Football

Cristiano Ronaldo's move to the Saudi Pro League has made him the highest-paid footballer in the world, earning double the salary of Neymar. The Portuguese superstar's astronomical wages have set a new benchmark in the league, which has emerged as a lucrative destination for global stars.Ronaldo's salary dwarfs that of his fellow top earners, Karim Benzema and Neymar. The former Real Madrid captain Benzema earns a significant sum, but it pales in comparison to Ronaldo's earnings. Neymar, despite making only five appearances for Al-Hilal in the 2023-24 season due to injury, still managed to pocket a staggering €20 million per game.The Saudi Pro League's top 10 salaries list reveals a significant disparity between the wages of the global superstars and the rest of the league. Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, N'Golo Kante, and Aymeric Laporte round out the top 10, but their salaries are considerably lower than the top three earners.The influx of global stars to the Saudi Pro League has raised eyebrows, with reports suggesting that English Premier League stars Casemiro, Ederson, Alisson Becker, and Kevin De Bruyne could also make the switch. This influx of talent has transformed the league into a competitive and exciting destination for football fans.Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia has sparked debate about the future of the sport. Some argue that the financial incentives offered by the league could lure top players away from Europe's elite leagues, while others believe that the move could help develop the game in the Middle East.

Kylian Mbappé's childhood dream of playing for Real Madrid is set to become a reality in the 2024-2025 season. The French superstar has signed a lucrative deal with the La Liga giants, ending his bitter-sweet stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).Mbappé's unwavering belief in his destiny at Real Madrid led him to take Spanish classes at school. His grand unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu last week was a testament to the unwavering support of the Real Madrid faithful.Donning the iconic No.9 jersey, previously worn by his idol Cristiano Ronaldo and club legend Karim Benzema, Mbappé is already making waves before his official debut. His jersey has become a hot commodity, outselling that of England's Jude Bellingham by a staggering five times.Mbappé's jersey sales have exceeded all expectations, with fans facing lengthy waiting times to secure their own. The Madrid club is struggling to meet the overwhelming demand for the French captain's jersey.Mbappé's arrival at Real Madrid has created a formidable attacking trio alongside Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham. The 25-year-old is expected to make his debut in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta on August 15.Mbappé's move to Real Madrid is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. His unwavering belief in his abilities and his determination to achieve his dreams have made him one of the most sought-after players in world football.

Lionel Messi and Argentina have once again proven their dominance in international football, securing their second consecutive Copa America title with a thrilling extra-time victory over Colombia. The triumph marks a significant milestone for the Argentine team, drawing comparisons to the legendary Spanish squad that reigned supreme from 2008 to 2012.Despite Messi's absence due to an injury in the second half, Argentina showcased their resilience and determination, thriving without their talismanic captain. Lautaro Martinez's extra-time goal sealed the victory, sending the Argentine fans into raptures.The win has reignited the debate over the greatest of all time (GOAT) between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. While Ronaldo and Portugal faltered in the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals, Messi's Argentina have continued to soar, adding the Copa America title to their World Cup triumph in 2022.Angel Di Maria, Messi's former Real Madrid teammate, weighed in on the GOAT debate, stating, "The best is the one who has more Ballons d'Or, and Messi has eight. For me, therefore there is some distance between him and Cristiano."Meanwhile, Messi is currently sidelined with a ligament injury. He was spotted in the stands during Inter Miami's victory over Toronto FC, wearing a walking boot on his right ankle. Head coach Tata Martino provided an update on Messi's condition, indicating that his recovery will be evaluated week by week.Argentina's Copa America triumph has further cemented their status as one of the most formidable teams in the world. With Messi at the helm, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, where they will aim to defend their title and etch their names in the annals of football history.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, is currently enjoying a well-deserved vacation with his family following Portugal's heartbreaking quarter-final exit from UEFA Euro 2024. The 38-year-old icon has been sharing glimpses of his time off on social media, showcasing his close bond with his daughter.Ronaldo's Instagram post on Wednesday captured him spending quality time with his little girl, accompanied by the heartwarming caption, "Daddy loves you, Mommy loves you." The video exudes the love and affection that Ronaldo holds for his family, providing a glimpse into his life beyond the pitch.Ronaldo's Euro 2024 campaign ended in disappointment as Portugal suffered a 3-5 penalty shootout defeat to France after a goalless draw in extra time. The loss left Ronaldo visibly devastated, and he was seen consoling his teammate Pepe, who played his final international match.In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Ronaldo expressed his gratitude to the Portuguese fans and acknowledged the team's efforts. "We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each one of you. For Portugal," he wrote. "We are grateful for everything you have given us and for everything we have achieved so far. On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honored and will continue to be built."Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has remained tight-lipped about Ronaldo's future with the national team, stating that it is too early to make any individual decisions. However, Martinez has repeatedly emphasized Ronaldo's importance to the team, highlighting his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment.Ronaldo's illustrious international career has spanned six Euros and four World Cups. He holds the all-time record for most international goals with 130 for Portugal and is the country's most-capped player. He played a pivotal role in Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph and has etched his name into the annals of football history.In the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo became the first and only male player to score in five consecutive editions of the tournament, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time. He made his Euros debut in 2004 and holds the record for most tournament appearances.As Ronaldo enjoys his vacation, the football world eagerly awaits his next move. Whether he continues his international career or embarks on a new chapter in his club career, the Portuguese icon remains an inspiration to millions around the globe.

Real Madrid's long-awaited pursuit of Kylian Mbappe has finally come to fruition, with the French superstar set to officially join the club after the conclusion of UEFA Euro 2024. Mbappe's arrival marks a significant moment for Real Madrid, who have been eager to add the world-class forward to their ranks for years.Mbappe's signing comes as a free agent after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expired. The Frenchman has been a prolific goalscorer for PSG, scoring 255 goals in seven seasons and helping the club win six Ligue 1 titles. However, despite his domestic success, Mbappe has yet to lift the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy.Real Madrid's acquisition of Mbappe is a testament to their status as one of the biggest clubs in world football. The Spanish giants have a long history of signing top players, and Mbappe's arrival is seen as a major coup. The Frenchman has signed a five-year deal with Los Blancos and will be unveiled as a Real Madrid player on Tuesday.Mbappe's presentation ceremony is expected to be a grand affair, with around 80,000 supporters expected to attend at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez will present Mbappe to the club's fans, and the event will be streamed live on Real Madrid's RM Play app.Mbappe will receive the "Cristiano Ronaldo treatment" at Real Madrid, with the club's fitness coach Antonio Pintus tasked with helping him maintain his peak physical condition. Pintus is known for his grueling fitness sessions and is credited with helping Ronaldo extend his playing career into his late 30s.Mbappe has been handed Ronaldo's iconic jersey number 9 at Real Madrid, a testament to the high expectations placed on him. The 25-year-old is expected to make his debut for Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup final against Europa League winners Atalanta. Carlo Ancelotti's men will then open their La Liga defense against Real Mallorca in August.

Kylian Mbappé, the French football sensation, has followed in the footsteps of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo by donning the iconic No. 9 jersey at Real Madrid. The announcement was made on Wednesday, confirming Mbappé's highly anticipated move to the Spanish giants after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expired.Mbappé's arrival at Real Madrid marks a new chapter in his illustrious career. The 25-year-old forward has been a prolific goalscorer for PSG, amassing 256 goals and 108 assists in 308 appearances. His exceptional performances have earned him numerous accolades, including the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award three times.At Real Madrid, Mbappé will inherit a jersey that has been worn by some of the club's greatest legends, including Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Alfredo Di Stefano. The No. 9 jersey holds a special significance at the Santiago Bernabeu, symbolizing the club's attacking prowess.Mbappé's decision to take up the No. 9 jersey is a testament to his ambition and confidence. He has expressed his admiration for Ronaldo, who wore the same number during his time at Real Madrid. By choosing the No. 9, Mbappé is setting himself a high standard and aiming to emulate the success of his idol.Despite his impressive club record, Mbappé had a disappointing UEFA Euro 2024 campaign with France. He scored only once in the tournament, as France was eliminated in the semi-finals by Spain. However, Mbappé remains a key player for his national team, having scored 48 goals in 84 appearances.Real Madrid will officially present Mbappé as their new No. 9 at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium next Tuesday. The club is expected to hold a grand ceremony to welcome their new star signing. Mbappé is likely to make his debut for Real Madrid in their pre-season tour of the United States, where they will face AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea.The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for Mbappé and Real Madrid. The club will be aiming to defend their La Liga title and challenge for the UEFA Champions League trophy. With Mbappé leading the attack, Real Madrid will be one of the favorites to lift both trophies.

Cristiano Ronaldo's international future remains uncertain following Portugal's disappointing exit from the EURO Cup 2024. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has yet to make a decision on whether he will continue playing for his country after their quarterfinal loss to France.Ronaldo, 39, has been a mainstay in the Portuguese national team for over two decades, making his debut in 2003. He has captained the team since 2008 and has led them to victory in the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.However, Ronaldo's recent performances for Portugal have been underwhelming. He failed to score a single goal in the EURO 2024 tournament, despite playing all five matches. His only contribution was an assist in the group stage.After the loss to France, Ronaldo was visibly disappointed and hinted that he might consider retiring from international football. "I'm not sure what the future holds," he said. "I need to take some time to think about it."Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez said that no decision has been made yet regarding Ronaldo's future with the team. "Everything is too raw right now," Martinez said. "We're still hurting from the defeat. There's no individual decision at this point."Despite Ronaldo's struggles in recent months, he remains a revered figure in Portuguese football. He is the country's all-time leading scorer with 118 goals in 196 appearances.If Ronaldo does decide to retire from international football, it will mark the end of an era for Portugal. He has been the face of the team for so long and has played a pivotal role in their success.However, the team has a number of talented young players who are ready to step up and take on the mantle. Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva, and Diogo Jota are all capable of leading Portugal to future glory.

Cristiano Ronaldo's illustrious career has taken a significant turn following Portugal's disappointing exit from Euro 2024. The iconic forward, who has been a talisman for his country for over two decades, failed to score a single goal in the tournament, raising questions about his future at the international level.Former England striker Ian Wright believes that Ronaldo's performance in Euro 2024 suggests that he is no longer capable of playing at the top level. "He can't cut it at this level now," Wright said on Sky Sports. "As good as he is, as fit as he is, as driven as he is, you can see he just can't quite get it out of his feet to get a shot in, the movement with a header, he can't get past a defender now."Wright's comments echo the sentiments of Ronaldo's former Manchester United teammate Roy Keane. Keane believes that Ronaldo should take a break from international football and assess his situation when the 2026 World Cup approaches. "He should have a break and step back from international football," Keane said. "If he's still playing at club level, then have a look at the World Cup when it comes around."Ronaldo's struggles in Euro 2024 have also raised questions about his role in the Portugal team. With Diogo Jota and other talented attackers waiting in the wings, Wright believes that Ronaldo's presence on the pitch may be hindering the team's progress. "Portugal should be very disappointed about that [going out of EURO 2024] simply because of how good their team is," Wright said. "Surely Diogo Jota must be disappointed that he couldn't get on that pitch."Despite the criticism, Ronaldo remains a respected figure in the world of football. His dedication and professionalism have been praised by many, and he continues to be a role model for aspiring players. However, it is clear that his time at the top of the game is coming to an end. As he approaches the twilight of his career, Ronaldo must decide whether to continue playing for Portugal or to focus on his club career.

Cristiano Ronaldo's future with the Portugal national team has become a subject of speculation following the team's disappointing exit from Euro 2024 at the quarter-final stage. Despite a prolific season with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, Ronaldo struggled to make an impact at the tournament, failing to score or assist in Portugal's four matches.However, according to a report in Relevo, Ronaldo is determined to continue his international career and has set his sights on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The report claims that Ronaldo wants to become the first player in history to appear and score in six editions of the flagship competition.Ronaldo's desire to continue playing for Portugal stems from his belief that he can still contribute to the team's success. Despite his advancing age, Ronaldo remains one of the most prolific goalscorers in the world, having scored over 800 goals for club and country.However, Ronaldo's international future remains uncertain. After Portugal's quarter-final defeat to France, Ronaldo admitted that Euro 2024 could be his last European Championship. He said, "These are inexplicable moments. I had the chance to put the national team ahead and I didn't manage it."Despite Ronaldo's comments, Portugal manager Fernando Santos has expressed his desire to keep Ronaldo in the team. Santos said, "Cristiano Ronaldo is still a very important player for us. He is a leader and a role model for the younger players."Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to continue playing for Portugal lies with Ronaldo. If he decides to retire from international football, it will mark the end of an era for Portugal. Ronaldo has been a key figure in the team's success over the past two decades, helping them win the European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019.