that he’s exhausted. But he couldn’t. He ran neither in possession nor out of possession. The reason was because he didn’t prepare himself.” Ten Hag added that even the best players must put the team’s needs first. “Every top team has to embrace the top player, but the top player has to work for the team.” Also Read - Ronaldo handed 30-day suspension for walking out on Portugal national team He further claimed that Ronaldo encouraged other players to save their energy during training sessions. “He was telling the players, ‘Save your legs at the training’. I understand it when you are top fit; you have sessions, you can save the legs. But first you have to train yourself to get into the right fitness levels.” The former United manager also felt that Ronaldo’s attitude influenced some of his teammates. “Players have to act, they have a big responsibility. Football is, for some, not the highest priority. And United for some wasn’t the highest priority.” Also Read - WPL 2027 Auction: 146 players to go under the hammer for 27 slots in Kochi on Oct 28 Ronaldo returned to Manchester United from Juventus in Aug 2021 and enjoyed a strong first season, scoring 24 goals in 38 appearances. However, his relationship with the club worsened after Ten Hag took over in May 2022. The Portuguese forward began the 2022-23 campaign with United but gradually lost his place in the starting line-up. In October, he refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur and left Old Trafford before the final whistle. Ten Hag subsequently left him out of the squad for the match against Chelsea. In Nov 2022, Ronaldo gave an interview to Piers Morgan in which he criticised Manchester United and declared that he had “no respect” for Ten Hag. Later that month, the club announced that his contract had been terminated with immediate effect by mutual agreement. Ronaldo then joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in Dec 2022.

<p>Breaking his two-year silence, Erik ten Hag reflected on his Manchester United fallout with Cristiano Ronaldo, citing differences over training methods, tactical decisions and authority.</p>

'He let the team and me down': Erik ten Hag reflects on Cristiano Ronaldo fallout at Manchester United

<p>Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for 30 days and fined 255 euros ($286) for walking out on the national team during the recent international break. The punishment handed down by the Portugal Football Federation (FPF) on Monday (October 19) is the minimum stipulated suspension for the actions under the federation's regulations. Ronaldo's suspension is counted from the day of his walking out, October 1, which means he has already served 19 days of his suspension, which will be completed on October 30. Portugal will next play an international match on November 14 against Denmark before facing Wales on November 17, and Ronaldo will be available for selection for both.</p><h2>Why Ronaldo Was Suspended by Portugal</h2><p>The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star walked out from the national team camp after falling out with national team manager Jorge Jesus. The footballer was unhappy after being asked to warm up as a substitute against Norway in September in the Nations League and then not being given any playing time. He then left the squad after learning that he would not play against Denmark on October 1.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/researchers-name-newly-discovered-andean-plant-after-argentina-legend-lionel-messi-1792392706264">Researchers name newly discovered Andean plant after Argentina legend Messi</a></p><p>In a statement issued after the incident, Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking his word, but showed remorse toward the supporters and reaffirmed his commitment to playing for Portugal.</p><p>Ronaldo, who has won the prestigious Ballon d'Or award five times, is Portugal's highest goalscorer (146) and has played the most matches (234) of any player in international football.</p><h2>How Did Portugal Perform Without Ronaldo?</h2><p>Ronaldo's absence didn't affect Portugal too much, as they won all four matches without him and qualified for the Nations League quarterfinals with two matches left.</p><p>After the announcement of the suspension, Ronaldo did not directly react to it but posted a picture of himself preparing to train with his Saudi club, Al Nassr, with the caption, "Putting in the work".</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo received a 30-day suspension and a €255 ($286) fine from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after walking out on the national team on October 1 following a dispute over playing time with manager Jorge Jesus.

Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for 30 days and fined 255 euros ($286) for walking out on the national team during the recent international break. The punishment handed down by the Portugal Football Federation (FPF) on Monday (October 19) is the minimum stipulated suspension for the actions under the federation's regulations. Ronaldo's suspension is counted from the day of his walking out, October 1, which means he has already served 19 days of his suspension, which will be completed on October 30. Portugal will next play an international match on November 14 against Denmark before facing Wales on November 17, and Ronaldo will be available for selection for both. Why Ronaldo Was Suspended by Portugal The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star walked out from the national team camp after falling out with national team manager Jorge Jesus. The footballer was unhappy after being asked to warm up as a substitute against Norway in September in the Nations League and then not being given any playing time. He then left the squad after learning that he would not play against Denmark on October 1. Also Read - Researchers name newly discovered Andean plant after Argentina legend Messi In a statement issued after the incident, Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking his word, but showed remorse toward the supporters and reaffirmed his commitment to playing for Portugal. Ronaldo, who has won the prestigious Ballon d'Or award five times, is Portugal's highest goalscorer (146) and has played the most matches (234) of any player in international football. How Did Portugal Perform Without Ronaldo? Ronaldo's absence didn't affect Portugal too much, as they won all four matches without him and qualified for the Nations League quarterfinals with two matches left. After the announcement of the suspension, Ronaldo did not directly react to it but posted a picture of himself preparing to train with his Saudi club, Al Nassr, with the caption, "Putting in the work".

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo received a 30-day suspension and a €255 ($286) fine from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after walking out on the national team on October 1 following a dispute over playing time with manager Jorge Jesus.</p>

Ronaldo handed 30-day suspension for walking out on Portugal national team

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the Portugal national football team during the Nov 2026 international break, with Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proenca saying that everyone wants the star forward back in the squad. However, disciplinary proceedings over Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp have left his return uncertain.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Speaking to reporters on Saturday (Oct 10), Proenca said the federation, head coach Jorge Jesus and the players were all keen to welcome their captain back. He also suggested that Ronaldo was willing to return to the team.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Proenca is hopeful that the matter will be resolved before Portugal’s next international matches in November.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“The Federation, the coach, all the teammates are aligned: we want Cristiano back. I expect him back already during the November international break,” Proenca said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The FPF president also highlighted Ronaldo’s importance to Portuguese football, describing him as the best player of all time. His comments have raised hopes of a resolution after several days of uncertainty over the 41-year-old’s international future.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/every-game-against-liverpool-is-special-erling-haaland-ahead-of-anfield-clash-1791645853860"><strong>‘Every game against Liverpool is special’: Erling Haaland ahead of Anfield clash</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Proenca had earlier described the disagreement as a misunderstanding and tried to ease tensions as the federation worked towards resolving the issue.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier on Saturday, the federation’s disciplinary council opened proceedings against Ronaldo over his departure from the national team camp during the previous international break, 24 hours before Portugal’s match against Denmark.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ronaldo later apologised for his actions and indicated that he remained available to represent his country. However, the ongoing disciplinary process could affect when he returns to the squad.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-hussey-set-to-leave-csk-as-batting-coach-ahead-of-ipl-2027-1791635368609"><strong>Michael Hussey set to leave CSK as batting coach ahead of IPL 2027</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Portugal are scheduled to host Denmark on Nov 14 before travelling to face Wales on Nov 17 in their remaining 2026-27 UEFA Nations League group-stage matches.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ronaldo’s availability for these fixtures will depend on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings and the final squad selection. While Proenca’s latest comments suggest that the situation could be resolved soon, an official confirmation of Ronaldo’s inclusion in Jorge Jesus’ November squad is still awaited.</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Portugal’s national team in Nov 2026, with FPF president Pedro Proenca supporting his comeback despite ongoing disciplinary proceedings following his departure from the national team camp.

Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the Portugal national football team during the Nov 2026 international break, with Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proenca saying that everyone wants the star forward back in the squad. However, disciplinary proceedings over Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp have left his return uncertain. Speaking to reporters on Saturday (Oct 10), Proenca said the federation, head coach Jorge Jesus and the players were all keen to welcome their captain back. He also suggested that Ronaldo was willing to return to the team. Proenca is hopeful that the matter will be resolved before Portugal’s next international matches in November. “The Federation, the coach, all the teammates are aligned: we want Cristiano back. I expect him back already during the November international break,” Proenca said. The FPF president also highlighted Ronaldo’s importance to Portuguese football, describing him as the best player of all time. His comments have raised hopes of a resolution after several days of uncertainty over the 41-year-old’s international future. Also Read - ‘Every game against Liverpool is special’: Erling Haaland ahead of Anfield clash Proenca had earlier described the disagreement as a misunderstanding and tried to ease tensions as the federation worked towards resolving the issue. Earlier on Saturday, the federation’s disciplinary council opened proceedings against Ronaldo over his departure from the national team camp during the previous international break, 24 hours before Portugal’s match against Denmark. Ronaldo later apologised for his actions and indicated that he remained available to represent his country. However, the ongoing disciplinary process could affect when he returns to the squad. Also Read - Michael Hussey set to leave CSK as batting coach ahead of IPL 2027 Portugal are scheduled to host Denmark on Nov 14 before travelling to face Wales on Nov 17 in their remaining 2026-27 UEFA Nations League group-stage matches. Ronaldo’s availability for these fixtures will depend on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings and the final squad selection. While Proenca’s latest comments suggest that the situation could be resolved soon, an official confirmation of Ronaldo’s inclusion in Jorge Jesus’ November squad is still awaited.

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Portugal’s national team in Nov 2026, with FPF president Pedro Proenca supporting his comeback despite ongoing disciplinary proceedings following his departure from the national team camp.</p>

Portugal Federation confirms Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to national team despite suspension

<p><strong>NEW DELHI:</strong> It has been only a day since Lionel Messi stopped playing for Argentina, and it is already getting to him. As the talismanic footballer misses wearing the light blue and white jersey, his greatest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, has sent ‘a hug’ to him. Ronaldo vs. Messi defined the last two decades of football across the world, with both players going on to play a record-tying six FIFA World Cups, the last of which came earlier this year in 2026. Messi played his last game for Argentina on Tuesday (Oct 6) against Benin in Buenos Aires in front of home fans.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldo-explains-leaving-portugal-camp-says-would-be-available-after-whatever-suspension-is-imposed-1791347466359">Ronaldo tells why he left team camp, says would be available post 'suspension</a></p><h2>Ronaldo sends Messi a hug as Argentine misses blue and white jersey</h2><p>Messi was emotional after the whistle blew against Benin and gave a heartfelt speech. The footballer then took to Instagram to share how he was feeling and wrote: "Yesterday was my last game and I already miss wearing the blue and white. I know I'm making the right decision. It was an incredible journey, full of joys and also some sadness, but I'm clear that every step I took was worth it."</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DeM7w8vjIk6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DeM7w8vjIk6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DeM7w8vjIk6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<p>"And I have many things left to say. It's impossible for me to express everything I feel in words or in a post. This journey would have been impossible without my family, who were always by my side and supported me, especially in difficult moments when I needed it the most," he added.</p><p>Reacting to his post, Ronaldo wrote: "Leo, so many years defending your country and a history that will last forever. All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug."</p><h2>Messi vs Ronaldo in football</h2><p>Both Messi and Ronaldo are the highest goal scorers for their countries and occupy the top two places in the world. Messi finished his career with 126 goals in 208 matches and sits just behind Ronaldo in the overall tally, who has 146 goals in 234 matches. Ronaldo, however, never won a FIFA World Cup, while Messi did so in 2022. As for continental trophies, Ronaldo helped Portugal win Euro 2016, while Messi won the Copa America with Argentina in 2021 and 2024.</p>

Lionel Messi retired from Argentina after playing Benin, admitting he already misses the jersey. Cristiano Ronaldo sent respect and a hug, honoring their rival history across six World Cup

NEW DELHI: It has been only a day since Lionel Messi stopped playing for Argentina, and it is already getting to him. As the talismanic footballer misses wearing the light blue and white jersey, his greatest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, has sent ‘a hug’ to him. Ronaldo vs. Messi defined the last two decades of football across the world, with both players going on to play a record-tying six FIFA World Cups, the last of which came earlier this year in 2026. Messi played his last game for Argentina on Tuesday (Oct 6) against Benin in Buenos Aires in front of home fans. Also Read - Ronaldo tells why he left team camp, says would be available post 'suspension Ronaldo sends Messi a hug as Argentine misses blue and white jersey Messi was emotional after the whistle blew against Benin and gave a heartfelt speech. The footballer then took to Instagram to share how he was feeling and wrote: "Yesterday was my last game and I already miss wearing the blue and white. I know I'm making the right decision. It was an incredible journey, full of joys and also some sadness, but I'm clear that every step I took was worth it."

<p>Lionel Messi retired from Argentina after playing Benin, admitting he already misses the jersey. Cristiano Ronaldo sent respect and a hug, honoring their rival history across six World Cup</p>

Ronaldo sends 'a hug' after Messi says he misses 'wearing the blue and white'

<p>Portugal footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has explained the reason behind leaving the national team's camp after being an unused substitute in a UEFA Nations League match against Norway (Sep 27) and not being named in the starting XI against Denmark. Ronaldo, who has scored 146 goals for Portugal in 234 appearances – both world records – accused manager Jorge Jesus of breaking his word as the reason behind leaving the national camp in Copenhagen. Ronaldo, however, acknowledged that his conduct was not up to mark for a captain and he's ready to accept any punishment for the same.</p><h2>Ronaldo explains why he left Portugal camp</h2><p>In a statement issued, the footballer, who was seen warming up in the second half of the match against Norway (Sep 27) after being told by the manager that he would be used for 30 minutes, said: "I warmed up from half-time onwards, watched the minutes tick by and wasn’t called on. The manager had broken his word to me."</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/goodbye-to-all-of-you-watch-messi-scores-in-3-0-win-over-benin-in-emotional-argentina-farewell-1791343997405">'Goodbye to all of you': Lionel Messi bids adieu to his Argentina career with a goal in 3-0 win over Benin</a></p><p>The statement further says that the two sides met for a discussion and it was agreed that Jesus would explain things in the press conference ahead of the Denmark match, but not much was said by the Portugal manager.</p><p>"It was the second time he had broken his word to me," Ronaldo said. "I decided to leave the training camp without waiting for any further broken promises."</p><h2>What next for Ronaldo</h2><p>The footballer, as told by Jesus on Sunday after Portugal's win against Norway, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/portugal-coach-jesus-shares-update-on-ronaldo-s-future-with-national-side-1791182060249">will be welcomed back</a> to the team if he decides to come back. Ronaldo, who acknowledged that his actions involving not greeting fans after the first Norway group-stage match were not right, added in the statement: "The consequences of my actions must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation."</p><p>He, however, remains more than available to come back and play for Portugal, adding: "If I’m physically fit, playing for my club – scoring goals, I hope – after serving whatever suspension is imposed on me, I’ll be available, as I’ve always been until now, to compete and win for our national team."</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal's camp after benching against Norway, accusing manager Jorge Jesus of broken promises. Ronaldo admitted misconduct as captain and is open to returning after suspension.

Portugal footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has explained the reason behind leaving the national team's camp after being an unused substitute in a UEFA Nations League match against Norway (Sep 27) and not being named in the starting XI against Denmark. Ronaldo, who has scored 146 goals for Portugal in 234 appearances – both world records – accused manager Jorge Jesus of breaking his word as the reason behind leaving the national camp in Copenhagen. Ronaldo, however, acknowledged that his conduct was not up to mark for a captain and he's ready to accept any punishment for the same. Ronaldo explains why he left Portugal camp In a statement issued, the footballer, who was seen warming up in the second half of the match against Norway (Sep 27) after being told by the manager that he would be used for 30 minutes, said: "I warmed up from half-time onwards, watched the minutes tick by and wasn’t called on. The manager had broken his word to me." Also Read - 'Goodbye to all of you': Lionel Messi bids adieu to his Argentina career with a goal in 3-0 win over Benin The statement further says that the two sides met for a discussion and it was agreed that Jesus would explain things in the press conference ahead of the Denmark match, but not much was said by the Portugal manager. "It was the second time he had broken his word to me," Ronaldo said. "I decided to leave the training camp without waiting for any further broken promises." What next for Ronaldo The footballer, as told by Jesus on Sunday after Portugal's win against Norway, will be welcomed back to the team if he decides to come back. Ronaldo, who acknowledged that his actions involving not greeting fans after the first Norway group-stage match were not right, added in the statement: "The consequences of my actions must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation." He, however, remains more than available to come back and play for Portugal, adding: "If I’m physically fit, playing for my club – scoring goals, I hope – after serving whatever suspension is imposed on me, I’ll be available, as I’ve always been until now, to compete and win for our national team."

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal's camp after benching against Norway, accusing manager Jorge Jesus of broken promises. Ronaldo admitted misconduct as captain and is open to returning after suspension.</p>

Ronaldo explains leaving Portugal camp, says would be available after 'whatever suspension is imposed'

<p>Talismanic footballer Lionel Messi, who thrilled fans with his exceptional skills for two decades, bid adieu to his international career on Tuesday (Oct 6) in Buenos Aires in front of home fans. Messi scored a goal and provided two assists in his final Argentina match, which came against Benin, leading his team to a 3-0 win one last time. There was a lot of emotion around the match, given Messi won't wear the blue and white number-10 shirt ever again. Messi said goodbye with 208 appearances for Argentina in a 21-year-long career which saw him win two Copa América titles and one FIFA World Cup.</p><h2>Messi bids farewell to Argentina career</h2><p>The stadium erupted with echoes of "Messi, Messi" as the 39-year-old put a penalty into the net in the 71st minute and, in an address to the crowd after the final whistle, called retiring from playing for Argentina the "saddest day of my career."</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/daniil-medvedev-reveals-why-he-struck-ball-that-hit-spectator-at-china-open-1791256340796">Daniil Medvedev reveals why he struck ball that hit spectator at China Open</a></p><p>"Goodbye to all of you. I'm going to miss you; I'm going to miss defending the national team's colors, but now I'll be right there alongside you, supporting these guys and everyone who comes after them. Always, always united. I just want to tell you that I love you and I'll miss you," Messi said. "I'm proud to be Argentine and to have fulfilled this dream with all of you. Thank you so much."</p><p>Watch Messi's final goal for Argentina below:</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨🚨 LEO MESSI SCORING IN HIS FINAL GAME! Look at how his teammates celebrated with him ❤️😭 https://t.co/TeMBRMcJcx</p>&mdash; We Are Messi 🔟 (@WeAreMessi) <a href="https://x.com/WeAreMessi/status/2107640694420693152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Messi's career at a glance</h2><p>Messi started playing for Argentina in 2005 when he faced Hungary on August 17. He had briefly retired in 2016 but then came back to enjoy the most successful stint of his career - winning the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, and the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Messi appeared in five FIFA World Cups and scored 13 goals. He won the prestigious Ballon d'Or award eight times and finishes behind his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo (146 goals in 234 games) in terms of most goals (126 in 208 games) in international football.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Lionel Messi ended his international career on Oct 6 in Buenos Aires, scoring a penalty and assisting twice in Argentina's 3-0 win vs Benin. He thanked home fans in an emotional goodbye speech.

Talismanic footballer Lionel Messi, who thrilled fans with his exceptional skills for two decades, bid adieu to his international career on Tuesday (Oct 6) in Buenos Aires in front of home fans. Messi scored a goal and provided two assists in his final Argentina match, which came against Benin, leading his team to a 3-0 win one last time. There was a lot of emotion around the match, given Messi won't wear the blue and white number-10 shirt ever again. Messi said goodbye with 208 appearances for Argentina in a 21-year-long career which saw him win two Copa América titles and one FIFA World Cup. Messi bids farewell to Argentina career The stadium erupted with echoes of "Messi, Messi" as the 39-year-old put a penalty into the net in the 71st minute and, in an address to the crowd after the final whistle, called retiring from playing for Argentina the "saddest day of my career." Also Read - Daniil Medvedev reveals why he struck ball that hit spectator at China Open "Goodbye to all of you. I'm going to miss you; I'm going to miss defending the national team's colors, but now I'll be right there alongside you, supporting these guys and everyone who comes after them. Always, always united. I just want to tell you that I love you and I'll miss you," Messi said. "I'm proud to be Argentine and to have fulfilled this dream with all of you. Thank you so much." Watch Messi's final goal for Argentina below:

<p>Lionel Messi ended his international career on Oct 6 in Buenos Aires, scoring a penalty and assisting twice in Argentina's 3-0 win vs Benin. He thanked home fans in an emotional goodbye speech.</p>

'Goodbye to all of you': Lionel Messi bids adieu to his Argentina career with a goal in 3-0 win over Benin

<p>Portugal became the first team to reach the quarter-finals of the Nations League when they beat Norway 2-1 on Sunday, but Jurgen Klopp's Germany were frustrated by Greece. The Portuguese showed they did not need Cristiano Ronaldo, who walked out of the camp on Wednesday when coach Jorge Jesus relegated him to the bench. Goncalo Ramos secured victory in the 86th minute after Joao Cancelo's powerful finish had levelled Kristoffer Ajer's stunning opener from outside the penalty area for World Cup quarter-finalists Norway.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/djokovic-beats-zverev-china-open-semis-medvedev-1791135764461">Novak Djokovic downs Zverev to book China Open semifinal against Medvedev</a></p><p>After the game, Jesus said he was prepared to allow 41-year-old Ronaldo to return to the national team -- but that it would have to be the player's decision.</p><p>"If he wants to, he'll return to the national team... we can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who's going to decide," Jesus told reporters.</p><p>Jurgen Klopp's Germany failed to break down a resolute Greek side in a goalless stalemate in Thessaloniki.</p><p>Germany had the ball in the net through Eintracht Frankfurt forward Jonathan Burkardt in the first half but his effort was disallowed.</p><p>Klopp's record as new German boss now reads: lost one, won one, drawn one.</p><p>The Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1 thanks to Joshua Zirkzee's winner to move top of their Nations League group.</p><p>The Manchester United forward was a second-half substitute in Eindhoven and applied the decisive touch with a tap-in from Tijjani Reijnders' cross.</p><p>The match also marked Virgil van Dijk's 100th international appearance.</p><p>New Netherlands coach Xavi is unbeaten after four games, with two wins and two draws.</p><p>Israel's players wore black armbands in their 1-1 draw against Ireland to commemorate the victims of Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack, after Irish players had worn them in the previous match in Hungary to protest the war in Gaza.</p><p>The simple black armbands worn by the Israelis were inscribed with the numbers "7.10" to mark the date of the attack.</p><p>Just as in last week's first match which Ireland won 3-0, the Irish players again bowed their heads during the Israeli anthem and the teams refused to shake hands before the match in the small Serbian town of Backa Topola.</p><p>The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) had refused to host Israel on Irish soil for security reasons, following boycott calls.</p><p>On Sunday, Troy Parrott put Ireland ahead from the penalty spot after 39 minutes after Dor Peretz fouled Jimmy Dunne.</p><p>But Peretz stabbed in an equaliser two minutes after half-time, sending in from close range after a shot deflected off Ireland defender Liam Scales and into his path.</p><p>The result complicates Ireland's qualification task as they now lie third in Group 3 of League B behind Austria and Kosovo. Israel are bottom with two points.</p><p>Wales lost again, as Rasmus Hojlund slotted in a 75th minute penalty to earn Denmark a 1-0 win in Cardiff.</p><p>Welsh goalkeeper Danny Ward had kept the Danes at bay with a string of saves but he conceded the penalty when he fouled Denmark midfielder Gustav Isaksen.</p>

The Portuguese showed they did not need Cristiano Ronaldo, who walked out of the camp on Wednesday when coach Jorge Jesus relegated him to the bench.

Portugal became the first team to reach the quarter-finals of the Nations League when they beat Norway 2-1 on Sunday, but Jurgen Klopp's Germany were frustrated by Greece. The Portuguese showed they did not need Cristiano Ronaldo, who walked out of the camp on Wednesday when coach Jorge Jesus relegated him to the bench. Goncalo Ramos secured victory in the 86th minute after Joao Cancelo's powerful finish had levelled Kristoffer Ajer's stunning opener from outside the penalty area for World Cup quarter-finalists Norway. Also Read - Novak Djokovic downs Zverev to book China Open semifinal against Medvedev After the game, Jesus said he was prepared to allow 41-year-old Ronaldo to return to the national team -- but that it would have to be the player's decision. "If he wants to, he'll return to the national team... we can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who's going to decide," Jesus told reporters. Jurgen Klopp's Germany failed to break down a resolute Greek side in a goalless stalemate in Thessaloniki. Germany had the ball in the net through Eintracht Frankfurt forward Jonathan Burkardt in the first half but his effort was disallowed. Klopp's record as new German boss now reads: lost one, won one, drawn one. The Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1 thanks to Joshua Zirkzee's winner to move top of their Nations League group. The Manchester United forward was a second-half substitute in Eindhoven and applied the decisive touch with a tap-in from Tijjani Reijnders' cross. The match also marked Virgil van Dijk's 100th international appearance. New Netherlands coach Xavi is unbeaten after four games, with two wins and two draws. Israel's players wore black armbands in their 1-1 draw against Ireland to commemorate the victims of Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack, after Irish players had worn them in the previous match in Hungary to protest the war in Gaza. The simple black armbands worn by the Israelis were inscribed with the numbers "7.10" to mark the date of the attack. Just as in last week's first match which Ireland won 3-0, the Irish players again bowed their heads during the Israeli anthem and the teams refused to shake hands before the match in the small Serbian town of Backa Topola. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) had refused to host Israel on Irish soil for security reasons, following boycott calls. On Sunday, Troy Parrott put Ireland ahead from the penalty spot after 39 minutes after Dor Peretz fouled Jimmy Dunne. But Peretz stabbed in an equaliser two minutes after half-time, sending in from close range after a shot deflected off Ireland defender Liam Scales and into his path. The result complicates Ireland's qualification task as they now lie third in Group 3 of League B behind Austria and Kosovo. Israel are bottom with two points. Wales lost again, as Rasmus Hojlund slotted in a 75th minute penalty to earn Denmark a 1-0 win in Cardiff. Welsh goalkeeper Danny Ward had kept the Danes at bay with a string of saves but he conceded the penalty when he fouled Denmark midfielder Gustav Isaksen.

<p>The Portuguese showed they did not need Cristiano Ronaldo, who walked out of the camp on Wednesday when coach Jorge Jesus relegated him to the bench.</p>

Nations League: Portugal, without Ronaldo, move to quarter-finals; Germany held back by Greece

<p>Portugal shrugged off the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and turned on the style to win 4-2 in Denmark in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, while Germany beat Serbia 2-0 to give Jurgen Klopp his first win as coach. The controversy surrounding Ronaldo's departure from the Portugal squad on Wednesday overshadowed the match in Copenhagen, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's future in international football now in serious doubt.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-india-player-lenny-rondrigues-says-football-players-players-need-more-tournaments-1790850058158">Ex-India player Lenny Rodrigues says football players 'need more tournaments'</a></p><p>Coach Jorge Jesus said before kick-off that he just wanted his side "to focus on the match", and they did not appear distracted as they scored some superb goals to win the Group A4 clash at the Parken Stadium.</p><p>AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos scored Portugal's winner in Norway on Sunday after being preferred to Ronaldo in attack, and here he set up Joao Cancelo for Portugal's early opener before getting their second goal on 25 minutes.</p><p>Mikkel Damsgaard curled in a fine goal in between for Denmark, and Rasmus Hojlund scored their second equaliser shortly after half-time.</p><p>However, Vitinha headed in a superb Bruno Fernandes cross to put Portugal back in front midway through the second half, and Joao Felix -- a club colleague of Ronaldo's at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia -- finished off a superb move to seal Portugal's victory.</p><p>"A victory of the highest quality," said Jesus. "This Portugal team scored four goals and put in a performance which, in my opinion, was of a very high standard – and that cannot be overlooked.</p><p>"Of course, this is more important than anything else that has happened."</p><p>Wales beat Norway 2-1 in the same group in Cardiff, despite Fulham's Oscar Bobb giving the visitors an early lead.</p><p>Goals by Daniel James and Neco Williams turned the game around for Wales, while Norway had Torbjorn Heggem sent off at the start of the second half.</p><p>Portugal, who are the defending Nations League champions, are top of the group with the maximum nine points from three games before entertaining Norway in Porto on Sunday.</p><p>Klopp's first two matches in charge of Germany had ended in a draw in the Netherlands and a defeat at home to Greece, but it was third time lucky as his side saw off Serbia in Munich.</p><p>Bayern Munich's Tom Bischof, playing at home, opened the scoring late in the first half and Liverpool's Florian Wirtz sealed the win with a brilliantly-taken goal just past the hour mark.</p><p>"The mix of football and attitude was top level today. I told the boys that this has to be our benchmark," Klopp told public broadcaster ZDF.</p><h2>Protests at Ireland game</h2><p>Germany's next game is away in Greece, who top Group A2 with seven points from three outings after a 2-2 draw at home to the Netherlands in Thessaloniki on Thursday.</p><p>The home side were two ahead at half-time with goals by Fotis Ioannidis and Giorgos Masouras, but skipper Virgil van Dijk pulled one back just before the hour.</p><p>Substitute Tijjani Reijnders then grabbed an 89th-minute leveller for Xavi Hernandez's Dutch side, who are second in the group on five points and complete this international window at home to pointless Serbia in Eindhoven on Sunday.</p><p>Elsewhere, Troy Parrott scored twice, including a stunning solo effort, as Ireland drew 2-2 at home with Austria in a game briefly interrupted on two occasions by protests.</p><p>Parrott, of Real Betis, opened the scoring in style after 12 minutes of the Group B3 encounter in Dublin, before tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch by those protesting Ireland's games against Israel, forcing a break in play.</p><p>Later in the first half a man carrying a Palestinian flag got on the pitch before being stopped by security.</p><p>Parrott scored again from the penalty spot to double Ireland's lead by the interval, but second-half goals by Alexander Prass and Michael Gregoritsch earned Austria a draw.</p><p>Ralf Rangnick's team top the section with seven points, three more than both Ireland and Kosovo, who drew 0-0 with Israel in a game played in Hungary.</p><p>Friday sees Zinedine Zidane's homecoming as he leads France out on home soil for the first time in their match with Italy.</p>

Portugal Coach Jorge Jesus said before kick-off that he just wanted his side "to focus on the match", and they did not appear distracted as they scored some superb goals to win the Group A4 clash at the Parken Stadium.

Portugal shrugged off the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and turned on the style to win 4-2 in Denmark in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, while Germany beat Serbia 2-0 to give Jurgen Klopp his first win as coach. The controversy surrounding Ronaldo's departure from the Portugal squad on Wednesday overshadowed the match in Copenhagen, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's future in international football now in serious doubt. Also Read - Ex-India player Lenny Rodrigues says football players 'need more tournaments' Coach Jorge Jesus said before kick-off that he just wanted his side "to focus on the match", and they did not appear distracted as they scored some superb goals to win the Group A4 clash at the Parken Stadium. AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos scored Portugal's winner in Norway on Sunday after being preferred to Ronaldo in attack, and here he set up Joao Cancelo for Portugal's early opener before getting their second goal on 25 minutes. Mikkel Damsgaard curled in a fine goal in between for Denmark, and Rasmus Hojlund scored their second equaliser shortly after half-time. However, Vitinha headed in a superb Bruno Fernandes cross to put Portugal back in front midway through the second half, and Joao Felix -- a club colleague of Ronaldo's at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia -- finished off a superb move to seal Portugal's victory. "A victory of the highest quality," said Jesus. "This Portugal team scored four goals and put in a performance which, in my opinion, was of a very high standard – and that cannot be overlooked. "Of course, this is more important than anything else that has happened." Wales beat Norway 2-1 in the same group in Cardiff, despite Fulham's Oscar Bobb giving the visitors an early lead. Goals by Daniel James and Neco Williams turned the game around for Wales, while Norway had Torbjorn Heggem sent off at the start of the second half. Portugal, who are the defending Nations League champions, are top of the group with the maximum nine points from three games before entertaining Norway in Porto on Sunday. Klopp's first two matches in charge of Germany had ended in a draw in the Netherlands and a defeat at home to Greece, but it was third time lucky as his side saw off Serbia in Munich. Bayern Munich's Tom Bischof, playing at home, opened the scoring late in the first half and Liverpool's Florian Wirtz sealed the win with a brilliantly-taken goal just past the hour mark. "The mix of football and attitude was top level today. I told the boys that this has to be our benchmark," Klopp told public broadcaster ZDF. Protests at Ireland game Germany's next game is away in Greece, who top Group A2 with seven points from three outings after a 2-2 draw at home to the Netherlands in Thessaloniki on Thursday. The home side were two ahead at half-time with goals by Fotis Ioannidis and Giorgos Masouras, but skipper Virgil van Dijk pulled one back just before the hour. Substitute Tijjani Reijnders then grabbed an 89th-minute leveller for Xavi Hernandez's Dutch side, who are second in the group on five points and complete this international window at home to pointless Serbia in Eindhoven on Sunday. Elsewhere, Troy Parrott scored twice, including a stunning solo effort, as Ireland drew 2-2 at home with Austria in a game briefly interrupted on two occasions by protests. Parrott, of Real Betis, opened the scoring in style after 12 minutes of the Group B3 encounter in Dublin, before tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch by those protesting Ireland's games against Israel, forcing a break in play. Later in the first half a man carrying a Palestinian flag got on the pitch before being stopped by security. Parrott scored again from the penalty spot to double Ireland's lead by the interval, but second-half goals by Alexander Prass and Michael Gregoritsch earned Austria a draw. Ralf Rangnick's team top the section with seven points, three more than both Ireland and Kosovo, who drew 0-0 with Israel in a game played in Hungary. Friday sees Zinedine Zidane's homecoming as he leads France out on home soil for the first time in their match with Italy.

<p>Portugal Coach Jorge Jesus said before kick-off that he just wanted his side "to focus on the match", and they did not appear distracted as they scored some superb goals to win the Group A4 clash at the Parken Stadium.</p>

Nations League: Portugal brush aside Ronaldo's absence for win; Klopp gets first victory as Germany coach

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence over his decision to leave the Portugal camp ahead of the UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark, saying he will reveal the reasons behind his departure in due course. The Portugal captain issued a statement on his official social media accounts after leaving the national team's base in Denmark, with his private jet reportedly preparing to take him back to Madrid. "After the national team coach's press conference, and after a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the national team camp," Ronaldo wrote.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He added, “In due course, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team to which I have always dedicated myself.” Ronaldo ended his statement by wishing the team and his teammates well. “Now is the right time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my team-mates, without exception.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shubman-gill-223-all-records-broken-ind-vs-wi-2nd-odi-1790794610718"><strong>Shubman Gill's 223 vs WI: Every record broken in India’s highest-ever ODI chase</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pt" dir="ltr">Após a conferência de imprensa do Selecionador Nacional, e no seguimento de uma conversa com o Presidente da Federação Portuguesa de Futebol, tomei a decisão de deixar o estágio da Seleção Nacional.<br><br>A seu tempo, direi a verdade a todos os Portugueses sobre as razões que… <a href="https://t.co/j8Qrws9KTS">pic.twitter.com/j8Qrws9KTS</a></p>&mdash; Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) <a href="https://x.com/Cristiano/status/2105373136581546480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The news came as Ronaldo spent a third consecutive day away from regular training, further increasing the tension surrounding the Portugal camp. The exit came just minutes after coach Jorge Jesus insisted during his pre-match press conference that Ronaldo would take part in the training session in Copenhagen. According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Ronaldo left Copenhagen's Parken stadium in a car belonging to the Portuguese Football Federation just as his teammates started coming onto the pitch. Francisco Conceicao was also absent.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Jesus had earlier confirmed that Ronaldo would train but suggested that the 41-year-old striker could once again be left out of the starting XI. "Yesterday, he did not refuse to train," Jesus said. “Francisco Conceicao did not train because he was injured, and Joao Felix because we were trying to ease the fatigue, while Cristiano did work in the gym. Today he will train. It is the fourth day, so he will train.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The coach also made it clear that he would have the final say on team selection, regardless of the status or stature of any player. “I can promise what I want. I am the coach. I told the player that he would not start the match, and that he would be on the substitutes' bench. If I need him for 30 minutes he will play, and if I do not need him he will not play. No player will change my thinking, neither him nor anyone else in football, not even any president, that will never happen.”</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo breaks his silence after leaving Portugal camp ahead of Denmark clash, promising to reveal the reasons behind his shock decision

Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence over his decision to leave the Portugal camp ahead of the UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark, saying he will reveal the reasons behind his departure in due course. The Portugal captain issued a statement on his official social media accounts after leaving the national team's base in Denmark, with his private jet reportedly preparing to take him back to Madrid. "After the national team coach's press conference, and after a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the national team camp," Ronaldo wrote. He added, “In due course, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team to which I have always dedicated myself.” Ronaldo ended his statement by wishing the team and his teammates well. “Now is the right time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my team-mates, without exception.” Also Read: Shubman Gill's 223 vs WI: Every record broken in India’s highest-ever ODI chase

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo breaks his silence after leaving Portugal camp ahead of Denmark clash, saying he will reveal the reasons behind his decision later</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo to retire from international football? Portuguese star says 'I wish Portugal good luck and will reveal truth later'

<p>Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are currently the biggest footballers who continue to play the game. Messi, however, retired recently from international football for Argentina and now only plays for Inter Miami in the USA's Major League Soccer (MLS). Ronaldo, meanwhile, continues to play international football for Portugal even at 41. The two footballers, although having a juxtaposed day on Sunday (Sep 27), saw Ronaldo spend the time on the bench during Portugal's UEFA Nations League match against Norway, while Messi scored a stunning free-kick goal for Inter Miami, albeit in a loss.</p><h2>Ronaldo sits out Portugal's win in Nations League</h2><p>In the UEFA Nations League match played on Sunday (Sep 27) between Portugal and Norway, Ronaldo, who has 979 goals to his name, spent the entire match on the bench. Portugal, however, won the match to make it two wins in two games. For Portugal, Joao Felix scored in the 17th minute to put them 1-0 ahead at half-time. Norway's Erling Haaland then scored the equalizer in the 51st minute, but Goncalo Ramos scored the go-ahead goal in the 54th minute, which proved to be the winner.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usa-wins-11th-consecutive-presidents-cup-with-17-13-win-over-internationals-1790563534481">USA wins 11th consecutive Presidents Cup with 17-13 win over Internationals</a></p><h2>Messi scores, but Inter Miami lose</h2><p>Messi, on the other hand, had a different day than Ronaldo. The former Argentina player scored the equalizer for Inter Miami in the 33rd minute of their MLS match against the Columbus Crew on Sunday (Sep 27). Messi took the free kick near the right side of the Crew's touch line and sent the ball curling into the far top corner of the net at an impossible angle. Have a look at the goal below:</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ddz2T2gNosd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ddz2T2gNosd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ddz2T2gNosd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Major League Soccer (@mls)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<p>Messi's goal, however, couldn't save Inter Miami from a loss, as the Crew's Jamal Thiare scored in 90+9 minutes to win the thriller for his team.</p>

Ronaldo was benched in Portugal's 2-1 Nations League win over Norway. Meanwhile, Messi scored a stunning free-kick for Inter Miami, but couldn't prevent a 2-1 MLS loss to Columbus Crew.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are currently the biggest footballers who continue to play the game. Messi, however, retired recently from international football for Argentina and now only plays for Inter Miami in the USA's Major League Soccer (MLS). Ronaldo, meanwhile, continues to play international football for Portugal even at 41. The two footballers, although having a juxtaposed day on Sunday (Sep 27), saw Ronaldo spend the time on the bench during Portugal's UEFA Nations League match against Norway, while Messi scored a stunning free-kick goal for Inter Miami, albeit in a loss. Ronaldo sits out Portugal's win in Nations League In the UEFA Nations League match played on Sunday (Sep 27) between Portugal and Norway, Ronaldo, who has 979 goals to his name, spent the entire match on the bench. Portugal, however, won the match to make it two wins in two games. For Portugal, Joao Felix scored in the 17th minute to put them 1-0 ahead at half-time. Norway's Erling Haaland then scored the equalizer in the 51st minute, but Goncalo Ramos scored the go-ahead goal in the 54th minute, which proved to be the winner. Also Read - USA wins 11th consecutive Presidents Cup with 17-13 win over Internationals Messi scores, but Inter Miami lose Messi, on the other hand, had a different day than Ronaldo. The former Argentina player scored the equalizer for Inter Miami in the 33rd minute of their MLS match against the Columbus Crew on Sunday (Sep 27). Messi took the free kick near the right side of the Crew's touch line and sent the ball curling into the far top corner of the net at an impossible angle. Have a look at the goal below:

<p>Ronaldo was benched in Portugal's 2-1 Nations League win over Norway. Meanwhile, Messi scored a stunning free-kick for Inter Miami, but couldn't prevent a 2-1 MLS loss to Columbus Crew.</p>

Tale of two GOATs: Ronaldo benched in Portugal win as Messi's stunning free-kick can't save Inter Miami

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Portugal’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches as new head coach Jorge Jesus included the 41-year-old captain in his first team selection on Friday (Sep 18). Ronaldo had previously said that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his last, but he has not confirmed when he will retire from international football. He will turn 43 by the time the 2028 European Championship takes place.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This is Jesus’ first squad since taking over from Roberto Martinez, who left his position after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Jesus knows Ronaldo well, having coached him at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr and the pair helped the club win the league last season. The 72-year-old manager has also worked with Portuguese giants Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ronaldo remains the highest goalscorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals and also played a key role in Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph. The forward is now close to reaching 1,000 goals in his career, having scored 979 so far.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-cannot-bowl-10-overs-gautam-gambhir-reveals-clear-plan-for-hardik-pandya-s-india-return-1789734043605"><strong>'He cannot bowl...': Gautam Gambhir reveals clear plan for Hardik Pandya's India return</strong></a></p>

<p>Jesus believes Ronaldo is more likely to reach the milestone with Al-Nassr than Portugal and also made it clear that Ronaldo’s reputation will not guarantee him a starting spot.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I think he’s more likely to score his thousandth goal for Al-Nassr than for the Portuguese national team,” Jesus said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“All the called-up players are at my disposal. If he performs well, he plays. If he doesn’t perform well, he doesn’t play. That’s how I treat everyone”, he added.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-shafali-stars-as-india-thump-japan-by-8-wickets-to-book-semis-berth-1789720788288"><strong>Asian Games 2026: Shafali stars as India thump Japan by 8 wickets for semis spot</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, Jesus admitted that Ronaldo’s achievements give him a unique status.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Now, does Cris have a different status? Yes. His career is different. He has five Ballon d’Or awards, but does that influence my decisions? No. It doesn’t influence anything, zero, but he is different from the others,” he concluded.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Portugal will face Wales at home on Sep 24, before travelling to Norway on Sep 27 and Denmark on Oct 1. They will host Norway on Oct 4.</p>

The 41-year-old remains part of Portugal’s plans for the UEFA Nations League, despite previously stating that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Portugal’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches as new head coach Jorge Jesus included the 41-year-old captain in his first team selection on Friday (Sep 18). Ronaldo had previously said that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his last, but he has not confirmed when he will retire from international football. He will turn 43 by the time the 2028 European Championship takes place. This is Jesus’ first squad since taking over from Roberto Martinez, who left his position after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Jesus knows Ronaldo well, having coached him at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr and the pair helped the club win the league last season. The 72-year-old manager has also worked with Portuguese giants Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. Ronaldo remains the highest goalscorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals and also played a key role in Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph. The forward is now close to reaching 1,000 goals in his career, having scored 979 so far. Also Read - 'He cannot bowl...': Gautam Gambhir reveals clear plan for Hardik Pandya's India return

<p>The 41-year-old remains part of Portugal’s plans for the UEFA Nations League, despite previously stating that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final tournament.</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Portugal squad for Nations League under new coach

<p>Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has asked for a ban on fans who disrespected the memory of his former teammate, the late Diogo Jota. Ronaldo's comments came after fans shouted 'Jota' during the Al-Hilal vs. Al-Taawoun match on Saturday (Sep 12). The fans repeatedly targeted Al-Hilal's midfielder Ruben Neves, a close friend of Jota, during his team's 6-0 win. Jota died in a car crash in July 2025 at the age of 28, leaving fans shocked across Liverpool and Portugal.</p><h2>Ronaldo wants ban on fans disrespecting Jota in Saudi Pro League</h2><p>"The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behavior," Ronaldo wrote on social media after the incident. "This is no longer football, and there have to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again."</p><p><strong>Also Read </strong>- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-206-winner-alxeander-zverev-reveals-being-diagnosed-with-diabetes-at-age-of-4-1789367579869">US Open 2026 winner Alexander Zverev reveals being diagnosed with diabetes at age of 4</a></p><p>Neves, who played with Jota at Wolverhampton Wanderers and for Portugal, has a tattoo on his calf of him and Jota embracing. He clapped at the fans after being subjected to the chants of 'Jota, Jota'.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR FROM A FEW AL-TAAWOUN FANS TODAY, CHANTING “JOTA” AT RÚBEN NEVES 🗣️🇵🇹<br><br>NEVES RESPONDED AFTER THE MATCH: “I HOPE THEY DON’T GO TO PRAY AFTER WHAT THEY DID.” <a href="https://t.co/K1NAOlrHqL">pic.twitter.com/K1NAOlrHqL</a></p>&mdash; All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) <a href="https://x.com/Saudifutbol/status/2098875271717835175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>"I just hope they don't go to pray later after what they did," Neves told reporters after the match.</p><h2>What did the clubs and league say?</h2><p>"The company expressed its absolute rejection of such actions targeting players or their families, or intended to cause personal offense," Al-Hilal said in a statement.</p><p>Al-Taawoun's statement said: "Such conduct is completely unacceptable and does not represent Al-Taawoun, its supporters, or the values for which its terraces are known."</p><p>The league also acknowledged the behavior of some fans as being "inconsistent with the values of Saudi football and the principles of sportsmanship."</p><p>The statement also made its stance clear, stating that using such tragedies "for the purpose of abuse or provocation is unacceptable behavior that has no place in Saudi football."</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo demanded a stadium ban for fans who mocked late teammate Diogo Jota during an Al-Hilal match. The league and clubs condemned the chants targeted at Jota’s friend, Rúben Neves.

Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has asked for a ban on fans who disrespected the memory of his former teammate, the late Diogo Jota. Ronaldo's comments came after fans shouted 'Jota' during the Al-Hilal vs. Al-Taawoun match on Saturday (Sep 12). The fans repeatedly targeted Al-Hilal's midfielder Ruben Neves, a close friend of Jota, during his team's 6-0 win. Jota died in a car crash in July 2025 at the age of 28, leaving fans shocked across Liverpool and Portugal. Ronaldo wants ban on fans disrespecting Jota in Saudi Pro League "The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behavior," Ronaldo wrote on social media after the incident. "This is no longer football, and there have to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again." Also Read - US Open 2026 winner Alexander Zverev reveals being diagnosed with diabetes at age of 4 Neves, who played with Jota at Wolverhampton Wanderers and for Portugal, has a tattoo on his calf of him and Jota embracing. He clapped at the fans after being subjected to the chants of 'Jota, Jota'.

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo demanded a stadium ban for fans who mocked late teammate Diogo Jota during an Al-Hilal match. The league and clubs condemned the chants targeted at Jota’s friend, Rúben Neves.</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo wants fans disrespecting late teammate Jota 'never be allowed to enter a stadium again' in Saudi Pro League

<p>The world of football has been dominated by two names in the last two decades - Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both players have millions of fans across the globe, and their rivalry took the game to a new level. The icons, however, have never played a game together, and that could all change come December. Carlos Tevez, a former Argentine teammate of Messi who also played with Ronaldo at English Premier League club Manchester United from 2007 to 2009, may end up bringing the two stars together for his farewell match. While nothing is confirmed, Tevez sounds hopeful of doing something that could be described as a "once in a blue moon" event.</p><h2>Tevez hopes to bring Messi and Ronaldo together for farewell match</h2><p>Tevez played his last match in 2022 for Argentine club Boca Juniors and is expected to play his farewell match this December. According to <a href="https://www.tycsports.com/boca-juniors/carlos-tevez-partido-de-despedida-la-bombonera-boca-juniors-id759177.html">TyC Sports</a>, Tevez spoke to Boca Juniors president Juan Roman Riquelme, and the chief has agreed to an official farewell match at La Bombonera for the former player.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everton-vs-manchester-united-2-2-maitland-niles-debut-goal-1788708374662">Stoppage-time drama as Maitland-Niles denies Manchester United win at Everton</a></p><p>The match date is not officially set, but it is likely to take place on the December 12-13 weekend or the following weekend on December 19-20. Tevez, who played for Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus, Corinthians, and Argentina, is planning to invite around 60 football stars, including Messi and Ronaldo. "We will bring them together," said Tevez, while speaking on Olga streaming channel, on Messi and Ronaldo playing toegther.</p><h2>Tevez's career in numbers</h2><p>Tevez played 76 matches for Argentina and scored 13 goals from 2004 to 2015, playing several of these matches alongside Messi. He started his career at Boca Juniors in 2001 before playing for Corinthians (2005-06), West Ham United (2006-07), Manchester United (2007-09 on loan), Manchester City (2009-13), Juventus (2013-15), Boca Juniors (2015-16), Shanghai Shenhua (2017-18), and finally retiring at Boca Juniors (2018-22). In 517 appearances across his clubs, he scored 227 goals. He won two Premier League trophies with Manchester United as well as a Champions League trophy.</p>

Legendary footballer Carlos Tevez hopes to reunite Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by inviting both to his proposed Boca Juniors farewell match at La Bombonera, marking a historic first as teammates.

The world of football has been dominated by two names in the last two decades - Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both players have millions of fans across the globe, and their rivalry took the game to a new level. The icons, however, have never played a game together, and that could all change come December. Carlos Tevez, a former Argentine teammate of Messi who also played with Ronaldo at English Premier League club Manchester United from 2007 to 2009, may end up bringing the two stars together for his farewell match. While nothing is confirmed, Tevez sounds hopeful of doing something that could be described as a "once in a blue moon" event. Tevez hopes to bring Messi and Ronaldo together for farewell match Tevez played his last match in 2022 for Argentine club Boca Juniors and is expected to play his farewell match this December. According to TyC Sports, Tevez spoke to Boca Juniors president Juan Roman Riquelme, and the chief has agreed to an official farewell match at La Bombonera for the former player. Also Read - Stoppage-time drama as Maitland-Niles denies Manchester United win at Everton The match date is not officially set, but it is likely to take place on the December 12-13 weekend or the following weekend on December 19-20. Tevez, who played for Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus, Corinthians, and Argentina, is planning to invite around 60 football stars, including Messi and Ronaldo. "We will bring them together," said Tevez, while speaking on Olga streaming channel, on Messi and Ronaldo playing toegther. Tevez's career in numbers Tevez played 76 matches for Argentina and scored 13 goals from 2004 to 2015, playing several of these matches alongside Messi. He started his career at Boca Juniors in 2001 before playing for Corinthians (2005-06), West Ham United (2006-07), Manchester United (2007-09 on loan), Manchester City (2009-13), Juventus (2013-15), Boca Juniors (2015-16), Shanghai Shenhua (2017-18), and finally retiring at Boca Juniors (2018-22). In 517 appearances across his clubs, he scored 227 goals. He won two Premier League trophies with Manchester United as well as a Champions League trophy.

<p>Legendary footballer Carlos Tevez hopes to reunite Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by inviting both to his proposed Boca Juniors farewell match at La Bombonera, marking a historic first as teammates.</p>

Former Champions League winner Carlos Tevez hopes to unite Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for farewell match

<p>Football veteran Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped the clearest hint on his retirement plan, revealing that he would likely step aside from the game at the end of the ongoing season. Ronaldo, 41, has his Al-Nassr contract expiring in mid-2027, and the Portuguese star doesn’t see himself prolonging his football career beyond that.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Although Ronaldo revealed last November that he would continue playing for ‘one or two more years’, his latest remarks in a Vogue interview published on Sunday (Aug 16) read, "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy."<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Ronaldo last featured in the concluded FIFA World Cup in North America, which was his sixth and final. At the 2026 edition, Spain knocked Portugal out, with Ronaldo denying all reports of his immediate retirement.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read| </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-sign-rodri-manchester-city-transfer-1786935323662"><strong>World Cup winner Rodri set for Barcelona move in €76.5m Manchester City transfer</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has also already begun planning for life after football, including spending more time with his family.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"I have my future all mapped out," Ronaldo added. "I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one. And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I've earned -- what we've earned.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"Because after all it's been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice,” he continued.</p><h2>Football Career and Beyond</h2><p>Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, began his career at Sporting CP before moving to England to represent Manchester United. Following his record-breaking first spell at Old Trafford, where he lifted multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League crown, Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid in La Liga and then to Juventus in Serie A. His time with Madrid was most prolific, scoring a club-record 450 goals in 438 appearances.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Ronaldo then returned to Manchester United for his second and brief spell before moving to the Saudi Pro League in 2023.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Also, Ronaldo recently married his long-time partner, Georgina Rodríguez, in Cascais, Portugal.&nbsp;</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo hints at retirement at the end of the 2026–27 season, revealing in a Vogue interview that his 25-year football career is entering its final chapter.

Football veteran Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped the clearest hint on his retirement plan, revealing that he would likely step aside from the game at the end of the ongoing season. Ronaldo, 41, has his Al-Nassr contract expiring in mid-2027, and the Portuguese star doesn’t see himself prolonging his football career beyond that. Although Ronaldo revealed last November that he would continue playing for ‘one or two more years’, his latest remarks in a Vogue interview published on Sunday (Aug 16) read, "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy." Ronaldo last featured in the concluded FIFA World Cup in North America, which was his sixth and final. At the 2026 edition, Spain knocked Portugal out, with Ronaldo denying all reports of his immediate retirement. Also read| World Cup winner Rodri set for Barcelona move in €76.5m Manchester City transfer Meanwhile, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has also already begun planning for life after football, including spending more time with his family. "I have my future all mapped out," Ronaldo added. "I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. "Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one. And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I've earned -- what we've earned. "Because after all it's been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice,” he continued. Football Career and Beyond Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, began his career at Sporting CP before moving to England to represent Manchester United. Following his record-breaking first spell at Old Trafford, where he lifted multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League crown, Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid in La Liga and then to Juventus in Serie A. His time with Madrid was most prolific, scoring a club-record 450 goals in 438 appearances. Ronaldo then returned to Manchester United for his second and brief spell before moving to the Saudi Pro League in 2023. Also, Ronaldo recently married his long-time partner, Georgina Rodríguez, in Cascais, Portugal.

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo hints at retirement at the end of the 2026–27 season, revealing in a Vogue interview that his 25-year football career is entering its final chapter.</p>

‘Probably My Last Year’: Cristiano Ronaldo teases football retirement after 2026/27 season

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez are married! After over a decade of dating, the couple got engaged on Aug 11, and exactly a year after, they got married. In the span of 10 years, their love story has unfolded in front of the entire world. They made things official in 2017, a year after they met, at a Gucci store in Madrid.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In her Netflix series, I Am Georgina, she talked about the first time the Portuguese star walked into the Gucci store. What she calls destiny happened on the day she was covering a shift for a colleague.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Recalling the first time she met her now-husband and how their love story began, she remembered a very handsome man walking into the store.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/10-years-5-kids-and-one-gucci-store-meeting-inside-georgina-rodr-guez-and-cristiano-ronaldo-s-journey-to-marriage-1786511436003"><strong> </strong>10 years, 5 kids, and one Gucci store meeting: Inside Georgina Rodríguez and Cristiano Ronaldo's journey to marriage</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I see a very handsome man appear, almost two metres tall. He was with a boy and some friends. And I stand frozen. Junior stands before me, very well behaved. He greets me. It was very funny. The kid had said hi to me, of course, to a young, pretty girl.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It was love at first sight, and both felt it. Recalling the exact moment she met Cristiano Ronaldo at the Gucci store in Madrid, Georgina said she was too shy to even look him in the eye.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ronaldo, meanwhile, remembers it as the moment “it clicked.”</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Db6URBZAWgg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Db6URBZAWgg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Db6URBZAWgg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/verity-trailer-unveiled-anne-hathaway-dakota-johnson-lead-a-twisted-story-of-secrets-obsession-and-deception-1786469769120"><strong>Verity trailer: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson lead a story of secrets, obsession</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I started feeling butterflies in my stomach, like, ‘Huh, what’s going on with me?’ I didn’t want to look him in the eye, I was very shy,” she recalled. Added on this, Ronaldo said, “That’s when I went in and saw Gio. She was already done with work. And it was like a moment that clicked. We clicked.”</p><h3>A fairytale love story</h3><p>Ronaldo and Georgina’s love story took off quickly, and it’s the kind of story many girls dream of. But for Gio, it was happening in real life. Talking about her early days of romance, she revealed how Ronaldo used to pick her up from the store in his Bugatti.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Talking about her early days of romance, she revealed how Ronaldo used to pick her up from the store in his Bugatti.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Many times, he’d come after work. He would come, I remember once, in a Bugatti. My coworkers went crazy. I get there on the bus, and I would leave in a Bugatti. I mean, people couldn’t believe it,” she said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>From 2016 to 2026, Ronaldo and Georgina have only grown stronger. But in the initial stage, it wasn’t what he expected.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“That I would fall in love with her, I didn’t expect it, honestly. But after a while I felt that she was the woman of my life,” he was heard saying in the first episode of the series,” he said.</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez have finally said, "I do." Their story is nothing less than a fairytale, starting from an unexpected meeting at a Gucci store to a romance spanning 10 years.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez are married! After over a decade of dating, the couple got engaged on Aug 11, and exactly a year after, they got married. In the span of 10 years, their love story has unfolded in front of the entire world. They made things official in 2017, a year after they met, at a Gucci store in Madrid. In her Netflix series, I Am Georgina, she talked about the first time the Portuguese star walked into the Gucci store. What she calls destiny happened on the day she was covering a shift for a colleague. Recalling the first time she met her now-husband and how their love story began, she remembered a very handsome man walking into the store. Also read: 10 years, 5 kids, and one Gucci store meeting: Inside Georgina Rodríguez and Cristiano Ronaldo's journey to marriage “I see a very handsome man appear, almost two metres tall. He was with a boy and some friends. And I stand frozen. Junior stands before me, very well behaved. He greets me. It was very funny. The kid had said hi to me, of course, to a young, pretty girl.” It was love at first sight, and both felt it. Recalling the exact moment she met Cristiano Ronaldo at the Gucci store in Madrid, Georgina said she was too shy to even look him in the eye. Ronaldo, meanwhile, remembers it as the moment “it clicked.”

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez have finally said, "I do." Their story is nothing less than a fairytale, starting from an unexpected meeting at a Gucci store to a romance spanning 10 years.</p>

'I get there on bus & leave in a Bugatti': When Georgina talked about her early romance with Cristiano Ronaldo

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo and his long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez married on Tuesday in a ceremony in the Portuguese resort of Cascais, said the football superstar's representatives. The wedding capped a decade-long relationship and came after days of intense media speculation in Portugal over the location and timing of the ceremony.</p><p>Ronaldo, 41, shared a photo of the couple's hands with their wedding bands and the caption: "C (heart) G" on his Instagram account.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/omar-artan-somali-referee-uefa-super-cup-psg-aston-villa-1786457067243">Somali referee Omar Artan 'proud' to officiate Super Cup after World Cup snub</a></p><p>The couple's five children attended the "private and intimate" ceremony, the Brunswick Group, which handles the player's public relations, told AFP.</p><p>The couple tied the knot exactly one year after Rodriguez, a 32-year-old influencer, announced their engagement on Instagram.</p>

<p>Ronaldo, who played for Portugal at the World Cup this summer where they exited in the last 16, currently plays for Saudi club Al Nassr.</p><p>The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward won the Ballon d'Or for the world's best player five times.</p><p>Rodriguez boosted her own profile by starring in a Netflix show called "I am Georgina", which chronicles the family's life between football, fashion and travel.</p><p>Portuguese media had speculated that the wedding could take place in Sintra, outside Lisbon, or in Funchal on the Atlantic island of Madeira, Ronaldo's birthplace.</p><p>Reports that the ceremony would be held in Funchal last weekend drew hundreds of people to the city's cathedral hoping to see the couple.</p><p>The cathedral had previously told AFP it had no wedding ceremony scheduled for Ronaldo, while adding that hosting such an event would have been "an honour".</p><p>The couple ultimately opted for Cascais, an elite seaside resort around 30 kilometres (19 miles) west of Lisbon, where they own a villa.</p><p>They met in 2016 when Rodriguez was working in a Gucci store in Madrid, with Rodriguez describing it as "love at first sight".</p><p>In an interview with Vogue Arabia in 2025, she said she almost immediately felt "a sense of peace and an inexplicable energy" when she was with Ronaldo, "as if we had known each other forever".</p><p>Together, they have amassed more than 750 million followers across social media platforms and have built one of the world's most recognisable celebrity partnerships, extending far beyond football.</p><p>The couple have a portfolio of investments that include fashion brands and a chain of hotels.</p>

The wedding capped a decade-long relationship and came after days of intense media speculation in Portugal over the location and timing of the ceremony. Ronaldo, 41, shared a photo of the couple's hands with their wedding bands and the caption: "C (heart) G" on his Instagram account.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez married on Tuesday in a ceremony in the Portuguese resort of Cascais, said the football superstar's representatives. The wedding capped a decade-long relationship and came after days of intense media speculation in Portugal over the location and timing of the ceremony. Ronaldo, 41, shared a photo of the couple's hands with their wedding bands and the caption: "C (heart) G" on his Instagram account. Also Read - Somali referee Omar Artan 'proud' to officiate Super Cup after World Cup snub The couple's five children attended the "private and intimate" ceremony, the Brunswick Group, which handles the player's public relations, told AFP. The couple tied the knot exactly one year after Rodriguez, a 32-year-old influencer, announced their engagement on Instagram.

<p>The wedding capped a decade-long relationship and came after days of intense media speculation in Portugal over the location and timing of the ceremony. Ronaldo, 41, shared a photo of the couple's hands with their wedding bands and the caption: "C (heart) G" on his Instagram account.</p>

Portugese star Cristiano Ronaldo ties knot with long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked widespread debate on social media after sharing a nostalgic post just days after Portugal's disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Portuguese captain, who recently played the final World Cup match of his illustrious career, posted ‘A victory of millions’ across his social media platforms to mark the 10th anniversary of Portugal's historic UEFA Euro 2016 triumph.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Although the post celebrated one of the greatest moments in Portuguese football history, many fans questioned its timing, with Portugal having been eliminated from the World Cup only days earlier. The reaction quickly divided supporters, with some accusing Ronaldo of focusing on past achievements rather than the team's latest setback. The criticism also followed Ronaldo's comments after Portugal's exit, where he insisted that winning the European Championship held the same significance for him as lifting the FIFA World Cup.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I have won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn't won a single title," Ronaldo said. “The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup.” His remarks reignited debate among football fans, especially after Portugal's campaign ended in disappointment despite entering the tournament as one of the favourites.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jurgen-klopp-agrees-in-principle-to-become-new-germany-head-coach-1783798880640"><strong>Jurgen Klopp agrees in 'principle' to become new Germany head coach</strong></a></p><h2>Here's how social media reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo's post</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Naaa , this guy is SAD 😭<br><br>Ronaldo posted this, how can one be this childish 😭 <a href="https://t.co/1q7ZoC67vu">pic.twitter.com/1q7ZoC67vu</a></p>&mdash; Playwithtomide__ (@playwithtomide) <a href="https://x.com/playwithtomide/status/2075654966782349361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ronaldo has zero shame, Eliminated from the world cup and he&#39;s posting a Euros trophy from 2016😭 <a href="https://t.co/ooaoWAPB1v">https://t.co/ooaoWAPB1v</a> <a href="https://t.co/7QhhBWtGRn">pic.twitter.com/7QhhBWtGRn</a></p>&mdash; Stunner (@Stunner_Lfc) <a href="https://x.com/Stunner_Lfc/status/2075820909013749902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Got knocked out from the world cup and did a post with Euro Trophy<br><br>how shameless insecure ronaldo is man i pity for his small mind 😭😭 <a href="https://t.co/L1cl8gFe7X">pic.twitter.com/L1cl8gFe7X</a></p>&mdash; `mr. villa (@Luccydevil07) <a href="https://x.com/Luccydevil07/status/2075680813908451500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a loser. <a href="https://t.co/6MEQKtkF6n">https://t.co/6MEQKtkF6n</a></p>&mdash; Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) <a href="https://x.com/swearimnotpaul/status/2075662225889546336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Social media platforms were flooded with mixed reactions to Ronaldo's anniversary post. While many supporters praised him for celebrating a defining moment in Portugal's football history, others argued that the message came too soon after the national team's painful World Cup exit, with some claiming the veteran forward was 'living in the past'.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Despite the criticism, Ronaldo's legacy with Portugal remains unmatched. He is the country's all-time leading appearance-maker and goalscorer, having guided the national team to its first major international trophy at UEFA Euro 2016 before adding the inaugural UEFA Nations League title. Portugal's hopes of finally winning the FIFA World Cup once again ended in frustration after a Round of 16 defeat to Spain.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The match also marked Ronaldo's final appearance at a FIFA World Cup, having announced before the clash that the tournament would be his last on football's biggest stage. The legendary striker endured a heartbreaking farewell as Spain secured a late winner through Mikel Merino. Portugal missed several opportunities throughout the match, including chances for Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, before seeing their World Cup dream come to an end. As the final whistle blew, Ronaldo walked off the pitch in tears, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary World Cup journey that spanned nearly two decades and cemented his place among football's greatest players.</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo faced criticism after celebrating Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph days after the team's FIFA World Cup 2026 exit, reigniting debate among football fans

Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked widespread debate on social media after sharing a nostalgic post just days after Portugal's disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Portuguese captain, who recently played the final World Cup match of his illustrious career, posted ‘A victory of millions’ across his social media platforms to mark the 10th anniversary of Portugal's historic UEFA Euro 2016 triumph. Although the post celebrated one of the greatest moments in Portuguese football history, many fans questioned its timing, with Portugal having been eliminated from the World Cup only days earlier. The reaction quickly divided supporters, with some accusing Ronaldo of focusing on past achievements rather than the team's latest setback. The criticism also followed Ronaldo's comments after Portugal's exit, where he insisted that winning the European Championship held the same significance for him as lifting the FIFA World Cup. "I have won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn't won a single title," Ronaldo said. “The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup.” His remarks reignited debate among football fans, especially after Portugal's campaign ended in disappointment despite entering the tournament as one of the favourites. Also Read: Jurgen Klopp agrees in 'principle' to become new Germany head coach Here's how social media reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo's post

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo's Euro 2016 anniversary post sparked backlash after Portugal's 2026 FIFA World Cup exit, with fans questioning the timing of his tribute</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo faces backlash after viral Euro 2016 post following Portugal's FIFA World Cup exit

<p>I have spent the last few hours trying to convince myself that this is just football. That tomorrow there will be another match, another tournament, another young superstar to admire. That life moves on, as it always does. But no matter how many times I tell myself that, my heart refuses to believe it. Because this wasn't just another defeat. This wasn't just Portugal being knocked out of the FIFA World Cup. This was saying goodbye to the footballer who unknowingly became the soundtrack of my life.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I was just a kid when I first saw Cristiano Ronaldo in a Manchester United shirt. I didn't understand tactics. I couldn't explain formations or pressing systems. I only knew one thing, whenever that skinny teenager with frosted hair got the ball, something exciting was about to happen. Then came the 2006 World Cup. I still remember watching him with the arrogance of youth, the fearless stepovers, the impossible confidence, the belief that no defender in the world could stop him. Every tournament after that became more than just a World Cup or a European Championship.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It became another chapter in Cristiano Ronaldo's story. And somehow, in ways I never realised back then, it became another chapter in mine too. My school years were measured by his goals. College came with late-night Champions League matches that I secretly watched instead of studying. My first job arrived around the time he was rewriting history in Madrid. Life changed. Phones became smartphones. Television became streaming. Friends moved away. Responsibilities grew heavier. But one thing never changed. Cristiano Ronaldo was always there.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Some people remember different phases of their lives through songs. I remember mine through his goals. The bicycle kick against Juventus. The free-kick against Spain. The tears after losing the 2004 European Championship final. The tears of joy after winning Euro 2016. The impossible headers that seemed to ignore gravity. The Champions League nights where he made impossible feel routine. The celebrations that every kid tried to copy in parks, schools and neighbourhood grounds.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-consider-fifa-appeal-over-jarell-quansah-red-card-ahead-of-quarterfinal-against-norway-1783377568301"><strong>England consider FIFA appeal to overturn Jarell Quansah's red card after controversial Balogun decision</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His career wasn't just a collection of moments. It became the timeline of an entire generation. People often argue about whether Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest footballer of all time. I've realised I don't care anymore. Statistics will eventually be broken. Records will fall. Goals will be surpassed. Someone else will probably score more. Someone else will probably win more. That's what sport does. But nobody will ever recreate what Ronaldo meant to millions of us.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He made obsession look beautiful. Every interview where people called him selfish became fuel. Every criticism became another training session. Every doubt became another record. He didn't teach us how to become footballers. He taught us what relentless pursuit looks like. He taught an entire generation that talent might open the door, but discipline decides how long you stay inside.</p><p>People will remember the trophies. I will remember the consistency. Twenty years. Twenty years of carrying expectations that would crush almost anyone else. Twenty years of walking onto the pitch knowing that millions expected magic every single time.</p><p>Imagine living with that weight.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Imagine delivering under it. Again. And again. And again. When the final whistle blew against Spain, I wasn't crying because Portugal had lost. I was grieving because reality had finally caught up with a man who had spent two decades making us believe he could outrun time itself. For years, we joked that Cristiano Ronaldo would play forever. Deep down, maybe we believed it. Maybe that's why this hurts so much. Heroes aren't supposed to grow old. The people we build our childhood around aren't supposed to leave.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Yet football has a cruel way of reminding us that nobody escapes time, not even the ones who seemed superhuman. The strangest feeling isn't sadness. It's silence. Knowing there won't be another World Cup countdown with Ronaldo at the centre of it. Knowing there won't be another international tournament where we wait for one more iconic celebration. Knowing that the little kid inside me, the one who waited all week to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play, has quietly grown up without asking for permission.</p>

<p>Football will move on. Portugal will move on. A new generation will create new heroes. And that's exactly how it should be. But every generation has one athlete who becomes more than an athlete. For my generation, that was Cristiano Ronaldo. He wasn't just someone we watched. He became a constant in lives that were constantly changing. That's why today feels so heavy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Because when Cristiano Ronaldo walked away from the World Cup, it wasn't only the end of an extraordinary international career. It was the closing scene of a story that had been running alongside my own for almost twenty years. Thank you for every impossible goal. Thank you for every impossible comeback. Thank you for making millions of ordinary evenings unforgettable.</p><p>And thank you for reminding a generation that greatness isn't built on one magical night.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It's built on thousands of ordinary mornings when nobody is watching. The jersey may never return to the World Cup stage. But the memories never have to leave. Some footballers win trophies. A very rare few win generations. Cristiano Ronaldo did both. And for those of us lucky enough to grow up watching him, that will always feel like one of the greatest privileges football ever gave us.</p>

A heartfelt opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy, reflecting on his extraordinary career, Portugal journey, Manchester United beginnings and the impact he had on an entire generation of football fans

I have spent the last few hours trying to convince myself that this is just football. That tomorrow there will be another match, another tournament, another young superstar to admire. That life moves on, as it always does. But no matter how many times I tell myself that, my heart refuses to believe it. Because this wasn't just another defeat. This wasn't just Portugal being knocked out of the FIFA World Cup. This was saying goodbye to the footballer who unknowingly became the soundtrack of my life. I was just a kid when I first saw Cristiano Ronaldo in a Manchester United shirt. I didn't understand tactics. I couldn't explain formations or pressing systems. I only knew one thing, whenever that skinny teenager with frosted hair got the ball, something exciting was about to happen. Then came the 2006 World Cup. I still remember watching him with the arrogance of youth, the fearless stepovers, the impossible confidence, the belief that no defender in the world could stop him. Every tournament after that became more than just a World Cup or a European Championship. It became another chapter in Cristiano Ronaldo's story. And somehow, in ways I never realised back then, it became another chapter in mine too. My school years were measured by his goals. College came with late-night Champions League matches that I secretly watched instead of studying. My first job arrived around the time he was rewriting history in Madrid. Life changed. Phones became smartphones. Television became streaming. Friends moved away. Responsibilities grew heavier. But one thing never changed. Cristiano Ronaldo was always there. Some people remember different phases of their lives through songs. I remember mine through his goals. The bicycle kick against Juventus. The free-kick against Spain. The tears after losing the 2004 European Championship final. The tears of joy after winning Euro 2016. The impossible headers that seemed to ignore gravity. The Champions League nights where he made impossible feel routine. The celebrations that every kid tried to copy in parks, schools and neighbourhood grounds. Also Read: England consider FIFA appeal to overturn Jarell Quansah's red card after controversial Balogun decision His career wasn't just a collection of moments. It became the timeline of an entire generation. People often argue about whether Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest footballer of all time. I've realised I don't care anymore. Statistics will eventually be broken. Records will fall. Goals will be surpassed. Someone else will probably score more. Someone else will probably win more. That's what sport does. But nobody will ever recreate what Ronaldo meant to millions of us. He made obsession look beautiful. Every interview where people called him selfish became fuel. Every criticism became another training session. Every doubt became another record. He didn't teach us how to become footballers. He taught us what relentless pursuit looks like. He taught an entire generation that talent might open the door, but discipline decides how long you stay inside. People will remember the trophies. I will remember the consistency. Twenty years. Twenty years of carrying expectations that would crush almost anyone else. Twenty years of walking onto the pitch knowing that millions expected magic every single time. Imagine living with that weight. Imagine delivering under it. Again. And again. And again. When the final whistle blew against Spain, I wasn't crying because Portugal had lost. I was grieving because reality had finally caught up with a man who had spent two decades making us believe he could outrun time itself. For years, we joked that Cristiano Ronaldo would play forever. Deep down, maybe we believed it. Maybe that's why this hurts so much. Heroes aren't supposed to grow old. The people we build our childhood around aren't supposed to leave. Yet football has a cruel way of reminding us that nobody escapes time, not even the ones who seemed superhuman. The strangest feeling isn't sadness. It's silence. Knowing there won't be another World Cup countdown with Ronaldo at the centre of it. Knowing there won't be another international tournament where we wait for one more iconic celebration. Knowing that the little kid inside me, the one who waited all week to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play, has quietly grown up without asking for permission.

<p>For nearly two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't just my favourite footballer, he was part of my life. This is a personal tribute to the man whose goals, passion and relentless pursuit of greatness shaped an entire generation of football fans</p>

Dear Cristiano Ronaldo, thank you for giving my generation something to believe in and for the countless memories

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo's final FIFA World Cup appearance ended in heartbreak as Portugal were eliminated by Spain, but the legendary forward has refused to make an immediate decision about his international future. Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat in the Round of 16 after substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner for Spain on Monday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Despite the disappointment, Ronaldo believes Spain benefited from "a bit of luck" and felt the tightly contested match could have gone either way. Speaking after the game, the 41-year-old admitted the defeat was difficult to accept but said he was proud of his efforts. "I'm sad to be leaving the World Cup like this," he said. “I gave it my all. I did my best and I'm leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I'll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won't be making any rash decisions.” Ronaldo stopped short of confirming whether his Portugal career had come to an end, insisting that such a decision should not be made in the emotion of the moment. "I don't make decisions in the heat of the moment," he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has enjoyed a historic international career, helping Portugal win the 2016 European Championship along with UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. Reflecting on his achievements with the national team, Ronaldo highlighted the importance of Portugal's major trophies during his era. "I've won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn't won a single title," he said. "The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-consider-fifa-appeal-over-jarell-quansah-red-card-ahead-of-quarterfinal-against-norway-1783377568301"><strong>England consider FIFA appeal to overturn Jarell Quansah's red card after controversial Balogun decision</strong></a></p><h2>Ronaldo all praise for Roberto Martinez</h2><p>Portugal's World Cup exit also marked the end of Roberto Martinez's tenure as head coach. Ronaldo praised the Spanish manager, describing him as both an excellent coach and a great person. "I loved working with him," he said. “A great manager, a great human being, and what he's done for Portugal is to be commended. I want to thank him and wish him every happiness...”</p>

<p>Although Portugal's tournament ended prematurely, Ronaldo insisted the team could leave with pride after their performances.</p><p>"It’s always sad to be knocked out of a major tournament. It’s a World Cup. The team was really coming into its own. We played well, in my view. It could have gone either way, but that’s football. We have to pick ourselves up and carry on."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Al-Nassr forward added, “It’s frustrating to go out like this, but we can hold our heads high.” Ronaldo's future with Portugal remains uncertain, but his legacy as the country's greatest footballer is already firmly established.</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo refused to confirm his Portugal retirement after Spain ended his final World Cup with Mikel Merino's late winner, saying he will reflect before deciding

Cristiano Ronaldo's final FIFA World Cup appearance ended in heartbreak as Portugal were eliminated by Spain, but the legendary forward has refused to make an immediate decision about his international future. Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat in the Round of 16 after substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner for Spain on Monday. Despite the disappointment, Ronaldo believes Spain benefited from "a bit of luck" and felt the tightly contested match could have gone either way. Speaking after the game, the 41-year-old admitted the defeat was difficult to accept but said he was proud of his efforts. "I'm sad to be leaving the World Cup like this," he said. “I gave it my all. I did my best and I'm leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I'll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won't be making any rash decisions.” Ronaldo stopped short of confirming whether his Portugal career had come to an end, insisting that such a decision should not be made in the emotion of the moment. "I don't make decisions in the heat of the moment," he said. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has enjoyed a historic international career, helping Portugal win the 2016 European Championship along with UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. Reflecting on his achievements with the national team, Ronaldo highlighted the importance of Portugal's major trophies during his era. "I've won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn't won a single title," he said. "The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup." Also Read: England consider FIFA appeal to overturn Jarell Quansah's red card after controversial Balogun decision Ronaldo all praise for Roberto Martinez Portugal's World Cup exit also marked the end of Roberto Martinez's tenure as head coach. Ronaldo praised the Spanish manager, describing him as both an excellent coach and a great person. "I loved working with him," he said. “A great manager, a great human being, and what he's done for Portugal is to be commended. I want to thank him and wish him every happiness...”

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo says he will not rush a decision on his Portugal future after Spain ended his final World Cup with a late winner in the Round of 16</p>

'I gave it my all. I did my best': Cristiano Ronaldo opens up after Portugal's exit against Spain

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable FIFA World Cup journey came to an emotional end as Portugal were knocked out of the 2026 tournament following a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. Substitute Mikel Merino scored deep into second-half stoppage time to send Spain into the quarter-finals and end Ronaldo's final appearance on football's biggest stage. The 41-year-old Portugal captain, who made his World Cup debut in 2006, had already confirmed before the match that the 2026 edition would be his last.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Following the final whistle, Ronaldo was overcome with emotion as tears streamed down his face. The Portuguese superstar was comforted by teammates while supporters inside the stadium in Dallas rose to applaud one of football's greatest-ever players.</p><p>Spain's victory secured their first World Cup quarter-final appearance since lifting their only FIFA World Cup title in South Africa in 2010. They will now face either the United States or Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday. Portugal had been aiming to reach consecutive World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the nation's history, but Spain's late breakthrough ended those hopes and brought Ronaldo's illustrious World Cup career to a close.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ronaldo didn’t lose against Spain, Portugal did <br><br>This is the End ! <a href="https://t.co/6fvT5kKSQ0">pic.twitter.com/6fvT5kKSQ0</a></p>&mdash; 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐬🏖️ (@NikolasRMFC) <a href="https://x.com/NikolasRMFC/status/2074240199396102621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Spain set new World Cup defensive record</h2><p>Spain continued their remarkable defensive form by extending their World Cup clean-sheet streak to six consecutive matches, setting a new tournament record. Goalkeeper Unai Simón also established a new individual milestone, stretching his scoreless run to 609 consecutive minutes. Spain moved ahead of Italy's 1990 side and Switzerland's team from the 2006-2010 tournaments, both of whom had previously shared the record for consecutive World Cup matches without conceding a goal.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Spain's defensive run began with their goalless Round of 16 encounter against Morocco at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a match they eventually lost on penalties. During the 2026 tournament, Spain opened with an unexpected 0-0 draw against Cape Verde before recording four successive clean-sheet victories to reach the quarterfinals. Simón had already surpassed legendary Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga's previous individual record of 517 consecutive scoreless World Cup minutes during Spain's victory over Austria in the previous knockout round.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cristiano Ronaldo recreated his iconic walk 😭😭😭😭 <a href="https://t.co/FkbwFCLFLQ">pic.twitter.com/FkbwFCLFLQ</a></p>&mdash; MC (@CrewsMat10) <a href="https://x.com/CrewsMat10/status/2074242944341565577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Ronaldo denied by Simon</h2><p>Despite Portugal's defeat, Cristiano Ronaldo came close to adding another World Cup goal to his legendary international record.</p><p>Unai Simón produced two important first-half saves to deny the Portuguese captain. The second stop was particularly outstanding, as the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper made a full-length diving save, reaching back to gather the ball cleanly with both hands while still airborne.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ronaldo had struck after teammate José Sá's header deflected off Simón's shoulder, but the Spanish goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to preserve his clean sheet. The performance further underlined Spain's defensive dominance as they advanced to the last eight with yet another shutout. For Ronaldo, however, it marked the final chapter of an unforgettable World Cup career that began two decades earlier and cemented his place among football's all-time greats.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This video is so hard to watch, Ronaldo doesn’t deserve this💔 <a href="https://t.co/I8QUm4avHe">pic.twitter.com/I8QUm4avHe</a></p>&mdash; Twilight (@the_marcoli_boy) <a href="https://x.com/the_marcoli_boy/status/2074242540728103209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

USA vs Belgium

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mikel-merino-s-late-goal-sends-spain-into-quarterfinals-as-cristiano-ronaldo-makes-final-appearance-at-fifa-wc-1783372682031"><strong>Mikel Merino's late goal sends Spain into quarterfinals as Cristiano Ronaldo makes final appearance at FIFA WC</strong></a></p>

Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup ended in tears after Spain defeated Portugal 1-0. Mikel Merino's late winner sent Spain into the quarterfinals and extended their record-breaking clean-sheet streak.

Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable FIFA World Cup journey came to an emotional end as Portugal were knocked out of the 2026 tournament following a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. Substitute Mikel Merino scored deep into second-half stoppage time to send Spain into the quarter-finals and end Ronaldo's final appearance on football's biggest stage. The 41-year-old Portugal captain, who made his World Cup debut in 2006, had already confirmed before the match that the 2026 edition would be his last. Following the final whistle, Ronaldo was overcome with emotion as tears streamed down his face. The Portuguese superstar was comforted by teammates while supporters inside the stadium in Dallas rose to applaud one of football's greatest-ever players. Spain's victory secured their first World Cup quarter-final appearance since lifting their only FIFA World Cup title in South Africa in 2010. They will now face either the United States or Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday. Portugal had been aiming to reach consecutive World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the nation's history, but Spain's late breakthrough ended those hopes and brought Ronaldo's illustrious World Cup career to a close.

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo's FIFA World Cup career ended as Spain beat Portugal 1-0, with Mikel Merino's late goal sending La Roja into the quarterfinals</p>

WATCH | Cristiano Ronaldo breaks down in tears as Spain's last-gasp goal ends his FIFA World Cup career

<p>Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the final World Cup of his legendary career, bringing an end to months of speculation about his future on football's biggest stage. The 41-year-old made the announcement while speaking to reporters ahead of Portugal's blockbuster Round of 16 clash against Spain, saying he intends to enjoy every remaining moment of the tournament while hoping his team's journey continues beyond the knockout stage.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I want to enjoy it as much as possible, because it will be my last World Cup, yes. But I hope that tomorrow won't be my last game in the World Cup,” Ronaldo has started all four of Portugal's matches at the tournament and has scored three goals, once again proving his importance to Roberto Martinez's side despite questions over his future. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner also dismissed ongoing retirement speculation, insisting that his full attention remains on helping Portugal compete for the World Cup title. "I'm always committed, body and soul, to helping the National Team. Whether I'm playing or not, I'll always have an important role."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I'll finish [retire] when I want to, not when you want me to. It's a waste of time to keep asking that question. But I don't want to draw attention to that. The most important thing is tomorrow.” Although this will be his final World Cup appearance, Ronaldo stressed that Portugal are fully focused on winning the tournament. "If we didn't have the idea that we could win the World Cup, we wouldn't be here. It's been a beautiful experience. We've improved game by game."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-brazil-can-reach-the-quarterfinals-first-they-must-beat-the-team-they-never-have-1783278310917"><strong>FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil can reach the quarterfinals. First, they must beat the team they never have</strong></a></p>

Portugal vs Spain

<p>“We know it's a competition where it's impossible to play well in every game, and it's not easy for anyone; just look at who's already been eliminated. I see the team as calm; we've trained well, we've prepared well.” Ronaldo also reflected on his performances during the competition, expressing satisfaction with his contribution while remaining eager to add to his goal tally.</p><p>"I don't think I've been doing that badly... I've scored three goals. Others have scored more, but because they are doing very well. They feel very good. But let's see if I can score tomorrow".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Portugal now head into a high-stakes Round of 16 encounter against Spain, with Ronaldo aiming to extend his farewell World Cup campaign and keep alive his dream of lifting football's biggest prize before bringing his World Cup journey to a close.</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo confirms FIFA World Cup 2026 will be his final World Cup, vows to enjoy every moment, and targets World Cup glory with Portugal

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the final World Cup of his legendary career, bringing an end to months of speculation about his future on football's biggest stage. The 41-year-old made the announcement while speaking to reporters ahead of Portugal's blockbuster Round of 16 clash against Spain, saying he intends to enjoy every remaining moment of the tournament while hoping his team's journey continues beyond the knockout stage. “I want to enjoy it as much as possible, because it will be my last World Cup, yes. But I hope that tomorrow won't be my last game in the World Cup,” Ronaldo has started all four of Portugal's matches at the tournament and has scored three goals, once again proving his importance to Roberto Martinez's side despite questions over his future. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner also dismissed ongoing retirement speculation, insisting that his full attention remains on helping Portugal compete for the World Cup title. "I'm always committed, body and soul, to helping the National Team. Whether I'm playing or not, I'll always have an important role." “I'll finish [retire] when I want to, not when you want me to. It's a waste of time to keep asking that question. But I don't want to draw attention to that. The most important thing is tomorrow.” Although this will be his final World Cup appearance, Ronaldo stressed that Portugal are fully focused on winning the tournament. "If we didn't have the idea that we could win the World Cup, we wouldn't be here. It's been a beautiful experience. We've improved game by game." Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil can reach the quarterfinals. First, they must beat the team they never have

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo confirms the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last as Portugal prepare to face Spain in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo confirms FIFA World Cup 2026 will be his final World Cup ahead of Portugal vs Spain

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo, after Portugal's dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on Thursday (Jul 2), paid tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota who had died last year. The Portugal captain and his squad posed with Jota's number 21 jersey in an emotional scene following the gripping victory that sent them through to the next round. Ronaldo, who wore the number 21 jersey himself while conducting post-match interviews, admitted the timing had left the entire squad reflecting on the loss of their teammate, who died in a car crash a year ago this week.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/here-s-every-record-cristiano-ronaldo-broke-as-portugal-beat-croatia-2-1-in-fifa-world-cup-clash-1783045265922">Here's every record Cristiano Ronaldo broke as Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in FIFA World Cup clash</a></p><h2>Ronaldo and Portugal remember Jota after R32 win</h2><p>"The coincidence of life, it's unbelievable," Ronaldo said, describing how the milestone weighed on the team before kickoff. "We knew it before the game. It was a so special moment. We speak today, our group, about that, the coincidence of life. It's unbelievable."</p><p>Portugal coach Roberto Martinez echoed the sentiment, saying the win carried extra significance beyond simply advancing in the tournament. "For Portuguese fans this is a very happy day and also because of the meaning of the game, we've moved to the next phase, to the round of 16," Martinez said.</p>

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live on Zee5

<p>Jota, who played for Liverpool, and his brother Andre Silva were killed on July 3 last year when their car crashed in Spain as the striker drove back to England to report for pre-season training. His death shook the football world, with tributes pouring in from teammates, rivals and fans alike. Portugal had already paid homage to Jota earlier in the tournament, when a black-and-white photograph of him was displayed on the giant screen at the stadium in Houston ahead of the team's opening game against the Democratic Republic of Congo, a quiet but powerful reminder of the player they lost.</p><h2>Where to watch and live stream Portugal's FIFA World Cup 2026 matches?</h2><p>Portugal's knockout matches in FIFA World Cup 2026 will be aired LIVE across WION's sister company Zee5 app and website. (link: https://www.zee5.com/)</p>

Portugal beat Austria 2-1 in R32 match on Thursday (Jul 2) and advanced to the next round. The team, however, pull out Jersey 21 tribute for former teammate Diogo Jota.

Cristiano Ronaldo, after Portugal's dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on Thursday (Jul 2), paid tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota who had died last year. The Portugal captain and his squad posed with Jota's number 21 jersey in an emotional scene following the gripping victory that sent them through to the next round. Ronaldo, who wore the number 21 jersey himself while conducting post-match interviews, admitted the timing had left the entire squad reflecting on the loss of their teammate, who died in a car crash a year ago this week. Also Read - Here's every record Cristiano Ronaldo broke as Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in FIFA World Cup clash Ronaldo and Portugal remember Jota after R32 win "The coincidence of life, it's unbelievable," Ronaldo said, describing how the milestone weighed on the team before kickoff. "We knew it before the game. It was a so special moment. We speak today, our group, about that, the coincidence of life. It's unbelievable." Portugal coach Roberto Martinez echoed the sentiment, saying the win carried extra significance beyond simply advancing in the tournament. "For Portuguese fans this is a very happy day and also because of the meaning of the game, we've moved to the next phase, to the round of 16," Martinez said.

<p>Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in R32 match on Thursday (Jul 2) and advanced to the next round. The team, however, pull out Jersey 21 tribute for former teammate Diogo Jota.</p>

FIFA 2026 | Ronaldo and Portugal pay '21' tribute to Diogo Jota after R32 win

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo added yet another remarkable chapter to his glittering career by becoming the oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup knockout-stage history as Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 32 clash on Thursday. At 41 years and 147 days old, the Portugal captain converted a second-half penalty to rewrite the record books, surpassing Lionel Messi as the oldest player to score in the World Cup knockout rounds. It was also Ronaldo's first-ever goal in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, making the milestone even more significant.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Portugal booked their place in the Round of 16 after surviving a tense finish, with Croatia having a late goal ruled out. Ronaldo also became the second-oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history overall. Only Cameroon legend Roger Milla, who scored at 42 years and 39 days during the 1994 tournament, remains ahead of the Portuguese superstar on the all-time list.</p><h2>Ronaldo rewrites World Cup record books</h2><p>Ronaldo's historic strike added another landmark to an already unmatched international career. Already the oldest player to represent Portugal at a FIFA World Cup, he now holds the record as the oldest player ever to score in a men's FIFA World Cup knockout match.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The encounter also marked Ronaldo's 26th FIFA World Cup appearance, moving him ahead of several legendary players and leaving him just one appearance behind Germany icon Lothar Matthaus (27) on the all-time list. Argentina captain Lionel Messi continues to lead the standings with 29 World Cup appearances. The 41-year-old's latest achievement comes amid continued speculation that the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be the final international tournament of his legendary career. While retirement rumours continue to circulate, Ronaldo remains under contract with Al Nassr through the 2026–27 season.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/absolutely-crazy-goncalo-ramos-sends-portugal-to-round-of-16-win-2-1-against-croatia-1783040178310"><strong>Absolutely crazy! Goncalo Ramos sends Portugal to Round of 16, win 2-1 against Croatia</strong></a></p>

Australia vs Egypt

<h2>Oldest outfield player to start a World Cup knockout match</h2><p>Ronaldo reached another historic milestone even before kickoff. At 41 years and 147 days, he became the oldest outfield player ever to start a men's FIFA World Cup knockout match, surpassing the previous mark set just a day earlier by Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Dzeko, who started against the United States at 40 years and 106 days.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Croatia captain Luka Modric, aged 40 years and 296 days, also started the match, making it the first men's FIFA World Cup fixture to feature two outfield players aged over 40 representing opposing teams.</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup knockout history as Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 to reach the Round of 16. Read the match report, records, statistics and Ronaldo's latest historic achievement

Cristiano Ronaldo added yet another remarkable chapter to his glittering career by becoming the oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup knockout-stage history as Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 32 clash on Thursday. At 41 years and 147 days old, the Portugal captain converted a second-half penalty to rewrite the record books, surpassing Lionel Messi as the oldest player to score in the World Cup knockout rounds. It was also Ronaldo's first-ever goal in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, making the milestone even more significant. Portugal booked their place in the Round of 16 after surviving a tense finish, with Croatia having a late goal ruled out. Ronaldo also became the second-oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history overall. Only Cameroon legend Roger Milla, who scored at 42 years and 39 days during the 1994 tournament, remains ahead of the Portuguese superstar on the all-time list. Ronaldo rewrites World Cup record books Ronaldo's historic strike added another landmark to an already unmatched international career. Already the oldest player to represent Portugal at a FIFA World Cup, he now holds the record as the oldest player ever to score in a men's FIFA World Cup knockout match. The encounter also marked Ronaldo's 26th FIFA World Cup appearance, moving him ahead of several legendary players and leaving him just one appearance behind Germany icon Lothar Matthaus (27) on the all-time list. Argentina captain Lionel Messi continues to lead the standings with 29 World Cup appearances. The 41-year-old's latest achievement comes amid continued speculation that the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be the final international tournament of his legendary career. While retirement rumours continue to circulate, Ronaldo remains under contract with Al Nassr through the 2026–27 season. Also Read: Absolutely crazy! Goncalo Ramos sends Portugal to Round of 16, win 2-1 against Croatia

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo made FIFA World Cup history by becoming the oldest knockout-stage goalscorer as Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 to reach the Round of 16</p>

Here's every record Cristiano Ronaldo broke as Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in FIFA World Cup clash

<p>American sportswear giant Nike has unveiled a special edition Gold Mercurial Superfly RGN football boot to honour Cristiano Ronaldo’s extraordinary 20-year career. Ronaldo, who has a lifetime partnership with Nike, is expected to wear the exclusive boots during Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage encounter against Colombia on Sunday. According to Footy Headlines, the boots feature a metallic gold design accented with white details. The premium footwear includes a 3/4-length Air Zoom unit, Flywire support technology, and a soft, tacky upper engineered to enhance ball control and on-field performance.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Priced at $300 (approximately Rs 28,343), the Gold Mercurial Superfly RGN was launched globally on Wednesday, just a day after Ronaldo delivered a stunning brace in Portugal’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. The Portuguese superstar became the first footballer in history to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. The commemorative boots celebrate both his remarkable consistency and a career that has spanned more than two decades.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-did-neymar-shed-tears-after-returning-for-brazil-following-981-day-absence-1782387900583"><strong>Why did Neymar cry after his 981-day Brazil comeback? Star reveals emotional locker room moment</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">20 years in the making <a href="https://x.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a>.<br><br>Gold Mercurial Superfly RGN, dropping June 24. <a href="https://t.co/drY4En5VCs">pic.twitter.com/drY4En5VCs</a></p>&mdash; Nike Football (@nikefootball) <a href="https://x.com/nikefootball/status/2069495487326244981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Ronaldo once again demonstrated that age is no barrier to excellence. Appearing in his sixth FIFA World Cup, the veteran forward marked the occasion by rewriting the record books. His two-goal performance helped Portugal secure a dominant win over Uzbekistan. Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao also found the net, while an own goal involving Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov compounded the misery for Fabio Cannavaro’s side. The convincing result handed Roberto Martinez’s team their first victory of the tournament after opening with a draw against DR Congo.</p>

Tunisia vs Netherlands

<p>Speaking after the match, Ronaldo highlighted the team's improvement from the opening fixture and reiterated that collective success remains his top priority. "The team performed really well and improved a lot. As the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining. Obviously, speaking personally, records are always nice but my goal is always to help the national team achieve its objectives," he said as quoted by Reuters.</p>

Nike has launched the Gold Mercurial Superfly RGN football boots to celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo's 20-year career. The Portuguese star is set to wear the special edition boots at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after becoming the first player to score in six World Cups

American sportswear giant Nike has unveiled a special edition Gold Mercurial Superfly RGN football boot to honour Cristiano Ronaldo’s extraordinary 20-year career. Ronaldo, who has a lifetime partnership with Nike, is expected to wear the exclusive boots during Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage encounter against Colombia on Sunday. According to Footy Headlines, the boots feature a metallic gold design accented with white details. The premium footwear includes a 3/4-length Air Zoom unit, Flywire support technology, and a soft, tacky upper engineered to enhance ball control and on-field performance. Priced at $300 (approximately Rs 28,343), the Gold Mercurial Superfly RGN was launched globally on Wednesday, just a day after Ronaldo delivered a stunning brace in Portugal’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. The Portuguese superstar became the first footballer in history to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. The commemorative boots celebrate both his remarkable consistency and a career that has spanned more than two decades. Also Read: Why did Neymar cry after his 981-day Brazil comeback? Star reveals emotional locker room moment

<p>Portugal's captain Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his historic sixth World Cup scoring feat with Nike’s special Gold Mercurial Superfly RGN boots</p>

Why are Cristiano Ronaldo’s new gold football boots trending ahead of Portugal vs Colombia match?

<p>Football, especially at the FIFA World Cup, is usually dominated by younger players. Most outfield footballers reach their best form in their late 20s or early 30s and by their mid-30s many are no longer at their peak. As a result, players older than 35 are rarely seen making a major impact on the biggest stage of the sport. However, a few exceptional players have proven that age is not always a barrier. Two notable examples are Cameroon’s Roger Milla and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who both achieved remarkable World Cup milestones later in their careers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Roger Milla remains the oldest player ever to score in a men’s FIFA World Cup match. He set the record at the 1994 World Cup in the United States when he scored against Russia at the age of 42 years and 39 days.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After making his international debut in 1973, he retired from Cameroon’s football team in 1987 at age 35 following a successful 15-year career. He had represented Cameroon at the 1982 World Cup and came close to scoring against Peru, but the goal was ruled out.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Although he believed his chance to score at a World Cup had passed, but after Cameroon qualified for the 1990 World Cup, then-President Paul Biya personally encouraged Milla to return to the national team. Accepting the challenge, Milla made a memorable comeback.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>At the 1990 World Cup in Italy, he scored four goals as a substitute and helped Cameroon reach the quarter-finals, the best performance by an African team in the tournament at that time.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-the-duck-viral-sensation-merlin-denied-entry-to-stadium-to-watch-mexico-s-game-here-s-what-happened-1782380910851"><strong>What the duck! Viral sensation Merlin denied entry to stadium to watch Mexico's game. Here's what happened</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He scored twice against Romania in the group stage and added another two goals against Colombia in the Round of 16. At 38 years and 34 days old, he became the oldest World Cup goalscorer, a record he later extended in 1994.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-how-fifa-will-determine-eight-teams-among-third-placed-sides-for-round-of-32-1782368656051"><strong>FIFA 2026 | How eight teams among third-placed sides will be selected for R32?</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the 1994 tournament, Milla scored Cameroon’s only goal in a 6-1 loss to Russia, further improving his own record as the oldest scorer in World Cup history. He is also the oldest outfield player ever to appear in a World Cup match.</p>

Japan vs Sweden

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo later became the second-oldest player to score in a FIFA World Cup. He achieved the feat in 2026, scoring against Uzbekistan at the age of 41 years and 138 days. During that match, Ronaldo also surpassed Eusebio’s World Cup goal tally and became Portugal’s highest goalscorer in World Cup history.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The achievements of Roger Milla and Cristiano Ronaldo show that while football is often considered a young player’s game, exceptional talent, fitness and determination can allow some players to shine even in the later stages of their careers.</p><h2>Oldest men’s goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history</h2><ul><li>Roger Milla (Cameroon) - 42 years, 39 days (1994 vs Russia)</li><li>Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) - 41 years, 138 days (2026 vs Uzbekistan)</li><li>Pepe (Portugal) - 39 years, 283 days (2022 vs Switzerland)</li><li>Lionel Messi (Argentina) - 38 years, 363 days (2026 vs Austria)</li><li>Gunnar Gren (Sweden) - 37 years, 236 days (1928 vs West Germany)</li></ul>

Roger Milla remains the oldest player ever to score in a men’s FIFA World Cup match. He set the record at the 1994 World Cup in the United States when he scored against Russia at the age of 42 years and 39 days. 

Football, especially at the FIFA World Cup, is usually dominated by younger players. Most outfield footballers reach their best form in their late 20s or early 30s and by their mid-30s many are no longer at their peak. As a result, players older than 35 are rarely seen making a major impact on the biggest stage of the sport. However, a few exceptional players have proven that age is not always a barrier. Two notable examples are Cameroon’s Roger Milla and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who both achieved remarkable World Cup milestones later in their careers. Roger Milla remains the oldest player ever to score in a men’s FIFA World Cup match. He set the record at the 1994 World Cup in the United States when he scored against Russia at the age of 42 years and 39 days. After making his international debut in 1973, he retired from Cameroon’s football team in 1987 at age 35 following a successful 15-year career. He had represented Cameroon at the 1982 World Cup and came close to scoring against Peru, but the goal was ruled out. Although he believed his chance to score at a World Cup had passed, but after Cameroon qualified for the 1990 World Cup, then-President Paul Biya personally encouraged Milla to return to the national team. Accepting the challenge, Milla made a memorable comeback. At the 1990 World Cup in Italy, he scored four goals as a substitute and helped Cameroon reach the quarter-finals, the best performance by an African team in the tournament at that time. Also Read - What the duck! Viral sensation Merlin denied entry to stadium to watch Mexico's game. Here's what happened He scored twice against Romania in the group stage and added another two goals against Colombia in the Round of 16. At 38 years and 34 days old, he became the oldest World Cup goalscorer, a record he later extended in 1994. Also Read - FIFA 2026 | How eight teams among third-placed sides will be selected for R32? In the 1994 tournament, Milla scored Cameroon’s only goal in a 6-1 loss to Russia, further improving his own record as the oldest scorer in World Cup history. He is also the oldest outfield player ever to appear in a World Cup match.

<p>Roger Milla remains the oldest player ever to score in a men’s FIFA World Cup match. He set the record at the 1994 World Cup in the United States when he scored against Russia at the age of 42 years and 39 days.&nbsp;</p>

Who is the oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history?

<p>Few matchups in world soccer can generate as much excitement as a potential FIFA World Cup showdown between Argentina and Portugal. On one side stands the reigning World Cup champion Argentina, led by Lionel Messi. On the other is Portugal, a European powerhouse captained by Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi has been sensational at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, already scoring five goals and guiding Argentina to two victories. Ronaldo added to the excitement on Tuesday, netting two goals in Portugal’s dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan to help secure the team’s first win of the tournament.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With both legends still shining on soccer’s biggest stage, fans are already eyeing a possible quarterfinal clash between their nations on July 11 in Kansas City. That anticipation is having a dramatic effect on ticket prices. The lowest-priced ticket available on the secondary market for the potential quarterfinal matchup soared to nearly $4,300 on SeatGeek as of Tuesday afternoon. Following Portugal’s victory over Uzbekistan, the entry price reportedly jumped by more than $500.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harry-kane-cursed-meet-nana-kwaku-bonsam-the-ghanaian-witch-doctor-behind-the-viral-claim-1782293144754"><strong>Harry Kane cursed? Meet Nana Kwaku Bonsam, the Ghanaian witch doctor behind the viral claim</strong></a></p>

Switzerland vs Canada

<p>By comparison, ticket prices for the other remaining World Cup matches scheduled in Kansas City are significantly lower. The get-in price for Netherlands vs. Tunisia sits around $620, Austria vs. Algeria is approximately $500, and a Round of 32 matchup is available for roughly $1,800. Meanwhile, the most expensive ticket listed for the quarterfinal reached nearly $45,000. A meeting between Argentina and Portugal remains far from certain.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Argentina must first win two knockout-stage matches to reach the quarterfinals. Portugal’s path is even more complex, requiring the team to finish atop Group K and then win two knockout matches of its own. A crucial factor could be Saturday’s group-stage showdown between Colombia and Portugal. The winner is expected to claim first place in Group K and secure a favourable position on the Kansas City side of the bracket. Additionally, the eventual Group B winner, likely Canada or Switzerland, could pose a significant challenge during the knockout rounds.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While there is no guarantee that soccer fans will witness the long-awaited Messi vs. Ronaldo international showdown, the possibility alone is driving extraordinary demand. If the stars align, Kansas City could become the stage for one of the most anticipated World Cup matches in history, and fans are already betting on that possibility.</p>

A potential Argentina vs. Portugal quarterfinal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is sending Kansas City ticket prices soaring as fans dream of a Messi vs. Ronaldo showdown

Few matchups in world soccer can generate as much excitement as a potential FIFA World Cup showdown between Argentina and Portugal. On one side stands the reigning World Cup champion Argentina, led by Lionel Messi. On the other is Portugal, a European powerhouse captained by Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi has been sensational at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, already scoring five goals and guiding Argentina to two victories. Ronaldo added to the excitement on Tuesday, netting two goals in Portugal’s dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan to help secure the team’s first win of the tournament. With both legends still shining on soccer’s biggest stage, fans are already eyeing a possible quarterfinal clash between their nations on July 11 in Kansas City. That anticipation is having a dramatic effect on ticket prices. The lowest-priced ticket available on the secondary market for the potential quarterfinal matchup soared to nearly $4,300 on SeatGeek as of Tuesday afternoon. Following Portugal’s victory over Uzbekistan, the entry price reportedly jumped by more than $500. Also Read: Harry Kane cursed? Meet Nana Kwaku Bonsam, the Ghanaian witch doctor behind the viral claim

<p>Potential Argentina vs Portugal FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal drives Kansas City ticket prices above $4,300 as fans anticipate Messi vs. Ronaldo</p>

Ronaldo vs Messi at FIFA World Cup 2026? Ticket prices explode ahead of potential Portugal-Argentina quarterfinal

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo finally got on the scoresheet at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the Portugal captain had no interest in discussing Lionel Messi after his side's emphatic victory over Uzbekistan. Portugal cruised to a 5-0 win on Tuesday (June 23), with Ronaldo playing a key role by scoring twice. Following the match, a reporter attempted to ask Ronaldo about Messi, but the veteran forward quickly shut down the topic. "Next question," Ronaldo replied.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The moment came shortly after Messi added another milestone to his remarkable World Cup career. The Argentina captain became the men's all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals, surpassing Germany legend Miroslav Klose. Messi also leads the Golden Boot race with five goals from Argentina's opening two matches. Rather than discuss his longtime rival, Ronaldo focused on Portugal's response after a disappointing start to the tournament and reflected on his own return to scoring.</p><p>The 41-year-old failed to find the net in Portugal's opening draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo but responded with two goals against Uzbekistan.</p><h2>Watch the video when Ronaldo shuts down question on Messi</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨👋🏼 Cristiano Ronaldo when asked about Messi: “Next question”.<br><br>This is immature. Messi would never dodge a Ronaldo question. Its too easy to Answer. <a href="https://t.co/2o8iw3hJhr">pic.twitter.com/2o8iw3hJhr</a></p>&mdash; Kashif (@KashifNdmCric) <a href="https://x.com/KashifNdmCric/status/2069607575021330513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Reflecting on the period between matches, Ronaldo admitted it had been one of the most challenging stretches of his career.</p><p>"It was a difficult, dark week. It felt like I was already retired from football," Ronaldo said. “But I held on, like I always do, because I believe in work more than anything else.” Despite the difficult spell, Ronaldo revealed he never lost faith and credited his teammates for helping him bounce back. "I knew my teammates were going to help me, too. It was difficult, I have to admit, but we're back. I'm very happy," he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/erling-haaland-reveals-his-favourite-indian-dish-as-norway-star-continues-fifa-world-cup-2026-goal-rush-1782289207979"><strong>Erling Haaland reveals his favourite Indian dish as Norway star continues FIFA World Cup 2026 goal rush</strong></a></p>

<h2>Cristiano Ronaldo scripts FIFA World Cup history</h2><p>Ronaldo's brace also secured another historic achievement, making him the first men's player to score in six different World Cup tournaments. However, the Portugal captain insisted that team success remains more important than personal accolades. "Records are always nice to break, but my goal is to help the national team achieve its objectives," Ronaldo said. "The most important thing was the team's work and the confidence we had."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Later in the press conference, Ronaldo showed his lighter side when another journalist asked for a question. "That depends on the question, otherwise I won't answer you," he joked. Although Ronaldo declined to discuss Messi's latest accomplishment, he briefly addressed the possibility of Portugal facing Argentina in the World Cup final. "I don't know what to answer. It's a question that doesn't make much sense," Ronaldo said. "But, well, it would be top."</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Portugal's 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, set a new tournament record, and declined comparisons with Lionel Messi after Argentina's star made history as the World Cup's all-time leading scorer

Cristiano Ronaldo finally got on the scoresheet at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the Portugal captain had no interest in discussing Lionel Messi after his side's emphatic victory over Uzbekistan. Portugal cruised to a 5-0 win on Tuesday (June 23), with Ronaldo playing a key role by scoring twice. Following the match, a reporter attempted to ask Ronaldo about Messi, but the veteran forward quickly shut down the topic. "Next question," Ronaldo replied. The moment came shortly after Messi added another milestone to his remarkable World Cup career. The Argentina captain became the men's all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals, surpassing Germany legend Miroslav Klose. Messi also leads the Golden Boot race with five goals from Argentina's opening two matches. Rather than discuss his longtime rival, Ronaldo focused on Portugal's response after a disappointing start to the tournament and reflected on his own return to scoring. The 41-year-old failed to find the net in Portugal's opening draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo but responded with two goals against Uzbekistan. Watch the video when Ronaldo shuts down question on Messi

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal's 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, made World Cup history, and dismissed questions about Lionel Messi</p>

WATCH | 'Next question': Cristiano Ronaldo dismisses query on Messi after Portugal's 5-0 win

<p>FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo after he became the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cups. Ronaldo reached the milestone by scoring his first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup during Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their Group K match at Houston Stadium on Tuesday. In an Instagram post, Infantino described the achievement as “incredible” and wished Ronaldo the best for the remainder of the tournament.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He said, "What an incredible achievement!! Congratulations to @cristiano on becoming the first player to score in six FIFA World Cups. My best wishes for the rest of the tournament. What an incredible feat!!"</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ronaldo starred in Portugal’s dominant victory by scoring twice, while Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao also found the net to help Roberto Martinez's side secure their first win of the tournament.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-day-13-recap-colombia-qualify-croatia-beat-panama-england-play-out-a-draw-1782276923339"><strong>FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 13 Recap: Colombia qualify, Croatia beat Panama, England play out a draw</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Portugal took charge from the start, with Ronaldo scoring in the sixth minute. Mendes doubled the lead with an excellent free-kick and Ronaldo added his second goal before halftime to make it 3-0.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-luka-modric-reaches-200-international-caps-joins-ronaldo-messi-1782276273255"><strong>FIFA 2026: Luka Modric reaches 200 international caps, joins Ronaldo, Messi</strong></a></p>

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Live on Zee5

FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal captain set a new World Cup record by scoring twice against Uzbekistan.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo after he became the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cups. Ronaldo reached the milestone by scoring his first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup during Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their Group K match at Houston Stadium on Tuesday. In an Instagram post, Infantino described the achievement as “incredible” and wished Ronaldo the best for the remainder of the tournament. He said, "What an incredible achievement!! Congratulations to @cristiano on becoming the first player to score in six FIFA World Cups. My best wishes for the rest of the tournament. What an incredible feat!!" Ronaldo starred in Portugal’s dominant victory by scoring twice, while Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao also found the net to help Roberto Martinez's side secure their first win of the tournament. Also Read - FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 13 Recap: Colombia qualify, Croatia beat Panama, England play out a draw Portugal took charge from the start, with Ronaldo scoring in the sixth minute. Mendes doubled the lead with an excellent free-kick and Ronaldo added his second goal before halftime to make it 3-0. Also Read - FIFA 2026: Luka Modric reaches 200 international caps, joins Ronaldo, Messi

<p>FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal captain set a new World Cup record by scoring twice against Uzbekistan.</p>

cristiano ronaldo

Former Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo 'can no longer deliver'

WATCH - Ronaldo now 15 short of 1000 goals with 15-minute hat-trick for Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo wins first-ever Ballon d’Or Of All Time award

'He let the team & me down': Erik ten Hag reflects on Ronaldo fallout at Man Utd

Ronaldo handed 30-day suspension for walking out on Portugal national team

Portugal Federation confirms Cristiano Ronaldo’s return despite suspension

Ronaldo sends 'a hug' after Messi says he misses 'wearing the blue and white'

Ronaldo tells why he left team camp, says would be available post 'suspension'

'Goodbye to all': Messi bid adieu to Argentina career with goal in win vs Benin

Nations League: Portugal, sans Ronaldo, move to QF; Germany held back by Greece

Nations League: Portugal win sans Ronaldo; Klopp gets first win as Germany coach

Retiring? Ronaldo exits Portugal camp, promises to tell ‘truth’ behind decision

Ronaldo benched in Portugal win as Messi's stunning goal can't save Inter Miami

Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Portugal squad for Nations League under new coach

Ronaldo wants fans disrespecting Jota 'never be allowed to enter stadium again'

Carlos Tevez hopes to unite Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo for farewell match

‘Probably My Last Year’: Ronaldo teases football retirement after 2026/27 season

From bus to Bugatti: When Georgina talked about her early romance with Ronaldo

Portugese star Cristiano Ronaldo ties knot with long-time partner Rodriguez

Why Cristiano Ronaldo's latest social media post has fans talking worldwide

Dear Cristiano Ronaldo, thank you for being the hero my generation grew up with

'I gave it my all. I did my best': Ronaldo opens up after Portugal knocked out

WATCH | Cristiano Ronaldo in tears as Spain's last-gasp goal ends his WC career

Cristiano Ronaldo confirms FIFA World Cup 2026 will be his final World Cup

FIFA 2026 | Ronaldo and Portugal pay '21' tribute to Diogo Jota after R32 win

Here's every record Cristiano Ronaldo broke as Portugal beat Croatia in R32 game