The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ronaldo

  • Ronaldo ruled out of friendly against Messi’s Inter Miami

    Ronaldo ruled out of friendly against Messi’s Inter Miami

    Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will not share the field during the friendly between Al-Nassr and Inter Miami, as the Portuguese striker continues to recover from a calf injury.

    Inter Miami are set to face Al Nassr in the Riyadh Season Cup  today in preparation for the new Major League Soccer season. However, fans excited to see Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lock horns for possibly the last time in their careers have been dealt a huge blow.

    Sadly, while La Pulga is in the Saudi capital and ready to feature, the same cannot be said about the Portuguese icon. His Saudi Pro League side confirmed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to return from injury and will thus play no part in this Kingdom Arena battle.

    The former Real Madrid icon, who turns 39 in less than a week, has been dealing with a calf issue. This resulted in the cancelation of Al-Alami’s China tour as their biggest attraction would not have participated.

    There was hope Ronaldo would recover in time to feature in this fixture but Al Nassr manager Luis Castro has ended that, revealing that their talisman is in the final stage of his recovery and, as a result, will sit out this friendly against the Herons.

    “We will not see [Messi vs Ronaldo], Ronaldo is in the final part of his recovery to join the group,” the Portuguese tactician stated, as per Goal.

    “We hope that in the next few days you can start working with the team. He will be absent from the game.”

    Read Also: Ronaldo gifts mum Porsche Cayenne on birthday

    The Saudi giants are focused on getting their top scorer back in shape before the league resumes in February. Al Nassr are second in the table but are seven points behind leaders Al Hilal, meaning Al-Alami have tremendous ground to overcome.

    Ronaldo has 20 goals in 18 Saudi Pro League appearances and is the top scorer in the competition this season.

    As a result, Castro will need his countryman fit in time for their highly-anticipated showdown with Al Hilal on February 8, a fixture that could end Al Nassr’s title aspirations or breathe life back into it.

    Despite this, with Ronaldo turning 39 in February and Messi turning 37 a few months later, this likely would have been the Last Dance between two of the beautiful game’s most iconic figures.

  • Ronaldo gifts mum Porsche Cayenne on birthday

    Ronaldo gifts mum Porsche Cayenne on birthday

    Cristiano Ronaldo flew to his home island of Madeira to surprise his beloved mother with a luxury 69th birthday present during the Saudi Pro League’s winter break

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum broke down in tears after he gave her an incredible birthday gift.

    The 38-year-old is coming off the back of a stellar 2023 where he ended the year as the world’s top-scorer with 54 goals for Al-Nassr and Portugal. And he put his reported £173million-a-year salary at the Saudi Arabian club to good use on New Year’s Eve.

    The Real Madrid and Manchester United legend treated his mother – Maria Dolores Aveiro – on her 69th birthday by splurging out on a luxury motor. He made the grand gesture by jetting from Saudi to the family’s home island of Madeira to be with his beloved mum.

    Footage on social media showed Maria Dolores being presented with a brand new Porsche Cayenne, topped with a red ribbon, by her grandson Cristiano Jr. She was moved to tears as she embraced the teenager before opening the door of her new car clearly emotional.

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    Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveiro shared several images of the heart-warming moment. Katia wrote a message on Instagram alongside the footage which read: “If she is happy, it is because her son remembers her and not because of the value of the gift.”

    Ronaldo is currently enjoying a rest from football as the Saudi Pro League breaks up for a winter break.

    After gifting her the Porsche, Ronaldo took his mother out for dinner at a fancy Portuguese restaurant alongside his partner Georgina Rodriguez, his sister, brother Hugo and sister-in-law.

    He shared a few pictures from the birthday bash on his Instagram along with the caption: “What a special night to end a very special 2023. Family is everything.”

    His final game of the year for Al-Nassr was a 4-1 win over Al-Taawoun in which he scored a stoppage time goal. Ronaldo’s next fixture will be a colossal exhibition match dubbed ‘The Last Dance’ against Inter Miami – led by long-time rival Lionel Messi – in February.

  • Al Nassr vs. Inter Miami: Ronaldo’s reveals  honest feelings about Messi

    Al Nassr vs. Inter Miami: Ronaldo’s reveals  honest feelings about Messi

    Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi may face off for one final time next year when Al Nassr and Inter Miami play in a friendly on February 1.

    Cristiano Ronaldo  has insisted  there  was no ‘hatred’ between himself and long-time rival Lionel Messi after a friendly between Al Nassr and Inter Miami was confirmed for next year.

    Ronaldo and Messi went toe-to-toe in Spain for nine years with both players creating history at the peak of their powers. Both are regarded as the greatest of all time by their respective ardent supporters with debates sometimes getting heated.

    It’s also led to questions on how Ronaldo and Messi feel about one another and their incredible rivalry. They’ve both been asked on a number of occasions about the relationship between them and they’ve been respectful about one another.

    That rivalry could have potentially continued in Saudi Arabia as Messi was offered the chance to play in the Saudi Pro League, but he turned them down to join MLS side Inter Miami.

    However, they could face off again one final time in February after it was confirmed that Miami would play against Al Nassr in a friendly game.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Sports Minister lauds Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie, Super Falcons

    Ronaldo and Messi will once again be the star attractions for that match and Ronaldo paid respect to his long-time rival.

     “Hatred? I don’t see things like that, the rivalry is over,” Ronaldo said earlier this year. “It was good, spectators liked it. Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don’t have to hate Messi and vice versa.

    “We’ve done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing.

     “He’s followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe.

    “From what I’ve seen, he’s been doing well and so have I.

    “The legacy lives on, but I don’t see the rivalry like that.

    “We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years.

    “I’m not saying we’re friends, I’ve never had dinner with him, but we’re professional colleagues and we respect each other.”

  • I am craving for more goals, says Ronaldo after scoring 50th goal

    I am craving for more goals, says Ronaldo after scoring 50th goal

    Cristiano Ronaldo, who marked his 50th goal of 2023 during Al Nassr‘s 5-2 victory in the Saudi King Cup against rivals Al Shabab, asserts that he still has more to offer before the year concludes.

    The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward scored from close range with his right foot in the 74th minute.

    He said: “Great victory and I’m thrilled to announce my 50th goal in 2023,” the 38-year-old Portuguese wrote on Instagram after his goal helped Al Nassr reach the semi-finals on Monday in Riyadh.

    “All thanks to the unwavering support of my teammates, fans, and my family! There’s still room for a few more this year.”

    Read Also: Ronaldo asks ref to overturn penalty he won

    Since joining Al Nassr at the end of the previous season, the captain has averaged almost a goal per game.

    He also has 10 goals for Portugal in nine games in 2023.

  • Ronaldo asks ref to overturn penalty he won

    Ronaldo asks ref to overturn penalty he won

    Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his goalscoring exploits but on Monday night the Al-Nassr forward convinced the referee not to award him a penalty.

    The 38-year-old went down in the second minute after a challenge in his side’s Asian Champions League 0-0 draw with Iranian side Persepolis.

    But when Chinese referee Ma Ning awarded a penalty, Ronaldo argued the case for the decision to be overturned.

    Ning was sent to the pitchside monitor and ultimately changed his call.

    Read Also: Messi to tackle Ronaldo in epic friendly in Feb. 2024

    A combination of the video assistant referee and Ronaldo’s honesty came to Persepolis’ rescue. The match went on to finish goalless, with Al Nassr’s Ali Lajami sent off in the 17th minute.

    Al-Nassr had already qualified for the knockout stages before the match in Riyadh. The Saudi Pro League side are top of Group E with 13 points after five matches and five points ahead of Persepolis in second.

    BBC

  • Ronaldo tops Messi, Neymar in football rich list

    Ronaldo tops Messi, Neymar in football rich list

    Cristiano Ronaldo has topped Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe to become the richest footballer in the world in 2023.

    The Portugal skipper reportedly raked in a sum of $260 million (£211m/€245m) in 2023, more than that of his closest rivals Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe during the calendar year, according to Forbes.

    Ronaldo earns close to $200m (£165m/€190m) in wages from his club Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, while his endorsement earnings from top brands like Nike and Jacon & Co is approximately $60m (£49m/€57m per year.

    Read Also: Bellingham Reaching Ronaldo levels at Real Madrid

    Messi’s combined earnings from his former club Paris Saint-Germain and current side Inter Miami are estimated to be around $135m (£111m/€128m). The Argentine is closely followed by his former PSG team-mates Neymar and Kylian Mbappe who earn $112m (£92m/€106m) and $110m (£90m/€104m) respectively in wages annually. The highest-earning Premier League player is Manchester City’s Erling Haaland whose net earnings is $58m (£47m/€55m).

  • My rivalry with Messi is over after Ballon d’Or snub, says Ronaldo

    My rivalry with Messi is over after Ballon d’Or snub, says Ronaldo

    Cristiano Ronaldo said that his rivalry with Lionel Messi is ‘gone’ after the Portuguese superstar was snubbed for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award.

    A total of 30 stars have been nominated for the prestigious trophy this year, which is handed annually to the best player in world football.

    Messi and Ronaldo have been battling it out for the Ballon d’Or for well over a decade with the Argentine being awarded the trophy a record seven times.

    Ronaldo has five Ballon d’Or trophies but the 38-year-old, who now plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, was not named among the 30 nominees for 2023.

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    Inter Miami star Messi made the list following his heroics in Qatar last year after the 36-year-old played a key role in Argentina winning the World Cup.

    But Ronaldo claims his long rivalry with Messi – which peaked when the duo were playing for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively – has officially come to an end.

    “I don’t see things like that, the rivalry is gone,” Ronaldo said. “It was good, the spectators liked it.

    “Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don’t have to hate Messi and vice versa. We’ve done well, we have changed the history of football.

    “We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing. He’s followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe.

    “From what I’ve seen, he’s been doing well and so have I. The legacy lives on, but I don’t see the rivalry like that. We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years. I’m not saying we’re friends, I’ve never had dinner with him, but we’re professional colleagues and we respect each other.”

  • Rivalry with Messi now ‘gone’ says Ronaldo

    Rivalry with Messi now ‘gone’ says Ronaldo

    Cristiano Ronaldo says he and Lionel Messi “changed the history of football” but their rivalry is now “gone”.

    Widely regarded as all-time greats, they often faced each other in Spain’s La Liga with Real Madrid and Barcelona.

    “We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing,” Ronaldo said.

    Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has been left off the shortlist for the first time since 2003, while Messi could win it for the eighth time.

    “He makes his way, I make mine. He’s done well, from what I’ve seen. It’s about continuing, the legacy continues,” added 38-year-old Ronaldo, who now plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr.

    When asked if hatred was a feature of their rivalry, he said: “Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don’t have to hate Messi. I don’t see the rivalry like that.

    “The rivalry is gone. It was good, the spectators liked it. We shared the stage for 15 years and ended up being, I’m not saying friends, but we are professional colleagues and we respect each other.”

    Between them the record-breaking pair have won many of the most prestigious pieces of silverware the game has to offer.

    Ronaldo is Real Madrid’s all-time record goalscorer with 451 goals in 438 appearances, and won 16 trophies with the club including four Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles and two Copas del Rey in a nine-year spell at the Bernabeu.

    Read Also: Mane completes switch to Ronaldo’s Al Nasser

    Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami in the United States, holds Barcelona’s all-time records for goals and appearances, scoring 674 goals in 781 appearances.

    The 36-year-old won 35 trophies with the club, including 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies and the Copa del Rey seven times.

    On the internation.al stage, Messi won the 2022 World Cup and a Copa America with Argentina, while Ronaldo has won a European Championship and a Nations League with Portugal.

    The two have faced each other on the pitch 36 times – the last meeting was in January when Messi, then playing for Paris St-Germain, beat Ronaldo’s Riyadh Season XI 5-4 in a friendly.

  • Ronaldo misses out on Ballon D’or shortlist for first time since 2003

    Ronaldo misses out on Ballon D’or shortlist for first time since 2003

    Cristiano Ronaldo has missed out on a place in the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or award for the first time in 20 years.

    The nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or which will be held in Paris on October 30, was announced on Wednesday

    Ronaldo has won the award five times with his last coming in 2017.

    He joined Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in January 2023.

    Lionel Messi has been tipped to win a record eighth title, after captaining Argentina to World Cup glory last year in Qatar.

    Karim Benzema is the current holder after captaining Real Madrid to the Champions League title in 2022.

    Here is the full list of shortlist Ballon d’Or award nominees 2023.

    1. Josko Gvardiol,

    2. Andre Onana,

    3. Jamal Musiala,

    4. Karim Benzema,

    5. Mohamed Salah,

    6. Bukayo Saka,

    7. Kevin de Bruyne,

    8. Jude Bellingham,

    9. Randal Kolo Muani,

    10. Bernardo Silva,

    11. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia,

    12. Emiliano Martinez,

    13. Ruben Dias,

    14. Erling Haaland,

    15. Nicolo Barella,

    16. Martin Odegaard,

    17. Ilkay Gundogan,

    18. Yassine Bounou,

    19. Julian Alvarez,

    20. Vinicius Jr,

    21. Rodri,

    22. Antoine Griezmann,

    23. Lionel Messi,

    24. Lautaro Martinez,

    25,. Robert Lewandowski,

    26. Kim Min-Jae,

    27. Luka Modric,

    28. Kylian Mbappe,

    29. Victor Osimhen and

    30. Harry Kane.

  • Injured Ronaldo expects to return in ‘one or two weeks’

    Cristiano Ronaldo says he expects to return to action in one or two weeks as he does not think his recent injury is overly serious.

    The injury had forced him out of Portugal’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Serbia on Monday which ended 1-1.

    Ronaldo went off in the first half with an apparent hamstring injury.

    “I’ll know more in 24 or 48 hours,” he told reporters.

    “It happens, it’s football. If you go out in the rain you get wet … I’m calm, I’ll be back in one or two weeks.”

    A long absence would be a blow to his Italian club Juventus, who signed Ronaldo last year to boost their chances of winning the UEFA Champions League.

    Juventus travel to face Ajax Amsterdam in their quarter-final first leg on April 10 with the return six days later.

    Both Ronaldo and coach Fernando Santos said the referee had apologised to them for not awarding a penalty kick to Portugal for handball in the second half.

    Read Also: Ronaldo fined $22,000 by UEFA for celebration gesture

    The referee initially gave the penalty kick, but then changed his mind.

    The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is not used in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

    “It was very clear, the referee should have given it,” said Ronaldo. “The linesman was 40 metres away. So, it seems a bit strange.”

    Santos said: “We saw the incident in the dressing room afterwards and neither we nor he had any doubt —- it was a penalty kick… He apologised.”