Latest news with #Argentinian-born
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Cristiano Ronaldo proposes to Georgina Rodríguez with massive diamond ring
After nearly a decade together, Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his engagement to partner Georgina Rodríguez. The Portuguese footballer, who captains both the Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team, first met Georgina in 2016 when she was working as a sales assistant at a Gucci store in Madrid in 2016. This week the couple announced they are set to walk down the aisle. Posting a photo on Instagram of their hands on a bed, with a massive diamond ring on her finger, the Argentinian-born, Spanish raised model wrote: 'Yes I do. In this and in all my lives.' The post was quickly met with hundreds of comments congratulating the pair. 'So happy for you,' Lauren Sanchez Bezos wrote. 'Darling, what fabulous news!!! Sending you both heartfelt congratulations and so much LOVE!!' Charlotte Tilbury shared. 'Wonderful news! Many congrats to you both,' Piers Morgan added. Many others also shared comments with a series of love heart emojis. Cristiano and Georgina share five children. They have two daughters together, Alana, seven, and Bella, three – while Bella's twin brother Angel tragically died during birth. At the time they shared: 'It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away. It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel.' Georgina has also helped to raise his other three children – Cristiano Jr, 15, Mateo, eight, and Eva Maria, eight. The football star – who is worth an estimated $275million (£204million) – also has three more children, a son born in June 2010 and twins born in June 2017, however Georgina treats them all as her own children. The official engagement post comes after speculation Cristiano had proposed in recent months. Fans had been speculating he'd got down on one knee after she had shared pictures of a bridal-themed dinner and posed for photographs wearing a ring. Cristiano had previously spoken about holding off on proposing as the timing wasn't 'quite right'. 'I always tell her: 'When we get that click. Like everything with our life, and she knows what I'm talking about. It could be in a year, or it could be in six months or it could be in a month. I'm 1000% sure that it'll happen,' he said. On her Netflix reality show I Am Georgina, she had also detailed how loved ones were asking for updates too. 'They're always joking about the wedding. 'When is the wedding?'. 'Since Jennifer Lopez's song The Ring Or When came out, they started singing it to me. And well, this is not up to me,' she said. In the documentary he also described Georgina as 'the woman of my life', adding that he is 'completely in love with her'. 'I didn't think at the beginning that it would be this strong, that I would fall in love with her… I didn't expect it honestly but after I while I felt like she was the woman of my life,' he said. Meanwhile she added: 'I used to dream of a Prince Charming and today I have one with wonderful kids who give me so much love. Yes, I can say dreams do come true.' Despite not officially confirming their marriage, Cristiano has often referred to Georgina as his 'wife'. More Trending At the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai late last year, he said: 'It's a big pleasure to win this trophy. My oldest son is here; my wife is here.' Earlier this year, when celebrating Georgina's birthday, Cristiano also posted on social media: 'For the mother, partner, friend, my wife… happy birthday, love. Your light illuminates us, and your love infects us.' View More » The footballer once said that meeting his partner was 'like love at first sight'. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo sends message to Arsenal over £64m Viktor Gyokeres transfer MORE: Man Utd fans banned from getting three names printed on new shirt MORE: Bruno Fernandes receives new approach to leave Manchester United this summer
The Star
30-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Cklamovski should explain his ‘internal struggles' statement, says Joehari
PETALING JAYA: National coach Peter Cklamovski has some explaining to do. Cklamovski not only made headlines after guiding Harimau Malaya to an emphatic 4-0 win over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers on June 10, but for also making a statement on internal struggles plaguing the national team. And the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Joehari Ayub now wants him to clear the air. What should have been a triumphant night quickly turned into a flashpoint when the Australian tactician used his post-match press conference to hint at behind-the-scenes issues. 'There are some things internal, maybe a bit of betrayal, some politics, some obstacles we are confronting on a daily basis,' said Cklamovski. 'If we didn't beat Vietnam, it could have turned ugly. They would've come after us, after TMJ (Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim), after me. Suddenly, I'd be the bad coach. The players would've been targeted too, all over a result.' When asked to comment, Joehari held firm, urging the coach to provide further clarification. 'You'll have to ask Peter himself,' said Joehari. 'From FAM's side, we're doing everything we can to support Harimau Malaya. 'That much I'm certain of. What he said could be speculative. He should be the one to explain.' The post-match controversy didn't stop there. Questions have also emerged over the eligibility of several mixed heritage players recently called up to the national team, namely Argentinian-born centreback Facundo Garces, Spanish-born defender Jon Irazabal, Argentinian-born winger Imanol Machuca, Brazilian-born playmaker Jose Figueiredo, and Argentinian-born striker Rodrigo Holgado. Online chatter cast doubts on their Malaysian lineage but Joehari quickly shut down the speculation. 'Every one of these players were thoroughly vetted by FIFA. That's not a body you can take lightly,' he said. 'If we were wrong, it would be a serious offence. But they were cleared by the world body and that was enough for FAM.' Despite the off-field noise, Malaysia's strong showing against Vietnam has put them in a solid position heading into the final phase of qualifiers. Still, all eyes will be on Cklamovski, not just for results, but for how he handles the alleged internal storm.
New York Post
24-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Who is Queen Máxima of Netherlands, who wowed in lime-green welcoming Trump, world leaders to NATO summit
She stole the limelight. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands turned heads in a striking lime-green jumpsuit as she and hubby King Willem-Alexander gave President Trump and fellow world leaders a royal welcome at the NATO summit. The Dutch royal couple beamed as they greeted world leaders from 32 countries – including Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer – at The Hague's World Forum, marking the first time the Netherlands has played host to a NATO summit. Advertisement On Tuesday, the fashion-forward Argentinian-born Queen, 54, upstaged some of the world's most powerful figures, dazzling in the show-stopping, draped ensemble during the summit's family photo. 3 Group photo of NATO leaders with the King and Queen of the Netherlands at a summit. POOL/AFP via Getty Images The mother of three, celebrated for her vibrant fashion sense, is a former New York City investment banker who was once dubbed Europe's 'most interesting' royal. Advertisement Máxima met her future husband, then-Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, at a party in Spain in 1999 while working as an economist at Deutsche Bank in the Big Apple — and the two quickly fell in love. But their courtship hit a rough patch when Dutch media revealed that Máxima's father had served as a minister for Argentina's brutal military junta government during the country's infamous Dirty War. 3 President Trump greeted by the Dutch Royal Family. AP Former Queen Beatrix, who had faced controversy over marrying a former member of the Hitler Youth, gave her eldest son's marriage her blessing, praising Máxima as an 'intelligent, modern woman.' Advertisement The King, 58, ascended to the throne in 2013, a year after the couple wed, with his Dutch Queen quickly gaining popularity for her charisma, smart wit, and strong work ethic. 3 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shaking hands with Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. AP Widely regarded as a fashion icon, Maxima is equally known for her substance, never shying away from tough political issues like immigration, and earning praise an early advocated for LGBTQ+ rights. Advertisement The royal pair are regarded for their casual approach to monarch life, opting out of coronation ceremony and choosing to send their three daughters — Princess Catharina-Amalia, 21, Princess Alexia, 19, and Princess Ariane, 18 — to public school, rather than an elite private institution. Catharina-Amalia, who is known as Princess of Orange, is heir to the Dutch throne.
The Star
04-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Big lift for our boys
New reinforcements: (from left) Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Imanol Machuca posing for a picture during a training session. — FAM PETALING JAYA: Just two day after a sobering 0-3 defeat to Cape Verde, the national football team have injected a fresh wave of optimism with the inclusion of four new faces ahead of their crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam on June 10 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Following the arrival of 25-year-old Argentinian-born centreback Facundo Garces on Tuesday, Harimau Malaya have officially welcomed four more mixed-heritage players – dubbed 'Malaysians Abroad' – into the fold. They are winger Imanol Machuca, centreback Jon Irazabal, and forwards Rodrigo Holgado and Joao Figueiredo. While details of their Malaysian lineage have not been publicly disclosed, reports from South America suggest that Machuca, Garces and Holgado trace their roots to Malaysian grandparents. Argentinian-born Machuca, 25, currently on loan at Argentine club Velez Sarsfield from Brazil's Fortaleza, is a dynamic flanker known for his quick feet and vision. Standing at 1.70m, he's effective on either wing and poses a creative threat in the final third. 'Since arriving at the national training camp, Malaysia have given me the best,' said Machuca. 'I can feel it's something truly special to represent Harimau Malaya. It's an honour, and I will give it my all.' Equally enthusiastic is Argentinian-born Holgado, 29, who plies his trade as a striker for Colombian side America de Cali. The clinical frontman has already bagged seven goals and two assists in 15 league outings this season. 'Since arriving here, I've fallen in love with the atmosphere and the country,' said Holgado. 'Now I'm beginning to understand what it means to play for Malaysia – and I'm ready to give everything.' Figueiredo, a 29-year-old Brazilian-born forward who last featured for Turkish Super Lig club Istanbul Basaksehir, brings a wealth of experience. He netted 12 goals in 48 appearances across competitions and is capable of operating across the entire frontline. 'Personally, this season means a lot to me,' said Figueiredo. 'And now, to represent Malaysia and share this dream – to go further on the Asian and world stage – is truly an honour. I can't wait to feel the support and love from the fans.' Defensive solidity has also been boosted by the addition of Spanish-born Jon Irazabal. The 28-year-old centreback recently helped Azerbaijan's Sabah FK clinch the national cup title. 'I chose Malaysia because I believe this is where my national responsibility truly lies,' said Irazabal. 'I've already started to feel how unique and meaningful it is to play for Malaysia.' These reinforcements are seen as vital by head coach Peter Cklamovski, who is reshaping the national team's identity with a blend of domestic stalwarts and foreign-born talents eligible through heritage. Beyond the new additions, Cklamovski has already utilised the services of Dutch-born midfielder Hector Hevel and Spanish-born wingback Gabriel Palmero – part of the expanding pool of Malaysians abroad. As anticipation builds for the Vietnam clash, the inclusion of these five foreign-born players – all tested professionals in competitive leagues – has not only added depth but ignited hope that Harimau Malaya can bounce back strongly and stake their claim for a spot in the Asian Cup.
Irish Times
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Leinster may be semi-final specialists, but getting any further is often a coin toss
Is there a sudden outbreak of Leinster 'big-game fatigue' out there? Let's pause for a moment and put this weekend's Champions Cup semi-finals into context. It actually is an achievement to be one of the last quartet in any competition. Leinster and Toulouse are specialists at reaching this stage in the Champions Cup. Everyone else should be so lucky. To start with the bleedin' obvious, only four teams out of the 24 which started out this season have managed the feat. As the URC, Top 14 and Premiership pauses, the other 20 would happily swap places with those hogging the stage this weekend. Of course, reaching a final belongs to an even more exclusive club. Take Leinster. In the 30 years of what is now the Champions Cup, their encounter with Northampton on Saturday will be their 16th semi-final. If you stop and think about it, that truly is exceptional. Unsurprisingly, the only club to have reached more semi-finals are Toulouse. Against Bordeaux Bègles on Sunday, they will be playing their 17th semi-final. By contrast, Northampton are playing in their fifth and Bordeaux Bègles just their second. READ MORE What might be a little more surprising is that even for the two highest achievers in the history of the tournament, there are no guarantees for Leinster and Toulouse when it comes to this stage of the tournament. Of Leinster's 15 semi-finals to date, they have won eight and lost seven. For their part, Toulouse have also endured their fair share of disappointment at this stage, winning eight and losing eight of their previous 16. So, if there is a small element of big-game fatigue among Leinster fans, perhaps understandably, like all of us they have short memories. Admittedly it's 30 years ago since Leinster reached their first semi-final way back in the inaugural European Cup in 1995-96 when they, as well as Munster and Ulster, were among a dozen teams drawn from France, Wales, Italy and Romania. Furthermore, all Leinster had to do was beat Milan away and Pontypridd at home to reach the last four. Almost despite themselves. Niall Woods was a member of the Leinster squad that reached the province's first European Cup semi-final 30 years ago. Photograph: Andrew Paton/Inpho Niall Woods was Leinster's left winger in the province's competition debut in Milan on November 1st, 1995, when the attendance was recorded as 1,200. 'The game kicked off at 2.30 on a Wednesday afternoon, and it was a mudbath. Diego Dominguez was playing,' recalls Woods of the normally prolific Argentinian-born Italian outhalf. 'He actually kicked two out of eight. It was filthy, as in the fighting, the gouging, the works. Obviously, I didn't see any of that, nor was I anywhere near it.' [ Rugby analysis: Leinster attack looking more and more comfortable in chaos Opens in new window ] [ Matt Williams: Leinster can get past Northampton if they have planned for a new and improved opponent Opens in new window ] Despite Dominguez losing his radar, Leinster were losing the game late on. 'I got the ball on the 10-yard line, at outhalf from a ruck in the middle of the field. I stepped a fella and was just gone. These were the days when if you broke the first line, then you just had to round the fullback and we won by three points,' says Woods of Leinster's 24-21 victory. I remember getting a cheque, I think for £175 to play because you were technically allowed to be paid at that stage — Niall Woods 'The reason I remember is that 'Munch' (aka Shane Byrne) was asked in an interview for the best try he ever saw and he said that one. I read it and laughed and said 'fair play Munch'. We were in [Blackrock] school together, so maybe that's why.' Five weeks later, on a Wednesday night under lights, in what was also the first season of professionalism, Leinster beat Pontypridd 23-22 in Lansdowne Road to top their 'group' and earn a home semi-final. 'I remember getting a cheque, I think for £175 to play because you were technically allowed to be paid at that stage,' says Woods. Leinster's Victor Costello breaks through the Cardiff defence during the European Cup semi-final on December 30, 1995. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho Leinster's first of 16 semi-finals was against Cardiff in Lansdowne Road on December 30th, 1995. 'Conor [O'Shea] was with London Irish and Conor came home on standby in case I failed the fitness test. I failed the fitness test, I'd say at 11 o'clock. It was a horrendous day, blowing a gale and freezing, so I was quite happy. It wasn't a day for me,' recalls Woods with a self-mocking chuckle. The attendance was 7,350. 'Which was big in those days,' he stresses. 'You'd get 2-4,000 max in those days in Donnybrook. It was decent, put it that way, although we played Australia in 1992 and there was probably 20,000 people there; they had won the World Cup in 1991 and they were fully loaded.' A European Cup semi-final was unchartered and underappreciated territory. He added: 'It was totally unknown. It was something a bit different, playing someone from a different country in a game that meant something as opposed to a friendly. We played against New South Wales that season and I think we played eight games. Up to that point we played four games a year. 'Cardiff were the most stacked team of the Welsh at that stage. They were the equivalent of Leinster now. As a spectacle, the game wasn't great. The wind was horrific. Mary Robinson was President and they didn't bring her out on to the pitch because it was so windy.' Leinster were beaten 23-14 and nobody was really complaining. Leinster fans cheer on their team during the 2005-06 Heineken Cup campaign. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho 'I don't remember being overly bothered that we lost. We did all right because we got to the semis, even if we only won two matches to get there. It was enjoyable and it was a bit different.' Toulouse beat Cardiff at Cardiff Arms Park in the final a week later, with 21,800 in attendance, to give the European Cup lift-off. Whether it was over-confidence or not I don't know — Niall Woods It was seven years later when Leinster reached the semi-finals, meeting Perpignan at Lansdowne Road in April 2003. As evidenced by the 37,800 attendance, expectations were altogether higher. Woods had retired in 2001 after a playing career with Trinity, Blackrock, Leinster, Ireland, London Irish and Harlequins. He then worked for the English Players' Union before coming home in January 2003 to set up the Irish Rugby Players' Union (IRUPA). But in Leinster's biggest game of the 2002-03 season, their season ended with an anticlimactic 21-14 defeat. 'They didn't perform on the day at all,' says Woods. 'Whether it was over-confidence or not I don't know. They never got going. It was hugely disappointing.' The pivotal matches in Leinster's history were the Heineken Cup semi-finals against Munster in 2006 at Lansdowne Road and 2009 in Croke Park. Technically, the first was a 'home' semi-final, though it was awash in red and felt like an away match. The second was an 'away' tie that was more akin to a neutral-venue fixture given the even split between blue and red in a record-setting attendance of 82,208. 'In 2006, 'Rog' dummies and scores under the sticks and in '09 Drico intercepts Rog's pass to score. They were the two defining moments,' says Woods with reference to Ronan O'Gara and Brian O'Driscoll. Ronan O'Gara scores a try for Munster in their Heineken Cup semi-final victory against Leinster in 2006. Photograph: Inpho/Getty Images 'The difference in colour was stark. In '06 it was so red, when the Leinster supporters weren't as strong as they are now, whereas in '09 it was even.' Leinster had reached a point of no return. The 25-6 win led to a breakthrough triumph three weeks later against Leicester in Murrayfield. 'It had started with the quarter-final in 'Quins, the bloodgate game and that [6-5] win gave them belief. Even the final in Edinburgh was a poor enough game against Leicester, but it would always be scrappy against them. But they managed to do it. 'In the semi, Leinster were notably better on the day. The [2009] Grand Slam probably helped. There was better quality throughout the Leinster team than there had been three years earlier, especially with Isa [Nacewa] and Rocky [Elsom] there.' Leinster have reached another 10 semi-finals since that day, winning seven of them, and the key has been earning home semi-finals through their performances in the pool stages. Leinster have won all six ensuing semi-finals at home, whereas they have won only one of four away from home. Leinster lost away to Toulouse as reigning champions in the 2010 semi-finals, when Johnny Sexton was injured, but have beaten Toulouse in four of the subsequent six semi-finals at home. There was defeat to Toulon in 2015 at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, when Jimmy Gopperth's drop-goal attempt to win the game was narrowly wide before Leinster were beaten in extra-time. They lost a last-four tie against Clermont in Lyon in 2017 and lost behind closed doors in La Rochelle four years ago. Viewed in that context, Leinster's 19-15 win over a brilliant Clermont side [Julien Bonnaire, Morgan Parra, Wesley Fofana, Aurélien Rougerie and co] in Bordeaux in 2012 has arguably been their finest semi-final victory of all so far. Cian Healy scores a try in Leinster's famous Heineken Cup semi-final win against Clermot in Bordeaux in 2012. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho 'That was the inside pass to Rob Kearney and Cian Healy's finish,' says Woods – who stepped down as the IRUPA CEO in January 2011 to set up what is now the Navy Blue sports agency – of the famous Joe Schmidt strike play. There was also the end-game stand on their own line, Gordon D'Arcy's tackle on Fofana to dislodge the ball before he grounded it and Seán O'Brien hanging on for dear life in the jackal to earn the final turnover penalty. 'I'd say that was their best ever semi-final win, considering who it was against and it was away from home,' says Woods, and to put that victory in context it was only the second semi-final win in France by an Irish or UK side – Munster having achieved the first in 2000 against Toulouse, also in Bordeaux. Reaching semi-finals should never be taken for granted, albeit as Woods says: 'Leinster do have the majority of the Irish team and their budget is massive, above the French clubs as well as the English clubs now. But if Leinster are in any way off, the Saints have enough firepower to do damage.' Indeed, as history shows us, nor do semi-finals, even at home, come with any guarantees. 'Go back to '03, against Perpignan. They should have beaten Perpignan. They should never have lost that.' Leinster's semi-final record: Played 15, Won 8, Lost 7 1995-96: Leinster 14 Cardiff 23 (Lansdowne Road) 2002-03: Leinster 14 Perpignan 21 (Lansdowne Road) 2005-06: Leinster 6 Munster 30 (Lansdowne Road) 2008-09: Munster 6 Leinster 25 (Croke Park) 2009-10: Toulouse 26 Leinster 16 (Le Stadium, Toulouse) 2010-11: Leinster 32 Toulouse 23 (Aviva Stadium) 2011-12: Clermont 15 Leinster 19 (Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux) 2014-15: Toulon 25 Leinster 20 aet (Stade Velodrome, Marseille) 2016-17: Clermont 27 Leinster 22 (Matmut de Gerland, Lyon) 2017-18: Leinster 38 Scarlets 16 (Aviva Stadium) 2018-19: Leinster 30 Toulouse 12 (Aviva Stadium) 2020-21: La Rochelle 32 Leinster 23 (Stade Deflandre, La Rochelle) 2021-22: Leinster 40 Toulouse 17 (Aviva Stadium) 2022-23: Leinster 41 Toulouse 22 (Aviva Stadium) 2023-24: Leinster 20 Northampton 17 (Croke Park)
