Football

Cristiano Ronaldo has etched his name into the history books of Saudi Arabian football by becoming the league's all-time top scorer in a single season. The Portuguese superstar capped off his first full campaign with Al Nassr in style, scoring a brace in their 4-2 victory over Al Ittihad on the final matchday.Ronaldo's tally of 35 goals in the Saudi Pro League surpasses the previous record of 34 goals set by former Al Nassr forward Abderrazak Hamdallah in the 2018-19 season. The 39-year-old has been in scintillating form since joining the Saudi Arabian club in January 2023, scoring at an astonishing rate of over a goal per game.Ronaldo's goalscoring exploits have played a pivotal role in Al Nassr's success this season. The club secured the Saudi Super Cup in January and are currently in contention for the league title, sitting just one point behind leaders Al Shabab with one game remaining.The Portuguese forward's arrival in Saudi Arabia has not only boosted the league's profile but has also inspired a new generation of young players. Ronaldo's dedication, professionalism, and unwavering pursuit of excellence have set an example for aspiring footballers across the country.Ronaldo's record-breaking season is a testament to his enduring quality and his ability to adapt to different leagues and challenges. Having previously played for Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, the Portuguese icon has now conquered another league, proving that he remains one of the greatest goalscorers of all time.

Olivier Giroud, France's all-time leading goalscorer, has announced his retirement from international football after the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament. The 37-year-old striker, who has scored 57 goals in 131 appearances for Les Bleus, made the announcement in an interview with L'Equipe.Giroud, who will join MLS side Los Angeles FC after Euro 2024, said it was time for the younger generation to take over. "To be honest, this will be my last tournament with France," he said. "Obviously I will miss it a lot. But I believe as regards 'Les Bleus', it will be game over after Euro. It is time to leave the stage to the young."Giroud broke Thierry Henry's national goalscoring record of 51 at the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, where France lost to Argentina on penalties in the final. He also played a key role in France's 2018 World Cup triumph.Despite his success at international level, Giroud has never won the Premier League title, a fact he acknowledged in his interview. "If I triumph in the Euro, I can say that I won everything apart from the Premier League, which is very difficult to win," he said.Giroud began his career at Montpellier, where he inspired the club to the 2012 Ligue 1 title. He then moved to Arsenal, where he won three FA Cups, before joining Chelsea, where he won the FA Cup again and the Champions League. He moved to AC Milan in 2021 and won the Serie A title in 2022.Giroud believes he still has two years left in his club career, but he feels that his time with the French national team has come to an end. "I still think I have two years in me, but for the France team in my opinion it has come to an end," he said. "Time is beginning to catch up with me and I have thought about it long and hard. Playing every three days is becoming more and more difficult, especially at international level."